15 Things to Do Around Tacoma This September
September in Tacoma is that sweet spot where summer isn’t quite over, but fall is definitely starting to show up.
The Washington State Fair is back, there are still plenty of reasons to get outside, and the month is full of some of my favorite South Sound traditions. From cultural festivals and neighborhood events to live music, family days and a few things you might not already have on your radar, there’s a lot happening close to home.
One of the things I love about living in the South Sound is how easy it is to make a day out of exploring what’s happening nearby. You can spend a morning at Point Defiance, head to a festival in the afternoon, or make the short drive to Puyallup for fair food and a concert.
If you’re looking for things to do in Tacoma and around Pierce County this September, here are 15 events worth adding to your calendar.
Washington State Fair
Fair season is officially here. The Washington State Fair is one of those South Sound traditions that really does feel like the unofficial transition from summer into fall.
Between the rides, animals, exhibits, concerts and, of course, fair food, there’s enough happening to make this anything from an afternoon outing to a full family day in Puyallup.
When: September 4–27 Where: Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup Hours: Vary by day
Third Annual Soulfull Festival
Downtown Tacoma comes together for an afternoon of music, culture, food and community at the third annual Soulfull Festival.
It’s the kind of event that gives you a reason to spend a Saturday downtown, support local businesses and experience another side of Tacoma’s creative community.
When: September 5, 12–7 PM Where: Downtown Tacoma
Thirsty Dog Run
A run with your dog followed by an evening at Titlow Park feels pretty quintessentially Tacoma.
The Thirsty Dog Run is a fun excuse to get outside with your four-legged family members and enjoy one of the city’s best waterfront areas while September evenings are still warm enough to linger.
When: September 5, 5–8 PM Where: Titlow Park, Tacoma
End of Summer Blast
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is giving summer one last send-off over Labor Day weekend.
If you’re looking for a family outing before everyone fully settles back into school routines, this is an easy one to pair with time at Point Defiance, Owen Beach or a walk through the park.
When: September 5–7, 9 AM–5 PM Where: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma
Feeding Frenzy
Northwest Trek is another good option for families wanting to spend some time outside over the holiday weekend.
Feeding Frenzy gives visitors a chance to see animals during feeding time while enjoying the trails, forests and wildlife that make Northwest Trek such a special Pierce County destination.
When: September 5–7, 9:30 AM–5 PM Where: Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville
Venardos Circus
If you’ve driven through Point Defiance lately, you may have already spotted the big top.
Venardos Circus brings its intimate, vintage-inspired circus experience to Dune Peninsula through September 7. It’s a fun way to combine something a little unexpected with one of Tacoma’s best waterfront settings.
When: Through September 7 Where: Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance, Tacoma Times: Vary by performance
Puyallup Rodeo Parade & Cattle Drive
There aren’t many places where you can watch cattle make their way through downtown anymore.
The Puyallup Rodeo Parade & Cattle Drive is one of those local traditions that reminds you that Pierce County still has plenty of personality beyond its more suburban neighborhoods.
When: September 11, 10–11 AM Where: Downtown Puyallup
Kathy Griffin: New Face, New Tour
For a completely different kind of Friday night, comedian Kathy Griffin is coming to the historic Pantages Theater in downtown Tacoma.
Dinner in Stadium District or downtown followed by a show is one of my favorite ways to turn a local event into an actual night out without leaving Tacoma.
When: September 11, 7 PM Where: Pantages Theater, Tacoma
Harvest Home
This is one of the September events that really starts to make it feel like fall.
Fort Nisqually’s Harvest Home includes cider pressing with apples from its own orchard, family crafts, historic kitchen samples and traditions surrounding the final harvest of the year. Add a walk through Point Defiance before or afterward and you have a pretty perfect Tacoma fall day.
When: September 12, 11 AM–5 PM Where: Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Tacoma
Tacoma Moon Festival
The Tacoma Moon Festival is one of those events that beautifully reflects both the history and the diversity of this city.
Held at Chinese Reconciliation Park along the waterfront, the free festival celebrates East Asian Mid-Autumn traditions with food, arts and crafts, multicultural performances and a lantern parade led by the Moon Princess.
When: September 12, 1–6 PM Where: Chinese Reconciliation Park, Tacoma
Wagonfest Seattle
Yes, Wagonfest Seattle is actually happening in Tacoma.
LeMay - America’s Car Museum hosts a gathering dedicated entirely to station wagons, with everything from classics and vintage models to modified and modern wagons. Even if you aren’t a serious car person, it’s one of those wonderfully specific local events that can be surprisingly fun to wander through.
When: September 19, 10 AM–1 PM Where: LeMay - America’s Car Museum, Tacoma
Fiestas Patrias
The Washington State Fair celebrates Mexican culture with Fiestas Patrias, featuring mariachi, folklórico, food and live entertainment.
With performances scheduled throughout the day, it’s an easy event to build into a Sunday at the Fair and another reminder of how many cultures make up the South Sound community.
When: September 20, 1 PM and 6 PM Where: Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup
LE SSERAFIM PUREFLOW
September is also a big month for live music in Tacoma, with LE SSERAFIM bringing the PUREFLOW tour to the Tacoma Dome.
For K-pop fans around the South Sound, this is easily one of the month’s biggest concert nights.
When: September 20, 7:30 PM Where: Tacoma Dome, Tacoma
Lauren Daigle with Leanna Crawford
The Washington State Fair concert series continues with Lauren Daigle and special guest Leanna Crawford.
Concert tickets include Fair admission, so this is another good opportunity to make an entire evening out of it, from dinner and rides to live music after sunset.
When: September 21, 7:30 PM Where: Washington State Fair Event Center, Puyallup
Tacoma Fiber Fling
Tacoma Fiber Fling brings fiber arts, textile demonstrations, handmade goods and live music to Old Town Park.
It’s an all-ages community event and a particularly good excuse to spend some time in Old Town, grab coffee nearby and wander along the waterfront afterward.
When: September 26, 11 AM–3 PM Where: Old Town Park and Job Carr Cabin Museum, Tacoma
Move & Groove Open Street Festival
September wraps up with a neighborhood event that feels very Tacoma in the best way.
Move & Groove opens up space in Fern Hill for people to walk, bike and roll through the neighborhood, with music, a family bike ride, park walk, games and face painting along the way. Events like this aren’t just something to do on a Saturday. They’re part of what makes a neighborhood feel connected.
When: September 26, 11 AM–2 PM Where: Fern Hill Neighborhood, Tacoma
September in the South Sound
You don’t have to go far to find something worth doing around here.
Some weekends call for a big day at the Washington State Fair. Others are better spent walking through a neighborhood festival, exploring Point Defiance, listening to live music or finding a local tradition you haven’t experienced yet.
That variety is a big part of what makes living in Tacoma and the South Sound special. There’s always another neighborhood, park, small business or community tradition to discover.
Want more local ideas? I share a weekly roundup of Tacoma and South Sound events, new openings and things worth knowing about around town. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Tacoma or anywhere around Pierce County, I’m always happy to be a resource.