Tacoma has a couple really big fireworks shows that draw thousands of people each year.
July 3 Extravaganza at Cheney Stadium
If you’re the type of person who needs not one, but two July 4th celebrations, then don’t miss the July 3 Firework Extravaganza at Cheney Stadium. Tacoma Rainiers Friday night home games are always capped off by a major firework display, but on July 3, it’s even bigger and better. This year’s July 3 game is against the Reno Aces and the game starts at 7:05 p.m. Enjoy the game and then stay for the fireworks, which take place about 10 to 15 minutes after the game ends. Two nights of fireworks is always better than one.
Freedom Fair
Tacoma’s Freedom Fair is the largest July 4 celebration in the state and it’s far beyond a fireworks display. If you’re in it just for the fireworks, those start at 10:00 p.m. and are just offshore. You can view them from just about anywhere along Tacoma’s Waterfront or even from the hills leading up from the Waterfront (just make sure you’re not sitting in someone’s yard without permission).
By day, Freedom Fair is so much more than a fireworks display. Starting at 11:00 a.m., this event brings vendor booths, artists, food booths and an airshow midday with it. Kick back at a beer garden or listen to some live music at one of the stages. The festival is free, but asks for donations to keep it that way. You can find donation boxes at the entrances. Parking is at a premium so it’s best to take one of the provided shuttles in, or park in a surrounding neighborhood and walk down.
