Experience the best family-friendly events in Tacoma with my expertly curated guide. Whether you're planning a fun weekend outing or looking for activities to entertain the kids, Tacoma offers a wide range of events perfect for families. From interactive museum exhibits and outdoor adventures to seasonal festivals and local performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Stay updated with the latest happenings and create lasting memories with your loved ones by exploring Tacoma's top family-friendly events.
MCCOY KIDS SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
Introducing the first-ever McCoy Kids Summer Reading Challenge. The challenge is simple. Pick-up a FREE reading challenge card in our shop beginning June 22. Read 25 new-to-you books throughout the Summer. Your Library is a great source for books to keep this challenge free AND you can participate in their challenge at the same time! Get an adult to VERIFY the book you read and you or them can write the title in the spot on the card. Redeem your FULL challenge card by August 31 for a FREE prize! All completed challenge cards will entered to win ONE $25 gift card to our shop, too! No purchase is necessary to enter and participate. You and your adult are on your honor for playing (no cheating, please). Cards must be picked up and redeemed in person at McCoy Kids. One card per kiddo ages 4-14.
Date: Ends Saturday, August 31
Location: 504 S 11th St, Unit A, Tacoma, WA 98402
SUNFLOWER DAYS AT KNUTSON FARMS
Join us for our Annual Sunflower Festival at Knutson Farms! U-Pick flowers, Concessions treats, the Animal Barn, Cow Train Rides, a NEW interactive scavenger game through the Flower Field, and so much more Farm fun! We can't wait to have you!
Date: Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, August 11
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: KNUTSON FARMS, 16406 78th St E, Sumner, WA 98390
TACOMA FARMERS' MARKET ON BROADWAY
Tacoma Farmers Market creates vibrant marketplaces where local farms, small businesses, and organizations connect directly with the community.
Date: Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 925 Broadway, Tacoma WA 98402
SUMMER PLAYGROUND AND LUNCH PROGRAM
When school's out, parks are in! Our Playground and Lunch Program provides free lunch to all youth age 18 and younger, Monday-Friday. In addition, activities and games are led by staff at six sites from 10 am-3 pm. Lunch is served from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Free lunch is available to all youth 18 years of age and younger at the locations listed below. Meals must be eaten on site.
When: Monday - Friday from August 1 - August 30
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: See link below for participating locations.
MONTHLY MILITARY SPOUSE COFFEE HOUR
In partnership with Blue Star Families, join us for coffee and pastries, and feel free to bring your own, while you mingle and network with other military spouses!
Date: Thursday, August 1
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: THE STEVEN A. COHEN MILITARY FAMILY CLINIC, Valley Cities' Boeing Community Room, 6103 Mount Tacoma Drive Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98499
More info: Free.
GIG HARBOR WATERFRONT FARMERS' MARKET
The Waterfront Farmers Market, located in downtown Gig Harbor, provides our community with fresh, locally grown farm products and specialty foods. At the same time, we are providing our local area growers with a community-supported venue for their crops and products. Give back to your community. Eat fresh and local.
Date: Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: SKANSIE BROTHERS PARK, 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
UP AND ATOM: LIBRARY PROGRAM
Immerse yourself in the excitement of Up and Atom STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Days, presented in collaboration with the Tacoma Public Library. Engage in hands-on STEAM and craft activities, where children aged 5-12 can explore the world of artists, learn about their creations, and unleash their creative skills by crafting their own artwork. All materials are provided, and everyone is encouraged to join this inclusive and entertaining event!
Date: Thursday, August 1 - Saturday, August 31
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Location: TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Multiple Branches (check link for locations)
FREE NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS AT TAM
Tacoma Art Museum is open late and FREE to the community every Thursday, 5 ā 8 pm! Neighborhood Nights offer us the space to build programs with community partners, artists, scholars, and entertainers. Stop by TAM Cafe for a bite or a drink before enjoying exhibitions, artmaking in TAM Studio, or a special program. Thursday evenings at the Tacoma Art Museum are the perfect time to bring your friends, family, or a date to enjoy art. Experience YOUR Museum.
Date: Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, admission is FREE
CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Join us at the Curran Apple Orchard Summer Concerts starting on Thursday, July 18. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy these free Thursday evening performances that begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Curran Apple Orchard (3920 Grandview Drive W.). The 2024 performers are: August 1 - Billy Spaulding and the Soulful 88s (blues), August 8 - Budapest West (rock and world music), August 15 - Bigfoot Brass (brass band jazz).
Date: Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: CURRAN APPLE ORCHARD, 3920 Grandview Drive W., University Place, WA 98466
SUMNER NIGHT MARKET
Join us for the Sumner Night Market at Heritage Park! It's going to be an evening filled with great vibes, fantastic vendors, delicious food, and live entertainment by Stephanie Anderson from 6 PM to 8 PM! Get ready to groove to some amazing tunes!
Date: Fridays, August 2 and 23
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: HERITAGE PARK, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
PROCTOR FARMERS' MARKET
Join us at the weekly Proctor Farmers' Market, presented by the City of Tacoma and Pierce County's Agriculture Program. Enjoy live music and browse a variety of local produce, crafts, and more. Free to attend and suitable for all ages!
Date: Saturdays, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: North 27th and North Proctor Streets, Tacoma, WA 98401
DISNEY ROCK 'N BOWL
Join us for a night of karaoke, dancing, rocking and bowling to all your favorite Pixar & Disney hits! Two sessions available for kiddos, as well as older teens and adults.
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 5:30 PM (kiddos), 8:00 PM (older teens and adults)
Location: OCEAN5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
UNIVERISITY PLACE MOVIE IN THE PARK
Grab your picnic dinner, blanket and chairs and head out to Cirque Park for "Movie in the Park"! Starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be children's activities and snack trucks prior to the show. Then spread out your blanket and settle in for the hilarious adventures of Dory and her friends as they get busy "Finding Nemo." On site for the evening will be the Corndoggery food truck, Bliss Ice Cream and Kona Ice! Please note: The event venue is lawn seating. As a courtesy to all viewers, those with taller lawn chairs are asked to set up their seats toward the back of the viewing area so that everyone can see the movie.
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: CIRQUE PARK, 7250 Cirque Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
BOTANICAL GARDEN TOUR AT POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
Take a tour of vibrant, leafy plants that evoke a sense of being in the jungle or a tropical paradise. Bamboo, banana, perennials, evergreens - meet the tropical plants that thrive in our Northwest climate. Take a botanical garden tour with our horticulturalist Bryon Jones and be awed by the power of plants at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Date: Sunday, August 4
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
TACOMA SUNDAY MARKET
Event Description: Explore the South Sound's favorite curated marketplace at the Tacoma Sunday Market. Discover vintage clothing, handmade goods, sneakers, designers, food, drinks, music, and more! This fun and inclusive event celebrates diversity and small businesses while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Date: Sundays, August 4 and 18
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 917 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
COMMUNITY GARDEN WORK PARTY
Many hands make light work! Join us for spring planting and general maintanance for the PLU Community Garden. All food grown in the garden is donated to Trinity Lutheran's Food Pantry. We encourage volunteers to dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and to wear closed toe shoes. All PLU student, faculty, staff and Parkland community members are invited to join.
Dates: Sundays, August 4, 18
Times: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: PLU COMMUNITY GARDEN, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Ave S, Parkland, WA 98447
TUESDAYS AT THE BAY
Stop by Bay Terrace each Tuesday for one of our weekly programs, or a cup of coffee! Tuesdays at the Bay includes free employment and education resources for adults and teens at āThe Hub,ā the Fresh Express Farmers Market, Community CafĆ©, and Club Z Tutoring for K-12 kids and teens. You don't have to live at Bay Terrace to attend, all are welcome!
Date: Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: BAY TERRACE, 2550 S G St, Tacoma, WA 98405
LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET
With a wide variety of vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious snacks, this market is the perfect destination for a weekend outing. Explore the stalls and discover unique items while supporting local farmers and artisans. The Lakewood Farmers Market is more than just a shopping destination; it's a community gathering spot where friends and families can connect and enjoy live music, activities for children, and food trucks.
Date: Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: FORT STEILACOOM PARK, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
FIRCREST NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
National Night Out is an opportunity to build neighborhood unity and strengthen the police-community partnership that is so important to the success of our community policing efforts. We are delighted that over the past 24 years our event has been judged and recognized as on of the best events in the nation for communities with a population of 15,000 or less.
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Fircrest Community Center, 555 Contra Costa Avenue, Fircrest, WA 98466
MUSIC ON THE SQUARE
Join us for unforgettable, music-filled Wednesday evenings at Music on the Square in Market Square this summer! From July 10 to August 28, enjoy live music from different bands and delicious eats from a variety of food trucks. August 7 - Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek (blues, roots rock) with Corndoggery. August 14 - Billy Stoops and the Dirt Angels (Americana) with Tacos Mirrey. August 21 - The Chris Eger Band (blues, rock, country) with Jack's Savory Pies. August 28 - King Kom Beaux (Cajun swamp rock and blues) with Boss Mama (burgers).
Date: Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Music on the Square is located in Market Square, just in front of the City's Civic Building, 3609 Market Place West, University Place WA 98466
MOTORS & MOVIES ā DRIVE IN AT ACM: KUNG FU PANDA 4
Grab dinner at our picnic concessions and watch in your car or from a blanket, either option will provide you a great view of the 40-foot tall outdoor screen. Motors & Movies is FREE and open to all ages, no RSVP required, first come first served. Gates for parking 6:00 PM, Movie Start Time: Sunset, Movie: Kung Fu Panda 4.
Date: Friday, August 9
Time: 6:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: LEMAY ā AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
LA PALOMA MARKETPLACE
Get ready for an amazing 10th season at La Paloma Marketplace! With our newly acquired nonprofit status and road closure, we look forward to supporting small businesses and our community like never before. La Paloma Marketplace is an Indigenous owned and operated 501(c)(3), outdoor vintage & artisan market founded in 2014.
Date: Saturdays, August 10, 23
Time: 9:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Proctor District of Tacoma, N 28th St & Proctor St in front of Mason Middle School
SUMMER BASH AND OUTDOOR MOVIE AT NORPOINT
Join us for the Summer Bash and Outdoor Movie at Norpoint! Enjoy a Pickleball Tournament with both Rec and Advanced divisions, food trucks from 2-9 PM, and family games and activities from 5-8 PM. Don't miss the "Tacoma's Got Talent" competition from 6-7:30 PM, and wrap up the evening with a free outdoor screening of "Trolls Band Together" (PG) on the lawn at dusk. Bring your snacks, blankets, and lawn chairs for a fun-filled day and night!
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 2:00 - 11:00 PM
TACOMA'S GOT TALENT
Sign up and share your talent during our Summer Bash at Center at Norpoint! This activity is open to all ages. Come prepared with a 5-7 minute performance and show off your skills. For AV requirements, please email vangela.box@tacomaparks.com for assistance.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Center at Norpoint - Outside, 4818 Nassau Ave NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN
Join us for Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire. The most authentic vision of Maurice White there is out there. Kalimba strives to pay homage to the past & present of EWF, and understands the vision that the groups founder Maurice White had and continues to personify his vision! Kalimba brings all the EWF hits to the stage in a way that takes you back to the first time that you heard these great songs.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Loyalty Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
FREE THIRD THURSDAY AND DOWNTOWN ARTWALK
Tacoma's monthly Third Thursday museum district celebration! Local museums offer free or discounted admission once a month, and often feature special activities. Visit the Washington State History Museum for free from 3pm to 8pm. You can also visit the Foss Waterway Seaport from 4pm - 8pm, and the Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass for from 5pm to 8pm. Local downtown art galleries also open their doors for participants to stop by and enjoy, the works of art and mingle with the artists.
Date: Thursday, August 15
Time: 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
FAMILY STEAM DAYS ā SAIL AWAY!
Burning rubber on the road? Cool off on the water! Explore some of the same physics concepts automotive designers use to ensure balance and speed as you design sailboats in this fun splash, splashy design challenge.
Design, build, tinker and learn together as you explore the world of automobiles and its relation to science, technology, engineering, art and math on Family STEAM Day. On the third Saturday of each month, you and your child, grandchild, or family can spend quality time together exploring activities available in the Education Studio and Family Zone.
Date: Saturday, August 17
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: LEMAY ā AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
TIPTOE THROUGH THE TIDEPOOLS AT TITLOW BEACH
Bring your family to explore the beach, learn about tide pool life and have lots of fun during some of the lowest tides of the year. A naturalist will guide low-tide beach exploration. This is a free event; no registration is required. Wear shoes to protect your feet from the rocky beach, and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Date: Sunday, August 18
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: TITLOW BEACH, 8355 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
THE SUMMER SERENADE - LIVE MUSIC AT MCMENAMINS
Experience an unforgettable night of live music at The Spanish Ballroom featuring award-winning classical world guitarist Andre Feriante, alongside Recording Academy member, songwriter, and pianist Tara Chugh, and the multi-instrumentalist band Ghost in Glass. Join us for a captivating performance blending intricate guitar work, soulful songwriting, and dynamic multi-instrumental compositions. This unique musical event promises an evening of artistic excellence and musical diversity. Bring your whole family to this all ages show!
Date: Sunday, August 18
Time: 4:00 PM Doors, 5:00 PM Show
Location: MCMENAMINS SPANISH BALLROOM, 8355 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
STORYTIME & LADYBUG RELEASE WITH THE FLYING BOOK BUS AT KNUTSON FARMS
Join us for a story time and farm play day with the flying book bus! Admission required for children ages 1 - 12, 13 and over are free! The whole Farm is open for play, including the animal barn, trike course, ball games, ducky races, barnyard play (cornhole, tetherball, chalk, hula hoops, etc), jump pad and barn hoppers!
Date: Monday, August 19
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: KNUTSON FARMS, 16406 78th St E, Sumner, WA 98390
EXPLORE THE SHORE
Ever wondered what it's like to hold a tiny ocean crab in the palm of your hand? Find out at Owen Beach in Tacoma's beautiful Point Defiance Park! Join our beach walk naturalists and stroll along the beach at low tide to learn about the animals that live there. Explore the Shore is a fun and exciting opportunity to learn about the biological diversity of our local beaches. Meet on the beach near the Owen Beach parking lot ten minutes before the start time to register at the event tent. Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet from rocky beaches with barnacles, wear weather appropriate clothing, and bring sunscreen. Free. No RSVP needed. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Date: Monday, August 19
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Owen Beach, 5605 N. Owen Beach Rd., Tacoma, WA 98407
FIRCREST CONCERT, MARKET & PICNIC IN THE PARK
Join us in Fircrest Park to enjoy live music by Harmonious Funk Band from 6:00-8:00 PM, along with a variety of vendors and food trucks from 5:00-8:30 PM. Presented by Umpqua Bank and Fircrest Parks & Recreation, this event promises an evening of fun and entertainment for all ages!
Date: Thursday, August 22
Time: 5:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Fircrest Park, Fircrest, WA 98466
SOUTH SOUND BLOCK PARTY
Experience the vibrant South Sound Block Party in Olympia this August! Enjoy a full day of live music, local vendors, and delicious food, creating a lively community atmosphere. This event is perfect for families and friends to gather and celebrate the summer in the heart of Olympia.
Date: Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24
Time: 3:00 - 10:00 PM (8/23) and 1:00 - 10:00 PM (8/24)
Location: The Port of Olympia's Northpoint, 1210 Marine Drive NE Olympia, WA 98501
HILLTOP STREET FAIR
The Hilltop Business Association presents Tacoma's most prominent community event, The Hilltop Street Fair! In its ninth year, the Hilltop Street Fair celebrates summer with food trucks, beer gardens, vendor booths, live entertainment stages, activities for kids, and much more! The Car Show will also return this year, and for the first time, the fair will feature a local Swap Meet currated by Por Vida NW, a 1on1 Basketball Tournament hosted by Gametime, and a Free Outdoor Movie in People's Park presented by The Grand Cinema, where they will show Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The Hilltop Street Fair centers around the business district on 11th St and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and People's Park. Fairgoers can find ice cream, espresso, bakery items, chocolate confections, pubs, ethnic restaurants, and specialty stores open for business throughout the Hilltop Business corridor. Questions or inquiries, please email: info@hilltopba.org
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: PEOPLE'S PARK, 1100 S 9th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES - PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH
The Grand Cinema is kicking off our fourth annual FREE Outdoor Movie series for summer 2024! ā We'll set up our 30-foot-wide, inflatable screen at a different outdoor venue for each free family-friendly screening. Bring your own blankets, chairs and snacks! TAPCO Credit Union will be passing out a limited supply of FREE Grand Cinema Popcorn!ā š Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at the Hilltop Street Fair
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: Approx. 9:00 PM
Location: PEOPLE'S PARK, 1100 S 9th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
COMMUNITY HARVEST DAY
The public is invited to a Community Harvest Day in which the community is welcome to pick from untaped trees. Please bring picking bags from home and limit yourself to two bags to enable enough apples for everyone to enjoy. There will be NO other activities scheduled on this day (no pressings available). The Community Harvest Day is simply an opportunity for people to come and enjoy the park. If you are unable to attend, you may also pick apples AFTER this date from UNTAPED TREES. Tree Adopters will also receive email notices about additional options available to them.
Date: Sunday, August 25
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: CURRAN APPLE ORCHARD, 3920 Grandview Drive W., University Place, WA 98466
HIVE POP UP MARKET
We are very excited to announce the vendors for our next Hive Pop-Up Market on August 31st! Check out these incredible local makers and services who will be set-up at the shop from 10AM - 1PM. We have free parking in our back parking lot (you can ignore the "permit" signs) and easy entrance to the market through our back door. Just look for the big blue building with "HIVE" on it!
Date: Saturday, August 31
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
AUGUST FAMILY DAY AT THE CO-LAB
Back to School Family Day! Free and Open to All - Open house style, pop in/pop out. Family Day is the last Saturday of every month, so mark your calendars for next months! 12 pm baby and toddler circle time, 2 pm Parent Education with Ms Natasha, 3 pm babysitter club meetup, and 12-5 pm all-age pop-up vendors, crafts, coffee and activities!
Date: Saturday, August 31
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: THE CO-LAB, 3808 N 27th St, Tacoma, WA 98407