Once again, it’s Kitsap Harbor Festival.
This will be the fifth year of the event which takes place in Port Orchard and Bremerton on Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. The festival helps open boating season as the marinas fill up with boaters, tall ships and other.
Many activities are planned along the Port Orchard waterfront.
Several thousand people are expected to attend the two-day event.
“The idea is to see people go back-and-forth between Port Orchard and Bremerton,” said Holly James, event coordinator of Kitsap Harbor Festival. “This is a wonderful event for families to get out and enjoy.”
The Kitsap Entrepreneurial Center oversees the event.
James said more than 60 vendors also are expected on both sides of the bay.
The Murder Mystery Event, sponsored by Fathoms o’Fun, will be held both days in Port Orchard. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday with with registration at the corner of Bay Street and Harrison Avenue.
Clue packets are $15 for adults and $25 for a family of three or more. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Character scene will be staged at Waterfront Park and the inciting event is set for 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Plot One follows 25 minutes later.
The following businesses — Old Central Antique Mall, Hideaway Cafe, Kate’s Bargain Bin, Shabulous, Rose Nails, The Candy Shoppe, Veterans Museum, That’s Beautiful, La Palapa Mexican Grill, Gazebo Florist, Salon Pettirosso and Wisteria Lane — will provide clues.
Murder Mystery Activities for children is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Port Orchard Library will host a story time at 11 a.m.
The Port Orchard Farmer’s Market will be open both days, along with a beer garden sponsored by the Port Orchard Bay Street Association. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is located between Amy’s on the Bay and Port Orchard Marina Park.
The Dragonfly Cinema will present a free showing of “The Princess Bride” during both days. Show times are 1,3,5 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1,3 and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
At 2 p.m., a Pirate Costume Contest will be held at Waterfront Park.
MoonDogs Too, 714 Bay St., will host the Cloak and Dagger Ball starting at 6 p.m. There will be food, games and live music by “Soultice” — a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. There is a $5 cover charge. Children are welcome until 8 p.m.
On Sunday, registration is 10 a.m. to noon for the Murder Mystery Event at Bay and Harrison. Clues can be obtained from businesses from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Character scene will be staged at Waterfront Park and the inciting event is 10:30 a.m. and noon. All participants must turn in their “Who Done It” ballot by 1:15 p.m. at the registration table.
The climax is 1 p.m. at Waterfront Park and the reveal is set for 1:30 p.m.
