What is the Blackberry Festival? From modest beginnings in 1990, Bremerton's Blackberry Festival has grown into a major summer-ending extravaganza. Crowds estimated at 70,000 turn out to enjoy free live entertainment and a festive atmosphere. Situated on Bremerton's two-block overwater park, next to the Bremerton ferry terminal and in the heart of downtown, the festival features over one hunderd booths offering arts, crafts and food. The Port of Bremerton Marina makes a fitting back drop for Bremerton's largest annual event. The emphasis is on blackberries, of course, with pies, cobbler, jams, and jellies, but you may also purchase t-shirts and other related blackberry specialty items. A classic car show, Tour de Kitsap bike ride and the Berry Fun Run are also a part of the many activities. For children, there are pony rides, inflatable mazes, train rides, chalk art and special entertainment. Maps & Directions Driving Instructions to Bremerton Blackberry Festival From Seattle/Interstate 90 1. Follow the signs to downtown Seattle. Take the Seneca exit and head toward the waterfront. 2. Board the Bremerton ferry. The festival is at the ferry terminal destination on the Bremerton Boardwalk. When you drive off the ferry follow Washington Avenue to the Diamond Parking lot on the right (would be the extension of Burwell Street on the left) and proceed to the end of the lot and down the hill. From Canada/Northern Washington 1. Take Interstate 5 toward Seattle 2. Take the Edmonds exit off I-5 3. Continue west to downtown Edmonds. Follow the signs to the ferry. Board the ferry to Kingston at Edmonds. 4. After leaving the ferry at Kingston, continue on to Highway 104 and head west. Follow the signs to Bremerton/Seattle ferry. You will pass the turnoff to Hansville and the communities of Port Gamble, Keyport and Silverdale. The festival is on the boardwalk adjacent to the Bremerton ferry. Enter the Diamond Parking lot at the east end of Burwell St. and proceed to the end of the lot and down the hill. From Southern Washington/Oregon 1. Take Interstate 5 north toward Tacoma 2. Take the Highway 16/Bremerton exit off I-5 3. Continue on Highway 16 across the Narrows Bridge. You will come to the communities of Gig Harbor, Port Orchard and Gorst in that order. 4. After looping through Gorst, you will meet the interchange where Highway 16 becomes Highway 3. Take the Bremerton exit and follow the signs to the Bremerton/Seattle ferry terminal. To get to the ferry, take a left on Callow Avenue to Burwell. Take a right on Burwell and follow that as far as you can—cross Washington Avenue into the Diamond Parking lot and proceed to the end of the lot and down the hill. Festival pedestrians will enter festival at balloon arch at 2nd Street and Washington Ave. See map on reverse once you arrive at the ferry terminal location. Hotel Information Hampton Inn and Suites - Official Bremerton Blackberry Festival Hotel 150 Washington Avenue, Bremerton, Washington You may call the hotel direct at (360) 405-0200. Bremerton Marina The Port of Bremerton's Marina provides the community of Bremerton with an excellent public access and guest boating marina. The harbor is protected by a 50-foot handicapped-accessible recreational breakwater, which can accomodate vesels up to 150 feet. The 50-slip marina provides shore power, water, secure restrooms, showers, laundry and a sewage pumpout station. Passenger ferries from Seattle and Port Orchard dock at the Port's breakwater. The Bremerton Marina plays an active part in the Bremerton community, providing for the enjoyment of a growing, tourist-oriented, downtown waterfront. Important Links Kitsap Transit Information Washington State Ferry Information