Temporary Pop-Ups Coming to Downtown Bremerton Storefronts This Summer
- Emily Ferrer
- Feb 24
- 4 min read
This summer, Downtown Bremerton is preparing for an exciting summer as our city hosts an Official SeattleFWC Fan Zone during the global tournament — bringing thousands of visitors to our waterfront community throughout June and July.
The Executive Director of the Downtown Bremerton Association (DBA) has been actively advocating for our downtown to fully leverage this moment. One key strategy? Activating vacant storefronts with temporary retail pop-ups to ensure our buildings feel vibrant, welcoming, and full of opportunity. This advocacy led to the City of Bremerton launching a new Temporary Merchant Program.
What Is the Temporary Merchant Program?
The Temporary Merchant Program was created to ensure our vacant storefronts don’t sit dark during one of the most high-traffic moments our community has seen in years. In short, this program turns empty storefronts into temporary opportunities from June 1, 2026 – July 30, 2026, for entrepreneurs ready to test a concept or for property owners looking to showcase their space. Important! This program is NOT for on-the-street pop-up vendors.
Who Can Apply?
The Temporary Merchant Program is designed for retail-focused businesses looking to pop into a vacant storefront during the summer Fan Zone period (June 1, 2026 – July 30, 2026). Eligible participants include:
Retail businesses selling goods
Artists and makers
Apparel brands
Gift and specialty retailers
Vendors selling commercially prepackaged items
🚫 Prepared food sales are not permitted under this program.
If you have a product-based business and have been considering testing a physical retail presence, this is an ideal opportunity to step into a storefront during one of downtown’s busiest seasons.
How the Process Works
Participating is straightforward, but it does require coordination and compliance with City requirements. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Secure a Participating Space
Option 1: Contact the Downtown Bremerton Association in order to connect with a downtown building owner who is already participating in the program. Current participating locations include:
United Way Building - 645 4th Street, Bremerton, WA
Max Hale Building - 285 5th Street, Bremerton, WA
*Additional spaces may be added as confirmations are received.
For questions or assistance connecting with a space, contact the Downtown Bremerton Association at director@downtownbremerton.org
Option 2: Alternatively, if you have a building or space in mind, you can reach out to the property owner directly to pitch your idea and obtain written authorization from a property owner willing to host your pop-up.
Step 2: Review City Requirements
All temporary merchants must comply with applicable regulations, including building codes, fire regulations, and planning requirements. *Requirements found on the application document.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
It’s time to formally apply by filling out the regulatory license application and submitting it to the City of Bremerton via email to taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us.
To help you prepare, here’s your complete application checklist:
Location of Temporary Site in Bremerton | Provide a clear, to-scale floor plan of the proposed storefront location.
Description of Goods for Sale | Provide a brief description of the retail items you intend to sell.
Dates and Hours of Operation | Clearly specify the days and hours your business will operate during the program window (June 1 – July 30, 2026).
Copy of Current Valid Photo Identification
Written Property Owner Authorization | Provide written approval from the property owner(s) granting permission to use the location for your temporary retail operation.
📅 All applications must be submitted by April 15, 2026.
Step 4: Obtain Departmental Approvals
Once your application is received, the City departments will review your application to ensure all safety and compliance standards are met then a Pre-Inspection Walkthrough will be scheduled.
Step 5: Complete a Pre-Inspection Walkthrough
A pre-opening walkthrough must be completed and approved prior to beginning operations.
Step 6: Activate Your Pop-Up
Once formally approved by the City, a Fee of $400.00 must be paid and then the temporary licenses are issued. Licenses will be valid up to 30 days and may be renewed once for a maximum of 60 total days annually per applicant. Please note that per this special Program, you can only activate the space June 1, 2026, through July 30, 2026.
Why Participate?
This summer represents one of the highest-visibility opportunities Downtown Bremerton has seen in years and most of the currently participating buildings are only a block or two from the Fan Zone in Quincy Square! With thousands of visitors expected during the Fan Zone activation, temporary retail participation offers businesses the chance to:
Test new markets
Increase brand exposure
Build customer lists
Generate revenue during peak foot traffic
Contribute to a vibrant and welcoming downtown atmosphere
For retailers, property owners, and the broader community, this program is about more than just filling space — it’s about making the most of a major moment for Bremerton.
How the DBA Is Supporting This Effort
The DBA is actively working to make connections happen. Our team is reaching out directly to downtown building owners to present the opportunity and advocate for participation in activating vacant storefronts. We are facilitating introductions between property owners and prospective pop-up merchants, providing guidance throughout the application and approval process, and serving as a liaison to help navigate questions with the City of Bremerton to ensure a smooth path from concept to opening day.
We see this as a collaborative effort between property owners, small businesses, and the City to maximize one of the most high-visibility moments our downtown has experienced.
For questions or assistance connecting with a space, contact the Downtown Bremerton Association at: director@downtownbremerton.org
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