The best part of summer is enjoying all the festivals, events, and fairs in the South Sound. From June to September, here’s a roundup of a few of them from around the South Sound area.
Centralia
AntiqueFest will be held in Historic Downtown Centralia on August 4-6. This annual summer event isn’t just for antique aficionados. Attendees can listen to live music in the park, take a trolley ride, attend an appraisal fair, or go to a vintage auto show. Speaking of cars, if you love them then you’ll want to check out the Hub City Car Show in Downtown Centralia on August 26. Hundreds of unique cars will line the streets during the annual event. Then for two weekends in mid-September, check out the ARTrails Gala and Studio Tours. During this unique event over 60 artists open their studios to the public for a free, self-guided tour. The event kicks off Friday night, September 14, with a Gala Opening Celebration in downtown Centralia’s Historic Train Depot.
Lacey
Check out the many free concerts, movies, and other entertainment at the Lacey in Tune series from early July to mid-August. There will be lunch hour concerts and evening movies, entertainers and concerts that are free for the whole family. One show to be sure to catch will feature Heart by Heart, a tribute band, on Friday, July 14, at 7 pm at Huntamer Park.
Olympia
Olympia Harbor Days is riding the wave to celebrate their 50th year this Labor Day weekend, September 1-3. The annual event is an award-winning free and family-friendly showcase of many of the vintage tugboats of the Puget Sound with a walk aboard show at the docks and races in the bay. On land, festival attendees enjoy great food, music, and artisans, plus nautical and marine-themed attractions, with hands-on activities.
Puyallup
As home to the biggest fair in the state, the Washington State Fairgrounds host a variety of events throughout the summer. Starting with SummerCon June 23–25, the event features entertainment celebrities, an all-star comic book creator lineup, and vendors and artists. There are interactive exhibits, gaming, video games, LEGO and toy displays, cosplay, and activities for the whole family. Then kids will love the Reptile Show on July 15-16 in the Green Lot of the Fairgrounds. And, of course, summer wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Washington State Fair from September 1-24.
Sumner
The Downtown Sumner Association always packs the fun in during the summer months. Enjoy Cruise Sumner car shows on June 3 and July 1 from 6-9 pm and Sept 2 from 5-8 pm with 100% of proceeds going to three local charities. Then there is Rhubarb Days and Vintage Market on June 24-25 and Music off Main at Heritage Park on July 14, 21, and 29 (with a Chalk Art Festival added that night). Don’t miss the Sumner Classy Chassis Car Show on August 6 from 10am to 3pm or the arts and crafts fair called Nights on Ryan from 6-9 pm on August 12.
Tacoma
Tacoma Summer Blast is the City of Tacoma’s official Fourth of July Celebration. This annual event takes place on Dune Peninsula and the iconic Ruston Way Waterfront and features 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. Point Ruston was selected for the 2023 Tacoma Summer Fest on Saturday, August 12. This one-day event will feature tons of talented makers from all over the PNW along with fabulous food trucks and a gorgeous waterfront view. You’ll find 100% handmade jewelry, clothing, housewares, fantastic gifts, and local artisanal food.
Bremerton
The name alone should tickle your interest . . . Summerpalooza is a free event held July 29 and 30 at the Kitsap Fairgrounds that will feature over 100 vendors, music, and food. The event will be open Saturday 10am to 8pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Later in the summer, you’ll want to check out the Blackberry Festival, held over Labor Day weekend. The festival takes place along Bremerton’s picturesque waterfront with live music from a main stage and vendors stretched all down the boardwalk.
You’re also invited to check out the “Chalk Art Gallery” on 2nd and Washington or go up topside to 4th and Pacific to visit the Wayzgoose Kitsap Arts Festival.
Gig Harbor
The Maritime Gig Festival returns this year on June 3-4 at the Skansie Brothers Park featuring their Fun Run, a Grand Parade, Children’s Fair, Wheels on the Water Car Show, food vendors, plus live music and entertainment. You love your dog . . . and so do the great people of Gig Harbor when they present Harbor Hounds on September 10 from 10am to 3pm. The event will include a dog walk, vendors, food trucks, a dog agility course, and a fun dog talent show. Throughout the summer, kids and adults alike are encouraged to decorate the sidewalks of the downtown waterfront with chalk art. Maritime themes are encouraged!
BY LYNN CASTLE