The Fourth of July isn’t just a national celebration for Kitsap. The peninsula comes alive all at once for the holiday with dances, parties, fireworks and much more.
Whether it’s the early fireworks show in Poulsbo — held on July 3 — or a special appearance by hip hop artist Coolio at the Clearwater Casino there’s something for everybody this year.
So light a sparkler, get ready to dance, and look to the sky. Kitsap will not go quietly into the night this Independence Day.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Clearwater Casino Rooftop Paradise: July 4, 7-11 p.m. at the Clearwater Casino, 15347 Suquamish Way, Suquamish. Grammy award-winning hip hop artist Coolio — widely known for his ’90s hits such as “Gangsta’s Paradise” — will perform at a Fourth of July party on the roof of the Clearwater Casino’s new parking lot. This 21-and-older party also features a DJ spinning dance music before and after Coolio’s performance, as well as games, contests, a full bar and food. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com or at the casino gift shop. www.clearwatercasino.com/party-in-the-sky-rooftop-paradise
Silverdale Beach Hotel: July 4, 6 p.m. at the Silverdale Beach Hotel, 3073 NW Bucklin Hill Road, Silverdale. A patio party with live music provided by the Tonze playing old school R&B, jazz and pop music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
Bainbridge Island
July 3rd Street Dance: July 3, 6-11 p.m. along Winslow Way in downtown Winslow. While the island lights up with parades and fireworks on the Fourth of July, a local secret is the downtown street dance held the night before. Winslow Way is shut down for an evening of food, beer and wine, music and lots of dancing. Music provided by The Tax Authorities (composed of employees from the island company Avalara), and Mike Sharp & The Lubricators. Mutha Knows Best will then groove on into the night. A second stage down the street hosts a DJ spinning modern hits. www.bainbridgedowntown.org
Grand Old Fourth: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., July 4 in downtown Bainbridge Island. A celebration so good it received a plug on the June 24 edition of NBC’s Today Show during a segment on great July 4 activities. Sponsored by the local chamber of commerce, Bainbridge Island’s day-long celebration includes parade along Madison Avenue and Winslow Way begins at 1 p.m. The Fourth also features a car show, a baseball game, food, music, pony rides, a fun run, a beer garden and more. www.bainbridgechamber.com, www.bifunrun.com
Hansville
Red, White and Blue Breakfast: July 4, 8-10:30 a.m. at the Greater Hansville Community Center, 6778 Buck Lake Road. A local tradition with pancakes. Cost: $6. www.hansville.org
Keyport
A Small-Town Celebration: July 4 in Keyport. Community pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon at the Keyport Bible Church, 15270 Washington Ave. Parade at 1 p.m. through town. Free barbecue and old-fashioned family games following the parade until 4 p.m. at the Bible Church. Adults and children are welcome to march in the parade.
Kingston
Fourth of July: Tiny Town opens July 3. Parade on July 4, 10 a.m. Fireworks show over Appletree Cove on July 4, 10:30 p.m. The parade flows through downtown Kingston along Highway 104. A celebration with plenty of activities for children and families with food, games, rides, live entertainment and a children’s fair. www.kingston4thofjuly.com
Port Gamble
Old Mill Days: July 4-6. Fireworks shows at 10:15 p.m. on July 4 and 5. Port Gamble’s annual lumberjack shindig has been bumped up this year to align with the nation’s day of celebration. Chainsaw competitions, ice sculpture competitions, live bands, hot saws, carnival, beer garden and much more. Old Mill Days’ fireworks shows also features the largest shell fired on land in the county. www.oldmilldays.com
Port Orchard and Bremerton
Annual Grand Fireworks Show: Fireworks at around 10:30 p.m., July 4 over Sinclair Inlet, viewable from Port Orchard and Bremerton. Live music concerts at Port Orchard’s waterfront gazebo during the afternoon and into the evening. www.fathomsofun.org
Poulsbo
July 3rd fireworks show: Fireworks over Liberty Bay at around 10:15 p.m., July 3. The Third of July is Poulsbo’s patriotic preview to the nation’s birthday. Vendors and merchants open on Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park in downtown Poulsbo during the day. Concerts in the park all afternoon and into the evening. www.thirdofjuly.org
