9 Must-Do Events and Activities Near McCormick

Posted July 25, 2019

If you live in McCormick, the community spirit atmosphere is especially evident in summertime. Not only does McCormick have special events but every town on the greater Kitsap Peninsula finds a reason or two to celebrate with festivals and outdoor events.

Whether you’re looking for activities for your kids or grandkids, or want to give your out-of-town guests a flavor of the local lifestyle, you’ll find something happening not too far from the neighborhood. To help you get the most out of your summer, we’ve put together a list of some of the upcoming activities near McCormick you will want to check out this summer!

Outdoor Concerts

On the waterfront, on the field, on the dock — the music’s in the air. Get your groove on and enjoy fresh air at the same time at one of the many outdoor concerts. Here’s a sampling:

Americana Music Festival, Olalla, August 17

If you like to celebrate the Pacific Northwest roots, you need to experience this annual festival of bluegrass, blues, country and folk music. Love to camp? Get an overnight sight and make a weekend out of it. And if your secret berry pie recipe is the best one around, why not get a ribbon to prove it at the annual pie contest (after doing it for almost three decades, the know the organizers really know their pies!).

Kitsap Opera at Concerts by the Bay, Port Orchard, July 25

There’s opera, and then there’s opera on the waterfront. Port Orchard’s annual Concerts by the Bay features a free Thursday nights lineup all throughout the summer, and Kitsap Opera’s July performance may be the most unique one yet. Enjoy selections from “Giovanni” by Mozart — with the backdrop of Sinclair Inlet. And if opera’s not your thing, you’ll find a variety of other music during upcoming performances.

Kingston Cove Summer Concerts & Port of Kingston Centennial Celebration, Kingston, July 27

The Kingston Cove Summer Concerts is a series that lasts through the end of August, but the July 27 lineup comes with additional fun. Besides the musical performances (The Tropics, Deseo Carmin and Freddy Pink), the event features a variety of activities as part of the Port of Kingston’s centennial festival — food, vendors, car show, kids’ activities and more.

Family Events

Kitsap County Fair & Stampede, Bremerton, August 21-25

Carnival rides, tons of food, exhibits, free country concert, rodeo, beard competitions, kids’ performers, petting zoo. The annual Kitsap County Fair & Stampede  has it all. The fair takes you back to the days of down-home, old-fashion fun, so enjoy the rural lifestyle and check some of the best that Kitsap County has to offer.

Blackberry Festival, Bremerton, August 31 – September 2

Blackberries are delicious and Bremerton proves it every year with Blackberry Festival. Celebrating its 30^th year, the festival is about all things blackberry (from the famous “Blackberry Slugs” to blackberry ice cream and savory blackberry sausage), plus a lot more. Unique food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, sidewalk chalk art competition, kids’ stage and more —plan to spend a good part of the day on Bremerton’s Boardwalk and downtown.

Family Movie Night at Skansie Brothers Park, Gig Harbor, August 2

Enjoy a free screening of “Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero” outdoors on the Gig Harbor waterfront as part of the Family Fun Movie Night program. Make sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and don’t worry about the popcorn — it will be provided. Well-behaved four-legged family members are also welcome. The screening starts at dusk but come early to claim a spot; Harbor WildWatch will have family activities before the show.

Themed Festivals

Kitsap Wine Festival, Bremerton, August 10

If vino is your style, Kitsap Wine Festival is where you can spend some adult time sampling wines, eating food and listening to live music, all while benefiting the Kitsap Humane Society. More than two dozen wineries are expected to participate.

The Cruz Car Show, Port Orchard, August 11

If you’re a classic car enthusiast, The Cruz is a must-see. You’ll find all sorts of hot rods, street rods and various other shiny motors at the annual Saints Car Club show on the Port Orchard waterfront, plus a street fair.

Poulsbo Arts Festival, Poulsbo, August 16-18

Arts patrons of all ages will find the annual Poulsbo Arts Festival a great reason to visit the Poulsbo waterfront. Every day features arts and crafts for sale, demonstrations, kids’ activities, food, music and more — with Liberty Bay as part of the scenery.

And don’t forget to check the McCormick events calendar too. Golf tournaments, community barbecues — there’s always something happening around here.