July is nearly here, and in Tacoma and throughout Pierce County, that means it’s time to plan for 4th of July fun and fireworks. From hometown celebrations to big summer blasts, there is so much to do for Independence Day locally. Mark your calendars, here is a breakdown of parades, festivals, and fireworks shows in the region.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord Freedom Fest
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is kicking off the patriotic fun early with Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 28, at Cowan and Memorial Stadiums. Packed with all-day fun, find an auto show, carnival rides, food and vendors, plus roving and on-stage entertainers, free bounce houses, a magic show and an interactive game show. Stick around for the drone show at 10 p.m., followed by the grand finale, the fireworks at 10:30 p.m.
Be sure to understand the access information beforehand as “non-DoD ID card holders, ages 18 and older, attending the event without a DoD ID card holder sponsor in the vehicle must be vetted online prior to attending the event. Also new this year, due to the Real ID Act, an enhanced WA state driver’s license/ID, or other approved identification, will be required to access the Freedom Fest event.” Find out more at the Visitor Pre-Registration System.
Firecracker Alley
In a new location at 3509 72nd Street East in Tacoma, find Firecracker Alley hosted by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Featuring fireworks sales, family-friendly activities and food vendors, don’t miss the free fireworks show on July 1 at dusk.
Red, White & Ka-Boom
Commemorate America’s favorite holiday early with Red, White & Ka-Boom in Puyallup! On July 3, don’t miss Pierce County’s only professional fireworks display. From noon until 10:30 p.m., enjoy family-friendly fun, including live music, a 5K run, food trucks, a kids’ corner, a car show, and, of course, fireworks at 10 p.m.
Held at the Gold and Teal lots of the Washington State Fairgrounds, festival admission is free at the Teal lot, and the Gold lot is where premier, paid parking and firework viewing is. Find out more here and get tickets or register for the car show here.
Tacoma Summer Blast
On Friday, July 4, Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is the place to be, beginning at noon until 10 p.m. for the always-fabulous Tacoma’s Summer Blast. This free event on the Ruston Way Waterfront features all-day fun in the sun with entertainment on two stages, over 150 vendors, yummy food and more, ending with spectacular 20-minute fireworks over Puget Sound.
DuPont’s Fourth of July Hometown Celebration
Start the day of patriotism on July 4 in DuPont with a pancake feed starting at 8 a.m. at Clocktower Park. Don’t miss the always-fun 4th of July Parade at 10 a.m. and then celebrate more, with live music, food, games and more, also at Clocktower Park starting at 11 a.m. Then, enjoy the fabulous fireworks, beginning at dusk.
Orting’s 4th of July Festival
In Orting, July 4 is the city’s star-spangled celebration! The free 4th of July Festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at Orting Main City Park and North Park. Kids will love the kids’ zone with games and bounce houses, and the whole family can enjoy live entertainment, excellent food options and tons of local vendors to shop from.
Consumer Fireworks in Pierce County
Be safe this Independence Day and follow the law in your city. Personal fireworks use is prohibited in Tacoma, and laws in other cities around Pierce County vary, so check to make sure you are following the law where you live. Happy 4th of July, Tacoma and all of Pierce County!
