The Week Ahead
June 16, 2025
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Summer officially arrives this week, and there’s no better place to celebrate the season’s longest days than Bainbridge Island. As the community shifts into summer mode, the island is buzzing with events that bring people together to enjoy nature, music, food, and the outdoors. Whether you’re a longtime local, a weekend visitor, or just looking for an excuse to get out and explore, this week offers the perfect blend of laid-back and engaging activities to help you connect with the island and its unique character.
From a guided forest walk centered on mindfulness and seasonal change, to live music and a pop-up food experience at the vineyard, each event happening this week captures a different side of what makes Bainbridge Island special. It’s not just the natural beauty—it’s the way locals celebrate it, slow down with it, and share it with one another.
First up is a solstice-themed forest therapy walk at Bloedel Reserve, guided by Tina Guldhammer Frei. This immersive, two-hour experience invites participants to “follow the sun” into summer through a series of slow, sensory-based practices rooted in the Japanese tradition of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing. It’s a chance to step away from busy routines and reengage with the land in a meaningful, intentional way. For anyone feeling the pace of modern life, this is an ideal way to reset.
Later in the week, on Sunday, Bainbridge Vineyards becomes the center of the island’s social scene with two overlapping events. Starting at noon, One Two Kai will be on-site with their food pop-up, serving freshly made sourdough pizzas with a Pacific island twist. Their mobile wood-fired oven and reputation for bold, satisfying flavors make this a standout culinary stop. Bring your appetite and your favorite picnic blanket.
Then from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the vineyard hosts live music from Ian Ayers, a reggae artist known for his smooth, rhythmic sound and island-inspired vibe. His laid-back set will provide the perfect soundtrack for sipping wine, enjoying food, and taking in the vineyard views. With no cover charge, it’s an easy and affordable way to spend a summer afternoon.
Taken together, these three events reflect Bainbridge Island’s seasonal charm—rooted in nature, fueled by creativity, and shared through community. Whether you choose to attend one or all, each offers something a little different: tranquility, taste, and tune. Below, we break down the details of each event so you can plan your week and make the most of what the island has to offer.
Let summer begin.
Featured Events:
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Follow the Sun with Forest Bathing
Looking to slow down and reconnect with nature this week? The Bloedel Reserve is hosting a “Follow the Sun” Solstice Walk on Wednesday, June 19, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. This guided forest walk is designed around the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, also known as forest bathing—a therapeutic experience that emphasizes mindfulness, presence, and connection with the natural world.
The walk is led by Tina Guldhammer Frei, a certified Forest Therapy Guide and nature-connection coach. Tina is also the co-founder of Cascadia Forest Therapy, a nonprofit that supports forest therapy guides throughout the Pacific Northwest. She brings a thoughtful, restorative approach to nature immersion, encouraging participants to move slowly, engage all their senses, and deepen their personal relationship with the surrounding landscape.
Rather than a traditional hike, this experience focuses on stillness, observation, and reflection. Over the course of two hours, Tina will guide participants through a series of gentle “invitations”—activities or prompts designed to encourage calm awareness and sensory engagement. The goal is not physical exertion but a mental and emotional reset.
The walk concludes with a tea ceremony, using a tea made from a local plant, offering a moment of quiet connection and shared experience before heading back into the rest of the day. Participants will meet at the Arrival Garden at the start of the event.
The timing of the walk is intentional: it’s scheduled in alignment with the summer solstice, a seasonal turning point that symbolizes growth, light, and balance. Events like these at the Bloedel Reserve are part of a broader effort to encourage deeper relationships with nature through all seasons.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Thursday, June 19, 10:30am-12:30pm
Bloedel Reserve, 7571 N.E. Dolphin Drive Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
Know before you go:
Location: Meet at the Arrival Garden, Bloedel Reserve
Cost: $25 for members; $25 plus admission for non-members
Space may be limited, so early registration is recommended. Whether you’re a seasoned forest therapy participant or just curious to try something new, the “Follow the Sun” walk offers a unique opportunity to recharge, reflect, and realign with nature’s rhythms.
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Live music at the Winery: Ian Ayers
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to wind down your weekend, Bainbridge Vineyards is hosting an afternoon of live music featuring local artist Ian Ayers on Sunday, June 22, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It’s a casual outdoor event that pairs music, wine, and community in a scenic setting.
Known for his signature reggae sound, Ian Ayers brings a warm, rhythmic energy to every performance. His style blends classic reggae influences with a modern twist, making it both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re already a fan or hearing him for the first time, his upbeat grooves and island-inspired sound set the tone for an easygoing afternoon.
The winery itself offers a peaceful, open-air atmosphere, ideal for gathering with friends, enjoying a bottle or glass of estate-grown wine, and soaking up some sun. Guests are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs and find a spot on the grass. There’s plenty of space to relax, mingle, or simply listen to the music while taking in views of the vineyard.
This event is family-friendly, and while the main draw is the live music, the wine selection is just as much a part of the experience. Bainbridge Vineyards is known for its locally grown, sustainably farmed varietals. Pair your favorite pour with a light picnic or just enjoy it on its own as you listen to the music roll across the fields.
There’s no cover charge to attend the performance, though wine and any food purchases are sold separately. Seating is first come, first served, so arriving early is a good idea if you want a prime spot near the music.
Whether you're sipping in the sunshine, dancing to the beat, or just looking for a relaxed afternoon out, this live performance at Bainbridge Vineyards is a great way to celebrate the weekend. Bring a friend, grab a glass, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm of summer.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Sunday, June 22, 2-5pm
Eleven Winery, 7671 Northeast Day Road WestBainbridge Island, WA, 98110
Full details here
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Food Pop-Up: One Two Kai
This Sunday, June 22, Bainbridge Vineyards is the place to be for pizza lovers. From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, local favorite One Two Kai will be serving up their popular 100% sourdough pizzas straight from their outdoor pizza oven.
Known for their bold flavors and island-inspired cuisine, One Two Kai has built a strong following on Bainbridge for their Hawaiian and Pacific fusion dishes. This special pop-up event puts the spotlight on their handmade sourdough pizza—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. Whether you go for a classic combo or one of their more creative toppings, every slice is made fresh and fired on-site.
Pair your pizza with a glass of estate-grown wine from Bainbridge Vineyards for the ultimate Sunday experience. The winery’s relaxed outdoor setting and carefully crafted wines make it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy good food with friends or family. You’re welcome to bring a blanket or chair and spread out on the lawn while you eat, sip, and enjoy the view of the vines.
The pop-up runs alongside a live music performance from reggae musician Ian Ayers, happening from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. That means you can grab lunch from One Two Kai, find your spot, and stay for an afternoon of great music and easygoing vibes.
No reservations are required, and there’s no cover to attend—just show up, order your food and drinks, and enjoy. Wine and food are sold separately.
Whether you're a fan of sourdough crust, looking to try something new, or just in the mood for a fun, flavorful afternoon, this is a great chance to support local food and wine while enjoying summer on the island. Come hungry—and maybe bring a friend or two to share a pie.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Sunday, June 15, 2-5pm
Eleven Winery 7671 Northeast Day Road West Bainbridge Island, WA, 98110
Full details here
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