As America’s 250th birthday approaches, Tacoma, JBLM, DuPont, Puyallup, Orting and beyond are preparing for a full lineup of Independence Day events. Returning favorites like Tacoma’s Summer Blast will join other area celebrations marking the historic and patriotic milestone. Here is a guide to 2026 Fourth of July fireworks and festivities for Pierce County.
Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast
Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast on the Ruston Way Waterfront is free, family fun with a full day of live music, food, entertainment, and craft vendors. Festivities begin at noon and conclude with fireworks over beautiful Puget Sound. The event is held at Dune Peninsula and Cummings Park on Ruston Way and features more than 150 vendors, live music, and a 20-minute fireworks show. Viewing areas extend from Dune Peninsula Park north along the Ruston Way Waterfront to Jack Hyde Park in the south.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s Freedom Fest
Freedom Fest at Joint Base Lewis-McChord begins Friday, June 26, and is open to military-affiliated guests. The day includes the I Corps and Freedom Fest Unit Run at Watkins Field from 6:30 to 8 a.m., Retiree Appreciation Day at Waller Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kids World, carnival rides, fair food, military static displays, roving entertainers, and beverage sales from 3 to 8 p.m., the Freedom Truck Mobile Museum at Devotion Park from 3 to 8 p.m., and JBLM Fight Night at Memorial Stadium from 5 to 8 p.m.
For the general public, celebrate JBLM’s Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 27, with a full day of pre–Fourth of July activities at Cowan and Memorial Stadiums honoring America’s 250th birthday. Admission, entertainment, static displays, and concerts are free; only the carnival, Kids World inflatables, and food, beverage, and craft vendors require payment. Fireworks begin at 10:15 p.m.
Use the Visitor Pre-Registration Link, as Non-DoW ID cardholders without a DoW sponsor in the vehicle must register online before entry. Real ID is required for ages 18 & older. The public is required to enter at DuPont Gate, park at the satellite parking area, and take the shuttle to the event site.
Puyallup’s Red, White & KABOOM
Get celebrating America’s 250th birthday early with Puyallup’s Red, White & KABOOM on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 2 to 10 p.m. at the gold and teal lots of the Washington State Fairgrounds, at 110 9th Avenue SW in Puyallup. The event features live music, a beer garden, tasty food trucks, a 5K, an epic kids’ corner, and a unique drive-in fireworks show at dusk. Gold Lot vehicle passes cost $35 per car and are non-refundable.
DuPont’s 4th of July Hometown Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday with the City of DuPont on July 4. The day features a pancake breakfast, parade, and a Clocktower Park celebration with live music, food, games, vendors, and an evening fireworks show. Festivities continue at 1700 Civic Drive with kids’ activities, concessions, and a family movie in the fire bay before fireworks begin at dusk.
Orting’s 4th of July Festival
Celebrate the 4th of July Festival with the City of Orting and the Orting Valley Farmers Market on Friday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Orting Main City Park and North Park. This free community event features food, local vendors, live entertainment, and a kids’ zone with a large sandbox and carnival games.
Firecracker Alley
Firecracker Alley, hosted by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, is a top destination for fireworks fans, with more than 100 stands offering a wide selection of fireworks. The celebration also features family-friendly activities on select days, food vendors, and a free fireworks show at dusk on June 30, 2026. Find the fun at 3509 72nd St E in Tacoma.
Consumer Firework Use in Pierce County
Planning on having a fireworks show at home? Personal fireworks use is prohibited in Tacoma and violations of the fireworks ban can result in a large fine. Lighting fireworks in unincorporated Pierce County is allowed from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4. Be sure to check out the Washington State Patrol’s guidelines and information resources on which Pierce County cities have firework bans and/or restrictions.
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