The Fourth of July in Kingston is one of North Kitsap’s longest-running traditions, and 2025 is no different, with a variety of activities and happenings to take part in throughout the long summer day.

The day kicks off with the annual Pancake Breakfast at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club from 8-11 a.m. Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, ham, orange juice and coffee. It is open to the public.

Tiny Town will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Village Green Park, which includes inflatable bouncy house attractions along with other activities from Scouts and Kitsap Regional Library. Food and non-food vendors will be on site. Tiny Town closes for one hour at noon for the parade.

Perhaps the biggest attraction of the day is the annual parade from noon to 1 p.m. along Highway 104 in downtown Kingston. Viewing areas will be on both sides of the road, but fill up quickly. This year’s parade grand marshal is Helen Hoover.

Immediately following the parade is the ball race down Central Avenue.

Each year, folks buy “sponsorships” of softball-sized plastic balls. They’re a buck for one, six for $5, or twenty-five for $20, per Ron Carter of Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary. They write their name and phone number on each ball. At the time of the race, hundreds of balls are placed in huge cardboard containers at the top of the course and released in one of three “heats.”

In the championship race of nine balls (three from each heat), three semi-finalists are awarded $25 each; the grand prize is $100. Participants don’t need to be present to win. Balls will be available for purchase at the parade, under the tent at Cleo’s Landing. Proceeds from the sale of ball race balls go primarily to support the Kingston Beautification Committee and Rotary’s annual summer flower basket program.

Free hot dogs will be served to kids ages 12 and under at the yacht club at 1 p.m. until supplies run out. There will be a nominal charge for adults.

The beer, wine & spirits tent will be open from 1-9 p.m. at Mike Wallace Park for those ages 21 and older. Food vendors will also be available in the park starting at 11 a.m.

Live music will also be played starting in the afternoon through the evening. Bannister & Maine will perform from 2-3:30 p.m., followed by James Murray from 3:30-5 p.m. From 6-10 p.m., Soul Siren and Planet Groove will rock the stage.

There will also be a car show from 3-6 p.m. in the parking lot of The Yard Fitness Club. Admission is free to the public.

And last but not least is the annual fireworks show over the Kingston waterfront at around 10:15 p.m.