Summertime is filled with fantastic events, festivals and fairs in the South Sound. Everyone is itching to get out and enjoy some in-person events, so here’s a sampling from around the area.
Lacey
Enjoy concerts, food trucks, kids’ activities and, of course, fireworks at Lacey’s 2022 Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday, July 3 from 4-11 pm at the Rainier Vista Community Park. On Thursdays, July 9 to August 13, enjoy a series of free events from 2-3pm for families featuring unique entertainment, from comedy for kids to fun, family shows at various local parks.
Olympia
In nearby Olympia, you’ll want to check out Olympia Harbor Days over the Labor Day Weekend, September 2-4. This 48th annual non-profit festival celebrates the maritime heritage of the Puget Sound with a weekend of entertainment, food, art, history, and everyone’s favorite – tugboat races. Entry is free, but you can buy tugboat rides–highly suggested to purchase in advance.
Centralia
Summerfest is a day loaded with old fashioned Fourth of July fun! Treat yourself to a pancake breakfast, fishing derby, a fun run, followed by games, contests and entertainment throughout the day plus a parade, demolition derby and fireworks. Later in the month, Centralia celebrates their annual Antique Fest in historic Downtown Centralia and the Hub City Car Show returns in August with hundreds of unique cars, a BBQ, prizes, and games.
Puyallup
Love comic books and the Marvel/DC Comics universe? Then you’ll want to check out Summer Con (think Comic-Con in San Diego) at the Washington State Fairgrounds June 17 to 19, then head down the street to downtown Puyallup and Pioneer Park for the Meeker Days Arts & Music Festival on those same days for food, music, kids’ activities, and more. And, of course, the biggest fair in the state is at the Washington State Fairgrounds from September 2 to 25.
Tacoma
Tacoma knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July with two major events. The Summer Blast presented by Metro Parks Tacoma will be held from 11:00am to 10:30pm at Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park. Attendees will be treated to a free family event featuring live music, food trucks, a craft market, and fireworks. And, also on the Fourth of July is the annual Freedom Fair along Tacoma’s waterfront. Enjoy a variety of activities including a fireworks display, an airshow, Camp Patriot dedicated to our military, a car and hot rod show, a children’s area, a beach pole vault competition, and an international food marketplace. And, after a COVID hiatus, the Taste of Tacoma says it will be back in Summer 2022.
Gig Harbor
This year’s Maritime Gig Festival is June 4 and 5 at the Skansie Brothers Park and will feature a fun run, parade, children’s fair, Wheels on the Water Car Show, Blessing of the Fleet and food vendors, plus live music throughout the weekend. After a two-year COVID-induced absence, Gig Harbor’s popular Summer Arts Festival returns. Held on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday July 17, the Festival features juried arts and crafts from over 120 artists and creators.
Sumner
The Downtown Sumner Association is planning a funfilled summer. The lineup includes a Community Block Party on June 18 from 3-7pm and a weekend of live music, crafts and vendors during Rhubarb Days and the Vintage Market July 9 to 10. In August, check out the Sumner Classy Chassis Car Show happening on July 9 from 10am to 3pm.
LYNN CASTLE