The Week Ahead
February 17, 2025
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Bainbridge Island has three major events happening this week, offering opportunities to engage with culture, outdoor activities, and fashion. The Black History Month Soirée 2025 at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) will take place on February 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This event celebrates Black culture with live music, performances, and a pop-up market featuring Black-owned businesses from Seattle’s Black Love Market. Attendees can shop, dance, and enjoy a community-focused evening. The next day, on February 23, 2025, cyclists will gather for the 53rd Annual Chilly Hilly, a 33-mile ride around Bainbridge Island. Known for its cold February weather and steep hills, this ride attracts cyclists looking to challenge themselves while taking in views of the Seattle skyline, wooded roads, and waterfront stretches. The event is organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club and serves as a fundraiser for their cycling advocacy and education programs. Registration is required in advance, as there is no in-person signup. Also on February 22, 2025, BIMA will host Cultural Couture: Fashion Meets Identity, a workshop focused on professional style, cultural identity, and personal expression. Led by Self-Made Couture, the event features a panel discussion with industry professionals, a fashion show, and interactive stations where attendees can experiment with accessories and participate in a style challenge. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM and is designed to help people build confidence in expressing themselves through fashion while honoring their cultural backgrounds. Each of these events offers a different way to engage with the Bainbridge Island community, whether through art, sports, or personal style.
Featured Events:
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Black History Month Soirée 2025
This February, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) is hosting an unforgettable evening of music, art, and community with the Black History Month Soirée 2025. Taking place on Saturday, February 22, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this event is a celebration of Black culture, featuring live performances, a marketplace of Black-owned businesses, and a welcoming atmosphere where people of all backgrounds can come together to honor Black history and creativity. Whether you’re passionate about music, love to dance, or want to support Black entrepreneurs, this soirée offers a perfect way to engage with the community while experiencing the richness of Black culture. Best of all, admission is free for all ages, with a suggested donation of $10 to support future events like this.
Music and movement are at the heart of this celebration. Attendees can expect an evening filled with dynamic live performances, ranging from soulful melodies to upbeat rhythms that will have everyone on their feet. The event’s lineup will showcase talented Black musicians and artists, bringing an exciting blend of sounds and styles to the stage. For those who love to dance, the soirée offers plenty of opportunities to move to the music. Whether you prefer grooving on the dance floor or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, this event is designed to uplift and inspire. The energy of the performances, combined with the warmth of the community, creates an environment where everyone can feel welcome and celebrated.
One of the highlights of the Black History Month Soirée is the pop-up market presented by Seattle’s Black Love Market. This special marketplace will feature a curated selection of Black-owned businesses offering a variety of goods, including handmade art, fashion, jewelry, skincare products, and more. Shopping at this market is a wonderful way to support Black entrepreneurs while discovering one-of-a-kind items crafted with passion and creativity. By purchasing from these vendors, attendees not only take home unique, high-quality products but also contribute to the success and visibility of Black-owned businesses. It’s a chance to invest in the local economy and celebrate the artistic and entrepreneurial talents of the Black community.
No celebration is complete without great food and drinks! BIMA’s bistro will be open throughout the evening, offering a selection of beverages to enjoy while mingling with fellow guests. Whether you prefer a refreshing non-alcoholic drink or something a little stronger, you can sip and savor while taking in the festivities. Beyond the music, art, and shopping, the Black History Month Soirée is about community and connection. It’s a space where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate, learn, and enjoy a shared experience. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring Black history, amplifying Black voices, and fostering meaningful relationships across cultures.
The Black History Month Soirée 2025 at BIMA is an event that promises to be joyful, inspiring, and full of life. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or attending solo, you’ll find plenty to enjoy and appreciate. Mark your calendar for February 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and be part of this amazing night of music, art, and culture. With free admission and an all-ages welcome policy, there’s no reason to miss out on this celebration of Black history and creativity. Come dance, shop, connect, and enjoy a night filled with energy and inspiration!
Cost, tickets and logistics:
February 22, 6-10pm
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
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Chilly Hilly 2025
Cyclists looking to kick off the riding season with a challenge won’t want to miss the 53rd Annual Chilly Hilly on Sunday, February 23, 2025. This 33-mile loop around Bainbridge Island has become a Pacific Northwest tradition, drawing riders eager to test their endurance while enjoying the island’s breathtaking scenery. Organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club, the event is both a ride and a fundraiser, supporting cycling advocacy, education, and community programs.
Riders begin their journey with a ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, offering spectacular views of the Puget Sound before the real challenge begins. The route takes participants along forest-lined roads, quiet rural stretches, and scenic waterfronts, with rolling hills and steep climbs adding to the adventure. As the name suggests, riders should expect cool February temperatures and plenty of elevation gains, making this an exhilarating early-season ride. While it’s a test of stamina, the Chilly Hilly is not a race—it’s a community event that welcomes cyclists of all levels, from experienced riders looking to train for the season ahead to first-timers ready to embrace the challenge.
The fully supported route includes well-placed rest stops where riders can refuel, hydrate, and catch their breath before tackling the next section of the course. Volunteers and event staff ensure a smooth experience, offering assistance along the way. With thousands of cyclists participating each year, the ride also provides an opportunity to connect with fellow biking enthusiasts, creating a fun, encouraging atmosphere that keeps riders motivated.
Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the scenery, or the sense of community, the Chilly Hilly 2025 is an unforgettable way to start the cycling season. Mark your calendar, sign up early, and get ready to conquer Bainbridge Island’s legendary hills!
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Sunday, February 23, 8am-3pm
Community Center, Bainbridge Island Brien Drive Southeast 370, Bainbridge Island, Washington 98110
Full details here
Know before you go:
Kick off the riding season with a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island on the 53rd annual Chilly Hilly. This 33-mile loop around the island takes you along the shore to soak in Seattle’s skyline, through forested rural roads, and (true to name) up and down some memorable hills.
This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy, education, and community rides.
Registration
Registration opens on January 7, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Registration closes on Thursday February 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. There is no registration in-person at the start lines.
Prices reflect the starting point you select, the date you register, and your membership status. Prices increase $15 starting February 10.
Your registration fee covers mechanical support, SAG support, ham radio club support, Outriders and Medical Riders, officers at highway crossings, a fully supported rest stop with snacks and drinks at Battle Point Park, a baggage truck for your to store a dry change of clothes, and your fare on the WSDOT ferry (if you select the Seattle start line).
Packet Pickup
If you register between January 7 and February 10, your packet will be mailed to your listed primary address (check your profile).
If you register between February 11 and 20, your packet will be available at the start line you selected.
If you did not receive your packet or it was lost in the mail, please see us at the green Cascade tents at either start line for a replacement.
Riders planning on taking the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge will need to pick up their replacement packet at the Seattle start line as your bib is your ferry ticket.
Route
The route is 33 miles long, with two short cut options.
NEW this year, we're providing a separate RWGPS map for riders who would like to ride the shortest option.
We encourage you to wait until the day before the event to download these maps to your preferred device for easy access on the day of the event.
Printed cue sheets are available at the start line tents. The route is marked with navigational markings on the road surface.
Food & Breaks
Midpoint (15 miles): Located at Battle Point Park and supported by the Rope Skippers. You can refill your water and electrolyte bottles and enjoy light snacks that will power you for the second half of the ride. Fare includes energy bars, chips, nuts, fruit, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Gluten free and vegan snacks and sandwiches are available.
Bainbridge Island community groups may provide additional support and snacks.
Finish line (33 miles): You can purchase a bowl of chili (veggie or meat) directly at the finish line from Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center. You can purchase this in advance as an add-on for $10. Chili prices at the door are $15, so save yourself $5 and purchase early!
NEW for 2025: Bainbridge Island Rowing is excited to transform our boathouse into a cozy and inviting warm-up zone for riders, family and friends at the finish line. Baked goods and hot drinks will be available for sale. Get your bowl of chili at the Senior Community Center, then make your way across the street. Take a seat in our heated Great Room overlooking Waterfront Park. Kick off your clip-ins* and celebrate the day!
*Pack some shoes in your day pack. When you cross the finish line, pick up your bag at the bag truck, switch out your clip-ins for shoes, and help us maintain our indoor flooring.
Support During the Ride
This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers, local community group volunteers, and municipal and county services.
A baggage truck will be posted near the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal for you to drop off a bag with a change of clothes, which you can pick up at the finish line start at 11 a.m.
Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event. You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
Outriders are volunteers in white, green, and black jerseys that ride on the route, assisting you with minor mechanical and minor medical issues, like cuts and scrapes, dispensing advice and directions, and helping you to Ride S.M.A.R.T.
Mechanics are posted at the Seattle start line, along Northwest Valley Road, and at the mid-point rest stop. They can assist with most common mechanical issues. Full service is available at Bainbridge Island Cycle Shop and Classic Cycle.
Traffic officers are posted at highway crossings
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Cultural Couture: Fashion Meets Identity
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) will host Cultural Couture: Fashion Meets Identity, an immersive event that explores the relationship between professional style, cultural identity, and personal expression. Led by Self-Made Couture, this workshop is designed to inspire attendees to embrace their unique heritage and personality while dressing confidently in professional settings. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a professional looking to refine your wardrobe, or simply someone interested in the cultural impact of style, this event promises a day filled with learning, networking, and creativity.
The event kicks off at 11:00 AM with Mimosas & Mingle, providing attendees with a relaxed space to connect and network. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with fellow fashion lovers, style experts, and professionals who share a passion for fashion as a means of self-expression.
At 12:00 PM, a panel discussion featuring industry leaders will dive into the nuances of style and identity. Panelists include Laron Daniels, owner of Self-Made Couture; Monika Thornton, a community organizer and fashion vlogger; and Che Davis, founder of CulturX. Together, they will share insights on how fashion influences identity, builds confidence, and serves as a tool for empowerment.
Following the panel, at 1:00 PM, attendees will explore the History of Culture & Fashion, delving into the evolution of style across different cultures and how it continues to shape modern trends. At 1:15 PM, the Fashion Show will bring these concepts to life, showcasing diverse and inspiring looks that highlight individuality, cultural heritage, and professional elegance.
Beyond discussions and presentations, Cultural Couture offers hands-on experiences to help attendees refine their personal style. At 1:45 PM, the Nosh Break & Accessory Stations will give participants a chance to enjoy refreshments while experimenting with accessories that enhance their outfits.
The event wraps up with an exciting Style Challenge & Raffle Prizes at 2:15 PM, where guests can put their newfound fashion knowledge to the test. Whether it’s learning how to accessorize, mix patterns, or tailor professional looks to reflect cultural backgrounds, this challenge is both fun and educational.
Hosted by Self-Made Couture, this event is more than a fashion workshop—it’s a celebration of confidence, self-reliance, and authenticity. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired, learn from experts, and connect with a community that values both culture and style.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Sunday, February 23, 11am-4pm
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
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