As we close out Bainbridge Island Rowing’s 25th anniversary year, Dream Big returns to the place that represents everything that our community has built together: The Boathouse. While the building itself is newer, it stands as the physical expression of decades of dedication, generosity, and belief in what rowing can mean for Bainbridge Island.
Brick by brick, beam by beam, and year by year, this community has created a home and filled it with meaning — a place where rowers launch at sunrise, where friendships form, where families gather, and where the broader island comes together. The Boathouse isn’t just where we row; it’s where we belong.
This year’s theme, Après Row, captures that familiar moment after a cold session on the water: stepping inside, warming up, sharing stories, and feeling held by the space and the people around you. It’s a nod to the Boathouse itself — our winter lodge on the harbor and the heart of our rowing community.
Join us for a festive brunch and an auction that fuels the next chapter of Bainbridge Island Rowing. Dream Big celebrates where we’ve been, honors what we’ve built together, and supports the programs that make this place feel like home.
Settle in, gather close, and let’s dream big together — right here at home.
Event Schedule
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | MIX & MINGLE
Give yourself plenty of time to mix, mingle, connect, and ease into the cozy Après Row spirit.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | BRUNCH
Enjoy a delicious catered brunch by Frease Catering and settle in with good company.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | AUCTION PROGRAM
Stories, community, and spirited bidding as we dream big together.
We are thrilled to welcome back long time Bainbridge Island's own Matt Smith as our auctioneer, bringing his signature energy and charm to guide this year’s Dream Big bidding.
Online Auction | COMING SOON!
We’re excited for the upcoming BIR Online Auction — this year’s collection is full of great items and experiences we can’t wait for you to explore.
The online portion of Dream Big is open to the public, and you do not need to attend the event to win. Share the link with friends and family near or far; it’s a great way for supporters who can’t join us in person to participate and help lift BIR.
Most items will close the evening before our in‑person auction, with a few select packages remaining open for bidding during the main event on November 7. We’ll clearly communicate which items stay open so you’re fully in the loop.
The online auction runs October 7 at 5 PM through November 6 at 5 PM.
Dress Code: Après Row Brunch
This year’s Dream Big brunch brings together the best of Bainbridge: island coziness meets mountain‑lodge après energy. Think cold‑weather rows on Eagle Harbor, warm layers after practice, and that PNW‑alpine vibe we all secretly love.
Dress in whatever version of Après Row feels right for you — casual, dressy, playful, or full winter chic. All interpretations are welcome. From relaxed to refined, and practical to whimsical, come dressed for a warm, festive, après‑row celebration.
It’s all about comfort, personality, and embracing the season — Bainbridge style.
Flannel + fleece overalls
Cozy sweaters, knits, + sherpa
Puffer vests, beanies, or your favorite après layers
Matching winter sets for a coordinated alpine moment
A faux‑fur throw or wrap for full lodge drama
or elevate it with soft winter tones and alpine chic textures
Bainbridge Island Rowing (BIR) is a 501(c)(3) organization working to build a multi-generational Kitsap County rowing community from our home base at the Stan Pocock Rowing Center on Eagle Harbor.
From humble beginnings with a single crew in 2001, BIR has changed an untold number of lives through the positive physical, psychological, social and sporting impact of rowing. BIR’s current membership ranges in age from 13 to 91 and includes 200+ individuals across all rowing skill and experience levels.
Today BIR is proud to call the Stan Pocock Rowing Center home. Our boathouse is the first permanent rowing center serving Kitsap County and the West Sound region. Having a centrally located boathouse in Waterfront Park was made possible thanks in no small part to our community partnerships with the City of Bainbridge Island and the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District.
