The Week Ahead
February 9, 2026
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February on Bainbridge Island brings shorter days and plenty of rain, but it also brings a welcome lineup of community events that give islanders reasons to venture out despite the weather. This week is particularly full, with three distinct offerings that span practical assistance, musical discovery, and classical performance. Whether you're dealing with tax season stress, looking for a midweek cultural outing, or ready to settle in for a full orchestral experience, the island has something happening.
The variety on this week's calendar reflects the breadth of what makes Bainbridge's community programming work well. There's the practical side—services that address real needs island residents face, like navigating tax preparation during a season that can feel overwhelming. There's the experimental side—new series that test out different formats and see what resonates with local audiences. And there's the established side—longstanding organizations that anchor the island's cultural calendar year after year with reliable, high-quality programming.
What these three events share, despite their differences, is accessibility. None requires a major financial commitment, a significant time investment, or advance planning weeks out. They're the kind of activities that fit into normal life rather than demanding you rearrange your schedule around them. A free tax appointment during daytime hours. An evening concert that runs 90 minutes on a Wednesday night. A weekend symphony performance with multiple showtimes to choose from. These are events designed for people who live here, not tourists passing through or audiences willing to make a special trip.
They also represent different ways that community organizations operate on the island. The Tax-Aide program brings a national service structure to a local setting, connecting islanders with resources that might otherwise require a trip off-island or a substantial fee. The Sounds of Winter series shows the Park District expanding beyond its traditional recreation programming into cultural offerings, testing whether there's appetite for more intimate musical experiences during the quieter months. The symphony concert demonstrates how established arts organizations maintain their presence through seasonal programming, while also creating opportunities for young performers and cross-generational collaboration.
For anyone new to the island or still getting familiar with what's available here, this week offers a useful snapshot. Bainbridge supports a range of community services and cultural activities, many of them volunteer-driven or organized by public agencies working with limited budgets. The scale is smaller than what you'd find in Seattle, but the accessibility is often better—both in terms of cost and the ease of simply showing up.
The timing is worth noting as well. February doesn't draw the same attention as summer months when festivals and outdoor events dominate the calendar. These winter offerings serve a different purpose: giving people reasons to connect with neighbors and engage with their community when it would be easier to stay home. Whether you're filing taxes, listening to a saxophonist, or hearing Dvořák, you're also participating in the less visible work of maintaining community life during the season when it takes more effort.
Here's what's happening this week on Bainbridge Island.
Featured Events:
Tax-Aide: Bainbridge
Tax season is upon us, and for Bainbridge Island residents seeking help with their 2025 tax returns, relief is just around the corner. AARP's Tax-Aide program is offering free, confidential tax preparation assistance this Tuesday, February 10th, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM right here on Bainbridge Island.
This valuable community service provides professional tax help at no cost, making it an excellent resource for islanders who want to ensure their returns are filed correctly without the burden of expensive preparation fees. Whether you're a senior navigating retirement income, a first-time filer, or simply someone who could use expert guidance through the complexities of tax forms, Tax-Aide volunteers are ready to assist.
To take advantage of this service, appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled by calling 206-866-5269. While some drop-in availability may exist, calling ahead ensures you'll have dedicated time with a volunteer and won't face unnecessary wait times. Given the program's popularity and the limited three-hour window, booking your slot in advance is definitely the way to go.
Before heading to your appointment, make sure you're prepared with the necessary documentation. You'll need to bring your Social Security card, a valid picture ID, last year's tax return, and any tax-related paperwork relevant to your 2025 filing—this includes W-2s, 1099 forms, receipts for deductible expenses, and documentation of any significant life changes that might affect your taxes. If you're hoping to set up direct deposit for your refund or direct withdrawal for any taxes owed, don't forget to bring a blank check. For a comprehensive checklist of what to bring, AARP.org provides detailed guidance to help you arrive fully prepared.
What makes Tax-Aide particularly trustworthy is the rigorous preparation behind it. Every single volunteer goes through annual training and certification by the Internal Revenue Service. This means the person helping with your taxes isn't just a well-meaning community member—they're someone who has demonstrated thorough understanding of current tax code, recent changes to tax law, and proper filing procedures. The IRS certification requirement ensures consistently high-quality service year after year.
For island residents who might feel overwhelmed by tax season or who simply want to maximize their refund while ensuring compliance, this Tuesday's Tax-Aide session represents an excellent opportunity. Mark your calendar, gather your documents, and make that call to 206-866-5269 to secure your appointment.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Tuesday, February 10, 10:30am-1:30pm
Bainbridge Public Library 1270 Madison Ave. N. Bainbridge Island WA 98110
Full details here
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Sounds of Winter: The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra
The Bainbridge Island Metro Park District is launching a new concert series this winter, and the second performance takes place this Wednesday, February 12th at Island Center Hall. The Sounds of Winter series brings regional musicians to the historic venue for intimate evening performances, with this week's show featuring the Kareem Kandi World Orchestra.
The concert runs from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with tickets priced at $10 for Bainbridge residents and $12 for non-residents. Tickets can be purchased online through the Park District's website.
This four-part series was designed to provide a low-key cultural option during the darker winter months, offering a space for islanders to hear live music in a comfortable, community-focused setting. Island Center Hall's smaller scale creates an atmosphere where audiences can experience the music up close, quite different from larger concert venues.
Wednesday's featured performer, Kareem Kandi, is a Pacific Northwest native who has built a career spanning multiple musical genres. As a saxophonist, composer, and educator, Kandi has performed across the United States and internationally, working in jazz, blues, classical, and funk. His World Orchestra draws on this diverse musical background, blending different styles and traditions into cohesive performances.
Kandi's approach to music involves both honoring established traditions and exploring new creative directions. His repertoire includes original compositions as well as reimagined arrangements of American standards, and his work has received recognition from audiences and critics in various settings. Beyond performing, Kandi maintains a teaching practice, sharing his knowledge with developing musicians.
The concert will feature instrumental pieces that reflect the winter season and the character of the Pacific Northwest. Attendees can expect a mix of original works and interpreted classics, all filtered through Kandi's background in multiple musical traditions.
The Sounds of Winter series continues beyond this week's performance, with two additional concerts scheduled for later in February and March. Each installment features different artists, giving the series variety while maintaining its focus on regional talent and accessible, community-oriented programming.
For those looking for an evening activity that doesn't require a major time commitment or significant expense, the series offers a straightforward option. The 90-minute runtime and weeknight scheduling make it feasible for people with work the next day, while the venue's location in the center of the island keeps travel time minimal for most residents.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Thursday, February 12, 6:30-8pm
Island Center Hall 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
Get ticktets here
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Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra Presents: All Aboard
The Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra presents its midwinter concert series this week, with performances running February 13th through 15th. The program, titled "All Aboard," features three works that take listeners on what the orchestra describes as a journey through sound and imagination.
The concert opens with Arthur Honegger's Pacific 231, a tone poem from 1923 that musically depicts a steam locomotive. The piece captures the mechanical energy of the train as it accelerates, using orchestral techniques to evoke the rhythm and power of the engine. It's a brief but intense work that demonstrates how composers of the early 20th century approached the challenge of representing modern industrial subjects through traditional orchestral instruments.
The program's centerpiece is Joseph Haydn's Cello Concerto in C major, performed by 14-year-old Anthony Kim. Kim won the orchestra's 2025 Young Artists Competition, earning the opportunity to perform as a featured soloist. The Haydn concerto, composed in the 1760s, showcases the cello's melodic capabilities and remains a standard piece in the instrument's repertoire. Kim's selection as competition winner indicates a high level of technical proficiency and musical maturity for his age.
The concert concludes with Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 8 in G major. Written in 1889, this symphony is known for its lyrical themes and incorporation of elements from Czech folk music. For these performances, the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra will be joined by members of the Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra, adding educational value to the concert and providing young musicians with the experience of performing a major symphonic work alongside more seasoned players.
For those interested in attending without purchasing a full-price ticket, the orchestra offers an open dress rehearsal on Wednesday, February 11th. Dress rehearsals provide a behind-the-scenes look at the final preparation process and typically come at a reduced cost or on a donation basis, making them accessible to audiences who might not otherwise attend classical concerts.
The three-day performance run gives island residents multiple opportunities to attend, with shows scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Concert times and specific venue information can be found on the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra's website, along with ticketing details.
The "All Aboard" program brings together works from three different centuries and compositional styles, unified by the concert's loose travel theme. Between the locomotive imagery of Pacific 231, the showcase of young talent, and the collaborative finale with youth orchestra members, the series offers variety within its classical music framework.
Cost, ticket, and logistics:
February 13-15
Bainbridge Performing Arts 200 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
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