Tacoma’s July 4 event to include live music, food and fireworks. Here’s what to know
Live music, food, a fireworks show and even some traffic are things people can expect to experience if they are celebrating 4th of July along Ruston Way.
The City of Tacoma partnered with Tacoma Metro Parks to bring Tacoma’s 4th of July Summer Blast to Cumming’s Park and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park.
Festivities will be held at both parks from noon to 10:30 p.m.
The free event will feature over 150 food and arts-and-craft vendors, two stages for music and a 20-minute firework display.
Cummings Park
Cummings Park at 3939 Ruston Way will be the more family friendly option as it will feature activities for all ages.
The park will have bounce houses, canvas painting and sand art, among other activities.
Live musical performances from five performers will take place from noon to 10 p.m. Musical performances include two sets from Seattle singer-songwriter DB Stewart. For a full list of performers and stage schedule for Cummings Park, visit the Metro Parks Tacoma website.
The Lobster shop will host a beer garden from 1-9 p.m. for the 21-plus crowd.
Dune Peninsula Park
The Tacoma Night Market will be at Dune Peninsula Park, 5361 Yacht Club Road, as part of the celebration.
The Dune Peninsula stage will also hold performances from five performers. The High Steppers, a party band from Seattle, will close out the night with two sets. For a full list of performers and stage schedule for Peninsula Park, visit the Metro Parks Tacoma website.
Redefining You Foundation, a Washington based nonprofit, will host a beer garden from noon to 10 p.m.. All proceeds benefit the organization which works to support and empower transitioning service women, women veterans and military spouses while completely redefining their lifestyles and perspectives following military service.
Firework Display
Emerald Queen Casino is partnering with the City of Tacoma and Metro Parks Tacoma to present a 20-minute fireworks show on Commencement Bay. The show will begin at approximately 10 p.m. and will be visible along Ruston Way.
Traffic impacts and parking
Street closures along Ruston Way are anticipated to cause heavy traffic in the area. Ruston Way will be closed at Alder Way and North 49th Street to vehicle traffic from 7 a.m. to midnight.
Parking for Cummings park is available in all lots along Ruston Way south of Alder Way as well as at the Point Ruston garage and Point Defiance Park.
More road closures along Ruston Way are anticipated to cause heavy traffic getting to Peninsula Park..
Yacht Club Road between Ruston Way and Grand Loop will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7 a.m. to midnight. North Baltimore Street between North 49th Street and Ruston Way will also be closed.
Parking for Peninsula Park is available at the Point Ruston garage and Point Defiance Park.
Riding the bus is an alternative. Pierce Transit offers service to Point Defiance Park via Bus Route 10 and Bus Route 11.
