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Revamp Your Home: Easy DIY Weekend Projects
If you’re feeling a bit tired of your current surroundings, now’s the time to spruce up your home with a few easy Do-It-Yourself (DIY) weekend projects. You can easily complete these projects in two days or less; they won’t feel overwhelming or stressful. Start something new with one or more of these home projects below.
Entrance: Paint Your Front Door
A great way to give your home a new look is by painting the front door. Your front door welcomes guests, and it’s something you see every day. It can really set the tone for how you feel about your house and how it’s perceived from the curb. Take time to consider what look you prefer: something stately, something eye-catching, or something more neutral. Also, take into consideration the overall color scheme of your home and whether you prefer a door with high contrast or a complementary shade. Better Homes & Gardens provides a great list of considerations when choosing a color.
Once you’ve chosen and purchased a color, watch the weather and plan on painting during a weekend predicted to have sunny skies. You want to make sure your new paint job has plenty of time to dry, including the primer layer and the final coating. Start by finding a protected but airy space to prep and paint the door. Then follow these seven simple steps to complete your new look.
Bedroom: Add Floating Shelving
Infuse your bedroom’s decor with floating shelving. Adding shelves to your walls will free up clutter in other areas, give you new decorating options, and make the most of your vertical space. Floating shelves will give you more opportunities to display your favorite items and give the room greater overall appeal.
To begin, decide what floating shelving style is best for you and matches your bedroom. There are a variety of materials, sizes, colors, and thicknesses to choose from. Once you’ve found shelves you like, make sure you have all the other supplies you need to hang them, including a stud finder and level. Home Depot describes the six steps to successfully hang floating shelves. However, step six, “add flair” is entirely up to you!
Bathroom: Change the Cabinet Hardware
A very easy way to refresh the look of your bathroom is by changing the hardware on your cabinets. It also doesn’t require much time or money, a win-win! To get started, take a look at your sink and shower hardware and decide whether you would like to match or contrast those colors or simply focus on the cabinets themselves.
Next, remove some hardware from the cabinets to bring to the store to help you find matching-sized screws and fittings. Then it’s really up to you to find the hardware that has the look, style, and vibe you prefer. If you get started and suddenly feel compelled to start changing faucets and more, check out these tips on mixing and matching bathroom hardware.
Kitchen: Add a Backsplash
Adding a backsplash above the counter behind your sink is an excellent way to elevate your kitchen. Plus, this addition has many practical applications such as protecting your walls from food stains and watermarks. And, it’s much easier to clean than paint.
To start, choose a tile that matches your kitchen and adds to the overall look. Keep in mind that smaller mosaic tiles come in 12 by 12-inch sheets, so choosing this look won’t actually take longer in comparison to larger tiles. Once you’ve chosen a tile, measure the space to gauge how many tiles you’ll need and purchase all the supplies at the same time. The Family Handyman provides a thorough supply list for a tile backsplash and walks you through the process in five steps. These steps include information on how to cut tile to fit around electrical outlets and other small spaces. In one weekend, your kitchen will have a whole new feel!
Living Room: Revamp Your Coffee Table
Liven up your living room with a coffee table that’s both practical and sparks conversation. The living room is your home’s gathering place and deserves a focal point with artistic aspects and functional appeal (think storage and organization).
There are many options for DIY coffee tables that incorporate repurposed materials including windows, shutters, crates, and doors. Some go further by creating DIY coffee tables using more unique materials such as wine barrels, bottle caps, and even palettes. Just make sure to choose a style that best fits your budget and time constraints and energizes you to try something new.
Outdoor Area: Make a Compost Bin
Want to help the environment by composting? Compost bins can be expensive and some take up a ton of space. However, this DIY compost bin project is pretty simple and the bin is compact. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have your own composting setup, and your garden will really thank you. If you’re looking for other easy DIY projects to make your home more eco-friendly, here are six ideas to help you get started.
6 Tasty Summer Recipes Using Local Produce
Summer is the perfect time to try a new recipe using delicious, local produce and goods made right here in Kitsap County. We’re fortunate to live in a place with many wonderful local farms and farmers’ markets so why not take advantage? Enjoy tasty, healthy, locally-grown food by testing out these easy summer recipes below.
Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Puffs
These easy-to-make, tasty morsels combine savory smoked salmon and fresh asparagus. It’s the perfect appetizer for a summer dinner party or potluck. You can find fresh, local asparagus at the Poulsbo Farmers Market or order it online from Kitsap Fresh. Additionally, you can pick up smoked salmon from Crimson Cove in downtown Poulsbo or order it online through Kitsap Fresh.
Manila Clams in Garlic and Beer
This easy recipe is for the seafood lovers in your life and only takes 30 minutes. Stop by Suquamish Seafoods (open Wednesday – Sunday) for excellent local clams. And, you can even buy the olive oil, basil, garlic, red onions, and beer that this recipe calls for right here in Kitsap County, making it a truly locally sourced meal. Pair this with some crusty bread and you’ll be all set. We recommend picking up delicious homemade bread from Borrowed Kitchen Bakery in Kingston, Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, or Pane d’Amore Artisan Bakery on Bainbridge Island.
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Flavorful and juicy, this chicken entree is sure to be a family favorite. This recipe comes from Bremerton’s popular Spiva Cooking and calls for their excellent savory seasoning. It combines an interesting mix of flavors by using cranberries and a date puree as well as prosciutto and toasted walnuts. We recommend using local chicken breasts for this recipe. Walker Meadow Farm in Poulsbo sells chicken breasts and their chickens are pasture-raised with no GMOs, corn, or soy.
Summer Salad with Blackberries
What better way to celebrate summer in the PNW than with a salad that uses blackberries? They’re found all over. Medulla Farms in Bremerton offers a nice selection of microgreens. They are available at Kitsap Fresh, Kitsap Community Food Co-Op or they can be delivered through their website.
Carrot and Kohlrabi Slaw
Move over traditional coleslaw, this slaw recipe features the “cabbage cousin” kohlrabi. You can find kohlrabi and carrots at many local farms across the Kitsap Peninsula. Visit the Poulsbo Farmers Market or order them online from Kitsap Fresh. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this slaw would be a nice compliment to the chicken recipe above.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble Bars
This summer recipes list wouldn’t be complete without something sweet. With just fifteen minutes to prep and 40 minutes of baking time, these dessert bars are easier to make than a pie and a satisfying summer treat. You can find wonderful, local strawberries and rhubarb at our local farmers’ markets. Or, you can order them online from Kitsap Fresh, which currently features rhubarb from Persephone Farm in Indianola.
Managing Expectations When Buying a Home
While having an idea of what you want in a new home is important, managing expectations is also crucial to a smooth home buying experience and long-term purchase satisfaction. Knowing more about the local market and what’s available in your price range will empower you as you begin searching for the perfect place. The following tips and insights from some of our Windermere Poulsbo agents will help you get started.
Buyers, Keep Your Head Up: Be Prepared
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. As with all important purchases, the more you know the better. Being prepared will help you have a realistic outlook in a competitive market. Thankfully, you don’t have to prepare on your own. A great real estate agent will help guide you through the process. “Your realtor should have extensive knowledge of the local market, and should share current market data so you have a solid understanding of trends and patterns,” explains Managing Broker/Realtor Marisa Robba. For more insights on how to prepare, watch Marisa’s video below.
Aging and Your Forever Home: Consider Downsizing
As you think about buying a home, also think about the future. If your children are grown or you don’t need as much space, this might be a good time to downsize. Or as what Broker/Realtor Forrest Arnold likes to call right-sizing. Moving into a smaller place can help manage your expectations by simplifying your buying options and financial obligations. Also, as you think about getting older, it’s important to consider finding a place that you imagine living in for a long time, your forever home. A house where you can age in place safely. “The key here is realistic advanced planning for your peace of mind, and the peace of mind for your family,” Forrest explains. Watch Forrest’s video to learn more about finding the right place for both your present and future self.
Buying Land: Do Your Research
If you would prefer to move into a brand new home and know exactly what you want, then buying land might be the best option for you. In Kitsap County, there is undeveloped land available to build your dream home. This is an exciting option that allows you to customize a home to suit your lifestyle. But before you dive in, make sure you know what to look for. Simply looking at the local plat map isn’t enough, buying land is a complex process. Broker/Realtor Annita Baze Hansen recommends walking the land to discover whether there are “steep slopes, wetlands, or streams. Setbacks will limit the building site for building a home.” Watch Annita’s video to learn other great tips for buying land.
Find an Agent: Work With an Expert
Buying a home is much more complicated than your average purchase. You will have to navigate competing with other buyers, negotiating with the seller, acquiring a loan, etc. Agents have the education and experience in real estate to help manage your expectations and guide you through this complex and sometimes stressful process. Real estate agents know all the tricks of the trade and will represent your best interests during the purchase. Plus, as Broker/Realtor Brystal Narte points out, agents “have access to off-market listings that would otherwise be unavailable” to buyers. Watch Brystal’s video to learn more about why working with an expert is best.
Choose a Local Agent: Build a Relationship
Working with a local real estate agent is the best way to start building a relationship with your new community. Not only are they experts on the local market, but they also have deep knowledge of various neighborhoods, community perks, and local schools. Additionally, they live and work in the community and are a fabulous resource to answer any and all questions you may have. As Brokers/Realtors Kimmel & Young share “it’s not so much transactional as it is relational.” Learn more from the Kimmel & Young team on the benefits of working with local agents.
If this is your first time buying a home, our first-time home buying checklist and our home inspection checklist are also great resources to help you get started.
New Agent Spotlight: Marisa Robba
A sincere advocate with a wealth of knowledge, Managing Broker/Realtor Marisa Robba is a wonderful recent addition to our Windermere Poulsbo office. She’s been helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals for seven years and possesses a unique skill set and a sincere love for Kitsap County. Read our Q&A to learn more.
What drew you to real estate?
I have been involved in real estate since my early twenties, from purchasing my first condo to investing in rental properties. I am genuinely curious about the future of land and resources and the aesthetics of various properties and structures.
I have found that switching careers from teaching middle school to being a real estate agent has a lot of cross-over.
My natural tendency is to notice and convey details, set expectations, and build relationships. I listen and work hard to understand people and what they value. I have a long history of advocating for people’s best interests – children, parents, staff, and now, for the past 7 years, my clients!
What unique skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
Anticipating clients’ needs and trouble-shooting obstacles before they become problems are strengths of mine.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
A calm, communicative demeanor with a whole heck of a lot of integrity can get you far in this business. Sprinkle a little grit in there too!
Which areas do you serve?
I live in Poulsbo now, after 13 years on Bainbridge Island. I will travel just about anywhere in the state if I feel I can benefit my clients. But generally, I work in Kitsap County.
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
I’ve been up here for 15 years now. I came here for the Olympic Mountains, the waterways, the proximity to my folks, and the slower pace of life, and I have never looked back.
How are you involved in the community?
I am a strong believer in giving back to the community – whether through food bank donations, One Call For All gives, trail-building in many of our county parks, or through PTSA and school-related volunteering.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
Over the past 7 years in real estate, I have had the best interactions with other Windermere agents! Their level of professionalism and dedication to their clients is second to none. Once I talked to the Designated Broker, I was 100% in.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
There is a real estate agent out there for everyone. Nothing in this business is cookie-cutter. As home transactions are some of the biggest decisions one can make, be sure you have someone on your side that you are comfortable with and who will go to bat for you.
Windermere Ready Program: Sell Your Home for More
To get the best offer for your home, making a great first impression is key. In fact, our belief in the importance of first impressions is so strong that we developed the Windermere Ready program to support sellers. With professional advice from local experts, our program prepares your home to wow potential buyers. Also, we’re ready to provide financial assistance if necessary.
Sell For More Faster
Typically, sellers who invest in making repairs and upgrades sell their homes faster and for more money, sometimes even above the asking price. By taking action to make sure your home makes a great first impression, you set yourself up for success. After all, you only have one chance to transform a buyer’s interest into excitement.
To help make this possible, the Windermere Ready program provides:
- A personal consultation
- Customized home plan
- High impact updates
- Professional staging
Many buyers prefer stylish, turnkey homes, but some are also looking for specific features and amenities. This makes it challenging to know which repairs and upgrades will lead to the best offer. The Windermere Ready program takes the guesswork out of preparing your home with an individualized assessment. Based on your timeline and needs, one of our Windermere Poulsbo agents will work with you to identify your home’s most important improvement priorities.
Once critical repairs and priority upgrades are identified, your Windermere agent will create a custom action plan and work schedule to keep your timeline on track. To ease implementation, they will recommend local service providers and coordinate access to your home as needed.
High Impact Improvements
Great first impressions sometimes come from simple updates and small changes. A new coat of paint and a bold, colorful door gives your home a fresh look and curb appeal. Additionally, small interior upgrades such as adding new light fixtures or cabinet hardware provide stylish, eye-catching details. These enhancements capture a buyer’s attention and help make a house feel like home.
Exterior items that we focus on:
- Painting
- Window Washing
- Landscaping
- Lighting
- Entrance Detail
- Power Washing
- Decorative Window Features
Interior items that we focus on:
- Painting
- Carpet Cleaning/Replacement
- Floor Repair/Refinishing
- Fixture Repair or Replacement
- Cosmetic Updates
- Decluttering
- Professional Deep Cleaning
Staging Your Home Provides an Important Final Touch
After making repairs and updates, we recommend one more final touch—staging your home. Professional stagers help your home make the ultimate first impression by highlighting the best features of each room. A staged home improves your chance of receiving the best offer by helping buyers visualize themselves living there. According to Forbes, staged homes sell 87% faster and for 17% more than non-staged homes.
We’re Invested in Your Success
To help prepare your home for success, we can provide up to a $100,000 loan to assist with expenses if needed. The loan term is six months and there are no upfront costs and no monthly payments due during that time. When your home is sold, the loan is paid off in one lump sum. For more information about the Windermere Ready Loan and how it works, please contact us.
Get Started
Finally, to get started, contact a Windermere Poulsbo agent for a Comparative Market Analysis to see what your home is worth. A Comparative Market Analysis is more in-depth than an online home estimate and from there, an agent can discuss what possible home repairs and upgrades could increase your home’s value. The Windermere Ready program will help prepare your home to make the best first impression and help you sell your home for more.
Why a Local Lender Can Make a Huge Difference
Looking to buy a home but worried about this competitive seller’s market? There are many steps to take that can set you apart from the competition. One of those can be using a local lender. A great local lender can be very advantageous. We’ll explain why with insights from some of our real estate experts.
A Personalized Approach
Before going to a bunch of open houses, you need to get pre-approved for your loan. While your existing bank is an option, along with many online providers, a good local lender offers personalized service. Buying a home can be a stressful process and it will likely be the biggest purchase you ever make. So, you want to work with people who can easily answer your questions on the phone or in person. This is especially helpful if you have a complicated situation or if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
Their Reputation Matters
A local lender lives in the community where you’d like to buy a home. So, their clients’ feedback and their reputation mean a great deal to them. Do your research and choose your lender carefully. “Buyers need a strong reputable lender in their corner more than ever!” says Audrey Newell, Broker/Realtor. “To make your offer stand out, make sure your lender has a well-earned reputation for being responsive and getting loans closed. Local lenders make all the difference. I encourage ALL of my Buyer clients to choose their lender with great care.”
Build Trust and Confidence
A local lender is appealing to sellers and to their real estate agent because everyone wants the process to go smoothly. Local lenders have better reputations when it comes to closing on time. Therefore, using a local lender builds trust. This is especially important if you’re trying to win in a multiple offer situation. While there are many factors, a trusted local lender could be the difference between getting the house or not. The sellers or their agent may be put off by a national bank or online lender if they’ve had a bad experience with them in the past. Managing Broker Amy Allen says, “I always encourage buyers to work with a local lender for various reasons. Most importantly, I want their offer to stand out in this competitive market! In our small community, listing agents have had experience working with one of our fantastic local lenders, and they can be assured that we’ll get closed on time!”
“Penrith Home Loans works hard to offer the best local financing options to Windermere clients,” explains Cherie Kesti, Penrith Branch Manager/Mortgage Consultant. “The long reputation of Penrith as a local lender is instrumental in helping the Real Estate Brokers and their clients gain a sense of confidence that their transaction is going to close on time, with the best financing options available, the highest level of communication, integrity, and ease. I’ve known sellers who picked a Penrith-approved buyer amongst a myriad of offers because they had a past positive experience with Penrith and knew their transaction would close as agreed.”
Here at Windermere, we’re proud of our partnership with Penrith Home Loans. Real estate agents like Bonnie Chandler can attest to Penrith’s benefits. “I have referred many of my clients to Cherie Kesti of Penrith for many years. They are so appreciative of her knowledge in lending and her wonderful attention to them in providing excellent service.”
Local Expertise
A local lender knows our real estate market very well. And, Forrest Arnold, Broker/Realtor, points out, “A nearby lender is familiar with the area. They may well provide the best rates and a smoother appraisal/loan process than a distant national bank. And, many loan sources will have their local specialty (such as land loans, construction financing, or VA loans). So, we at Windermere help our clients to find the local lender that will be the best match for their needs.”
For more home buying tips, check out our First-Time Home Buyer Checklist and our article “What I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Home”.
Kitsap’s Market: First Quarter, 2022
Kitsap County’s real estate market is picking up and had a solid first quarter. In 2021, we saw high demand and low inventory, and that is still the case. It’s still a seller’s market; homes continue to sell above the asking price. Read on for key highlights and market trends below. And, if you’re looking for the connected life that Kitsap offers, our local experts are here to help.
News on Sold and Pending Homes
2022’s first quarter is rising like the first quarter of 2021. You can see it reflected in the market volume graph outlined above. This follows the usual real estate market trend of a cooler first quarter and then a shift as the market heats up in warmer months. As usual in a seller’s market, sold homes still outpace pending listings and home prices are still increasing due to demand. From January through March, 994 homes were sold. That is a 10.7% increase when compared to 2021’s first quarter, showing more movement as the pandemic wanes.
Kitsap’s Market Still Favors Sellers
As supply remains low in relation to pre-Covid times, sellers can list with confidence. Buyers will need to be prepared for a competitive real estate journey. We expect more homes to come on the market as we hopefully put Covid-19 behind us.
Listing Price vs. Sale Price
Kitsap’s market is still seeing many eager buyers and often competitive, multiple-offer situations. We saw a 10.8% increase in home prices year-over-year. They are expected to continue to rise as Kitsap’s market has many buyers who will continue to meet the pricing demands of sellers. However, we are continuing to see increasing affordability issues for others. The average sale price in Kitsap County is currently $606,000.
Insights from Our Chief Economist
Matthew Gardner, Windermere’s Chief Economist, shared his Top 10 Predictions for 2022 in one of his recent Monday with Matthew videos. Here’s what Gardner predicts for 2022:
- Prices will continue to rise, though the pace of appreciation will slow. Gardner thinks it will be about 6% in 2022 versus the massive 16% rise of 2021.
- Spring will be busier than expected. This will increase buyer demand, as buyers get more clarity in their new hybrid model combining remote and office work.
- The rise of the suburbs will also result from this work hybrid model. Many buyers are moving within the same area they already lived in.
- New construction jumps since the cost to build has come down.
- Zoning issues will be addressed.
- Climate change will impact where buyers live. People will focus more on how safe a location is in relation to natural disasters.
- Urban markets will bounce back after the demand drop from Covid.
- A resurgence in foreign investors will return since the travel bans were lifted last November. The demand will rise as long as our borders remain open.
- First-time buyers will be an even bigger factor in 2022. This year, 4.8 million millennials will turn 30, the median age of first-time buyers in the U.S. First-time buyers will be looking for cheaper markets.
- Forbearance will come to an end and that will be okay. It was well thought out, and as Gardner says, “as of recording this video, there are now fewer than 900,000 owners still in the program.” Hopefully, this continues to drop.
Additional Information
You can learn more from Matthew Gardner by reading his Market Update by region or watching his Monday with Matthew video series.
If you’re new to our area, check out our free Guide to Kitsap. If you’re interested in buying or selling, our local experts are here to help.
Kitsap Great Give: An Easy Way to Give Back
Whether you are new to donating to the nonprofit world, or you are a seasoned giver, Kitsap Great Give is a phenomenal event. This year, it’s on April 19th, but early giving has already begun. Kitsap Great Give supports a multitude of local organizations, making it easy to donate to more than one nonprofit at a time through a streamlined process. On the website, you can search by name, category, or scroll through a list of nonprofits on the leaderboard, which can be sorted alphabetically, by the number of donations, or by the total raised.
What is the history of Kitsap Great Give?
The event began in 2014 and has raised over $12,000,00 since its inception. In 2021, $2.19M was raised for 357 charities. As a community event, Kitsap Great Give is much larger than any one nonprofit. According to Kitsap Great Give’s website, more than 40% of donors make donations for this event in addition to their regular giving – increasing the amount that the organizations receive.
Who runs this event?
Kitsap Community Foundation is the annual host and United Way of Kitsap County is a presenting partner. These two organizations are vital to the operations of the giving event. Additionally, they help behind the scenes by covering the costs of fees associated with donations. Other sponsors provide much-needed support by underwriting fees, providing bonus support, and awarding prizes to the organizations involved.
What types of organizations benefit?
From food banks to museums, animal shelters to educational nonprofits, the types of participating organizations vary greatly. They do not have to pay a fee to participate but must register in advance to be part of the event. It really helps the 350+ organizations who chose to participate annually.
So many organizations serve Kitsap County by meeting residents’ needs and enriching our community in many ways. Here’s a list of 2022 participants (PDF).
When can I give and is there a minimum amount?
The big Kitsap Great Give day is on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. However, donations for “early giving” started on April 1st (no joke!) and run through April 18th. This year’s goal for giving is $2.2 million. The minimum payment amount is $10, and every little bit counts!
How can I submit payment?
The easiest way to pay is through the online platform. However, donations can be made over the phone by calling the Kitsap Community Foundation at (360) 698-3622. Direct mailers and special publications allow mail-in payments.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! You will receive an email confirming your donation. This is a receipt to keep for tax purposes with a list of organizations and amounts to each.
Graphic created by Kitsap Foundation. See PDF.
Last year at a glance
Here’s a breakdown of giving by category for 2021.
Chart created by Kitsap Foundation. See PDF.
Windermere Poulsbo’s involvement
A portion of every Windermere real estate agent’s commission is donated to the Windermere Foundation. This year, through Windermere Foundation of Poulsbo, we are gifting $25,000 in matching dollars to support three local nonprofits for Kitsap Great Give. $10,000 will go to the Holly Ridge Center, which works to “enable children and adults with differing abilities to reach their fullest potential, creating a positive and lasting impact on the community”. Another $10,000 will go to the Foundation for Homeless & Poverty Management, and their mission is to help “people living in poverty and surviving homelessness to rebuild and stabilize their lives and the lives of their families so they can thrive and not just survive”. And, $5,000 will go to Fishline Foodbank and Comprehensive Services, which serves the North Kitsap Community, “providing food, emergency services, and resources to transform lives”.
In addition to Kitsap Great Give, our Windermere Poulsbo office is involved in the communities we serve in a variety of ways. We proudly support many different local nonprofits through group and individual donations, and through volunteer work.
There are so many wonderful nonprofits to support through Kitsap Great Give, and we hope you’ll give if you’re able to and help us spread the word.
Poulsbo’s Annual and Recurring Events You Don’t Want to Miss
With taglines such as “Little Norway, Big Fun”, it’s not surprising that there are so many great events in Poulsbo happening throughout the year. From shopping and live music to embracing the Nordic roots of Poulsbo’s founders, here’s a roundup of festivals and activities to put on your calendar.
Spring
Girls’ Night Out
First Wednesday in May
Shop and dine in Downtown Poulsbo with your gal pals. Stores and boutiques stay open late and offer discounts, promotions, and giveaways. There’s even a “golden ticket” awarding a $100 shopping spree. Enjoy food and drink specials, and snap a photo with the famous Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings.
Cost: Free to Attend
Viking Fest
3rd Weekend in May
Perhaps one of the most well-known events in Poulsbo, Viking Fest is a weekend-long event featuring a carnival, Viking village, parade, live music, vendor marketplace, a road race, and many other family-friendly activities. With a city slogan of “The Viking City”, this signature event is one you don’t want to miss.
Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary
Summer
Midtsommer
3rd Saturday in June
Paying homage to mid-summer festivals popular in Nordic countries, this annual event at the Waterfront Park in Poulsbo features the raising of a maypole, traditional Nordic dancing, flower crowns, music, and a Viking Bonfire at dusk. This cultural event is hosted by the Sons of Norway.
Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary
Poulsbo Arts Festival
3rd Weekend in August
For 35 years, this festival has been art lovers’ favorite. The waterfront park is a wonderful backdrop for all types of art, live music, food, raffles, and family fun.
Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary
Liberty Bay Festival
Last Weekend in August
Hosted by the Poulsbo Historical Society, this event showcases the nautical history of Poulsbo. This unique, family-friendly event highlights a fleet of wooden boats known as “Poulsbo Boats.” Locals and tourists enjoy live music, boat tours, historical presentations, and more.
Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary
Fall
Poulsbrew
3rd Weekend in September
Celebrating beer and cider made in Western Washington, Poulsbrew is a lively one-day festival. Of course, Poulsbo’s own breweries are part of the celebration too. Come for the beer and stay for the live music, food, and friendly community atmosphere.
Cost: Varies, Approx. $30 Each
Poulsbo Halloween Hunt
The weekend prior to or on Halloween
Hosted by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, this drive around town brings families into businesses to collect candy and goodies. More details posted when the event nears.
Cost: Free and There’s a Suggested Non-perishable Food Donation
Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Halloween
A fun, safe evening for families, this is one of Poulsbo’s busiest annual events. Kids of all ages can celebrate Halloween and parade down the street in their costumes. A section of Front Street in downtown Poulsbo is closed off and all businesses hand out candy and treats.
Cost: Free to Attend
Winter
Tree Lighting
Weekend after Thanksgiving
Join Santa and the Vikings to kick off the holiday season in Little Norway. Enjoy the tree lighting, cookies, holiday crafts, and lots of festive photo opportunities. Location to be announced in the fall.
Cost: Free to Attend
Julefest and Bazaar
1st Saturday in December
A Saturday full of Little Norway fun, the Julefest and Bazaar provides an authentic experience. Start the day at the Nordic Marketplace at the Sons of Norway to kick off your holiday shopping, and grab some Scandinavian food for lunch. In the evening, the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings will escort the Lucia Bride from a Viking ship on Liberty Bay to a winter proclamation and Bonfire to celebrate the winter solstice.
Cost: Free to Attend and Activities Vary
Watch our video below to get a glimpse of last year’s festivities.
Lighted Ships Parade
Second Saturday in December
A Poulsbo Yacht Club tradition for over 50 years, this annual parade of boats decked out in lights and holiday cheer is a fun family event. Contact the Yacht Club in advance to have a special shout-out by Santa himself as he cruises by.
Cost: Free to Attend
Valisblot
Weekend closest to Valentine’s Day
Celebrate love with a Norse Valentine’s Day, complete with a bonfire at Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park.
Cost: Free to Attend
Recurring
Poulsbo Farmers Market
Every Saturday from April through December
From fresh produce to prepared foods, baked goods to wine and cider, the Poulsbo Farmers Market is sure to offer something delicious every weekend. This market also features locally-made crafts and home goods, garden starts, honey, jam, fresh flowers, and meat products. A picnic area and live music create a fun atmosphere to relish your market finds. Our office is a proud sponsor.
Cost: Free to Attend and Products Vary
Our video below gives you a taste of this wonderful market.
Poulsbo Beer Run
March and October
Twice a year, craft beer enthusiasts can participate in the Poulsbo Beer Run, a 4 mile “run” with stops in Downtown Poulsbo as well as the Viking Way corridor. Costumes are encouraged with the March run being St. Patrick’s Day themed, and October being Oktoberfest themed. Proceeds benefit the Blue Star Banner Program, which honors locals currently serving in the military by installing street banners throughout Washington.
Cost: Registration $45+
Second Saturday Art Walk
Monthly, 2nd Saturday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Every month, Poulsbo’s art galleries stay open late to create an engaging atmosphere for art lovers. Gallery hop and enjoy sales, specials, drinks, and snacks.
Cost: Free to Attend; Purchases Separate
New to Kitsap? Check Out Our Free Guide
If you’re new to the Kitsap Peninsula and want to learn more about our area, flip through our free digital Guide to Kitsap. It has videos, articles, and links to give you the scoop about our local businesses, recreation, coworking spaces, childcare options, and much more.
7 Spring Gardening Tips
1. Don’t Underestimate Your Soil
Soil really has a rich life of its own so pay attention to it and manage it properly. Enrich your soil with organic matter to make sure it can retain moisture and nutrients. You also want to make sure it drains well. You should be able to easily dig, and it should be crumbly and loose so that your plants’ roots have the oxygen they need. When selecting a fertilizer, choose an organic one that adds nitrogen, phosphate, and potash (potassium plants can use). Here’s more info on how to prepare your soil.
2. Mulch Matters
Not only does mulch cut down on the time you spend weeding, but it also reduces your watering needs in the summer and protects the soil. Be sure to lay a thick enough cover, at least 2 inches.
3. Deadhead at the Right Time
If you have spring-blooming bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths, deadhead spent flowers. By doing so, the plants send energy to the bulbs not into making seeds. Now, here’s the part some people fail to do: wait until the foliage turns brown to remove it. If you cut it too soon, the leaves can’t store the nutrients needed for the bulb to bloom next year.
4. Gardening in Zone 8b: Which Fruits and Vegetables to Plant
Ideas for early spring and early summer veggies and greens include beans, cabbage, carrots, chard, kale, lettuce, peas, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes.
5. Select Plants Pollinators Love
Invite pollinators like bees and hummingbirds into your garden with flowering plants like daylilies, petunias, asters, and phlox.
Plants that grow best in partial or full shade include bleeding hearts, hostas, and coneflowers.
Popular plants that grow well here include hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and lavender.
6. Know the Difference Between Pests and Beneficial Creatures
The Pacific Northwest is known for its rain and that comes with pests like snails and slugs. But other garden creatures are beneficial. Centipedes, millipedes, ladybugs, earthworms, and pillbugs all help your garden so it’s best not to disturb them. For those pesky slugs and snails, be sure to use slug bait. Another one to watch out for: tomato hornworms. They can completely defoliate your tomato plants. Learn about tomato hornworms and how to protect your plants.
7. Get Help From Your Local Nursery’s Experts
Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, your local nursery is bound to have the resources and assistance you need when dealing with garden pests, planting a new flower bed, or trying out a new crop. We’re lucky to live in a place with many local experts, including those at Olmsted’s Nursery and Valley Nursery, both right here in Poulsbo. They’re friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and always ready to assist.
