The days are getting longer, and the sun is peeking its way through the June gloom just in time for summer 2018. Making the most out of the gorgeous Pacific Northwest doesn’t have to break the bank. The South Sound offers a oly orthotremendous amount of fun, unique and free activities to keep your family engaged this summer. From concert series to movies in the park, places all over the South Sound are ready to have the best summer yet.

Tacoma

Summer Bash & Movies in the Park

Bring your blanket and some snacks for live movies in the park. Each night will have a different location and flick for attendees to enjoy. Michael Thompson, Public Information Manager for Metro Parks Tacoma, shared that this event is a great time to share with friends and family. “Think about catching a breeze and curling up in a blanket in the middle of a park, watching a movie with friends and neighbors,” Thompson said. “It’s a little like stretching out to watch a fireworks show as the sun goes down.” Check out their list of flicks happening all over the park district.

Sunday Market at Point Ruston

In the center of Point Ruston, the Sunday farmers market offers a variety of local vendors. The market will take place until September 30 every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There is no better location to shop than by being surrounded by the beauty of Commencement Bay.

Tacoma Art Museum
Tacoma Art Museum is one of several museums in downtown Tacoma. Photo credit: Kristin Kendle

Third Thursday Museums and Tacoma’s Art Mingle

On Tacoma’s Third Thursday, most of downtown Tacoma’s museums stay open later than normal and offer free admission from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Museums that participate include Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass. Tacoma’s Art Mingle also takes place on the third Thursday of each month and includes even more free things to do beyond the museums.


Puyallup

Puyallup Farmers’ Market

The Puyallup Farmers’ Market will be held every Saturday at Pioneer Park and Pavilion in downtown Puyallup until October 13. This summer tradition has been going on for over 30 years, and you will see why so many people attend every weekend after just one visit. Featuring local farmers and vendors, visitors can stroll through the aisles of fresh flowers, produce and artisan crafters.


Gig Harbor

2018 Summer Sounds at Skansie

Gig Harbor’s 16th annual outdoor summer concert series will take place rain or shine every Tuesday evening on the waterfront. Bring your chair or blanket to relax, listen to music, and have a good time with friends and family. Different local artists will take the stage each week from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Skansie Brothers Park.


Metro Parks Summer Night Movie
Each night of Tacoma’s Summer Bash & Movies in the Park has a different location, like this one at the STAR Center. Photo credit: Russ Carmack

Bonney Lake

Tunes @ Tapps

Head to Allen Yorke Park every Wednesday between July 11 and August 22 for live music in the park. A different performer will take the stage each week from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Get to the park early for their annual Outdoor Market with food, crafters and booths from local farms. The Outdoor Market will start at 5:00 p.m. prior to the concert headliner.


Sumner

Music Off Main

At Heritage Park in downtown Sumner, Music off Main will get community members off their feet for local performers. Bring chairs, a blanket and snacks for these concerts in the park Friday’s nights at 6:30 p.m. in July. Performers include Lady Carter & the Gents on July 13; North of 50 on July 20; and The Shy Boys on July 27.


Kids Summer Stage
Les Grove Park makes Kids Summer Stage a hit with all kiddos. Photo courtesy: City of Auburn

Auburn

Kids SummerStage

The City of Auburn will host an outdoor kids’ series every Wednesday at noon, July 11 through August 15, at Les Grove Park. Each week will feature different family-friendly entertainment that is unique and exciting, sure to keep the kiddos engaged. Kristy Pachciarz, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Auburn explained that this series is just one of the events they are offering this summer. “I think what makes ours unique is the setting; the park amenities and the on-site programming,” Pachciarz shared. “Les Gove Park is home to a beautiful, no-barrier playground and refreshing water park.”