Summer is the perfect time to explore new communities around the South Sound when you attend their signature events. Here are a few to consider.
Maritime Gig Festival
The summer’s biggest event in Gig Harbor will be held on June 7 -8, 2025 celebrating this waterfront city with a weekend of fun and festivities. Events include a pancake breakfast, Maritime Parade, Wheels on the Water Car Show, and the Blessing of the Fleet. Local vendors, restaurants, and entertainment round out this annual event. gigharborchamber.net/maritime-gig-festival
Rhubarb Days
Join the city of Sumner on June 21-22 as they celebrate the fastest growing festival in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a full weekend of live music, a beer garden, food trucks, kids’ zone, crafts, and local vendors. sumnermainstreet.com/events/rhubarb-days-2025
4th of July Tacoma Summer Blast
Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast is the City of Tacoma’s official 4th of July Celebration. This annual event takes place on the
iconic Ruston Way waterfront and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors. Featuring two distinct event footprints, over 150 vendors, two stages and a 20-minute firework display, this event is the largest free community event in the South Sound. parkstacoma.gov/summerblast
Lakewood Summerfest
SummerFEST has it all: food trucks, beer gardens, live music, fire dancers, a pop-up skate park, a car show, a balloon glow, and interactive sports and arts for all ages. Held on Saturday, July 19 from 11am to 10pm at Fort Steilacoom Park, the event is free.
cityoflakewood.us/summerfest
Tumwater Artesian Brewfest
Held on August 16 from 1-8pm, this beer festival is held at the Tumwater Valley Golf Club. Every year, more than 40 local breweries come together for the ultimate beer festival. From craft beer tastings to scrumptious bites, local businesses will be showcasing their finest creations in a lively outdoor setting.
tumwaterartesianbrewfest.com
Olympia Harbor Days
The Olympia Harbor Days festival, a free event offered every Labor Day weekend, is an award-winning, free, family-friendly event that showcases many of the vintage tugboats of the Puget Sound with a walk aboard show at the docks and races in the bay. Visitors to the event may also find tall ships, steamships, other historic vessels of twentieth century commerce, tribal canoes, and current recreational small watercraft. Harbor cruises on Budd Bay are also offered.
harbordays.com