Looking for fun and engaging activities for the whole family this July in Tacoma? As the South Sound Magazine's voted best realtor, I've curated a list of must-attend events that cater to families of all sizes. Whether you're seeking exciting outings, kid-friendly adventures, or memorable experiences, you'll find a variety of options here. From lively community festivals to family-friendly live music performances and enriching summer programs, explore the best experiences Tacoma has to offer this month. Dive into our family-friendly event guide and make the most of your July with these fantastic local events!
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 “The Hub,” the Fresh Express Farmers Market, Community Café, 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, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: FORT STEILACOOM PARK, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
LACEY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR
A centralized event with flat walking paths and reserved handicap parking. Perfect for an easy and accessible celebration. The event starts at 4pm, kid zone & food vendors open. There will be live circus shows inside the Kid Zone beginning at 4:30. Kid zone activities close 9:15pm. Fireworks start at 10pm.
Date: Wednesday, July 3
Time: 4:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: Rainier Vista Park, 5475 45th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
R JULY 3RD EXTRAVAGANZA
Celebrate with fireworks and baseball as the Tacoma Rainiers take on the Salt Lake Bees. Stay for an incredible fireworks show post-game!
Date: Wednesday, July 3
Time: Gates Open: 4:30 PM, First Pitch: 6:05 PM
Location: Cheney Stadium, 2502 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405
RED, WHITE & KABOOM
Join us for an evening of fun at the Gold and Teal lots of the Washington State Fairgrounds, culminating in a professional fireworks display. Live music, a beer garden, food trucks, kids’ corner, and stay for a professional fireworks display at dusk.
Date: Wednesday, July 3
Time: 5:30 to 10:30 PM
Location: Washington State Fair, 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
A GRAND OLD 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Experience a fun-filled parade, street fair, live music, beer garden, and many vendors, concluding with a spectacular fireworks show over Puget Sound around 10:30 PM.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Location: Steilacoom Town Hall, 1717 Lafayette St, Steilacoom, WA 98388
FAMILY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
A family celebration complete with free children's area, including inflatables, slide, bouncy house, and obstacle course, live entertainment, a drone show at 9:45 PM and a fireworks show!
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: Park opens at 7:00 AM, entertainment begins at 12:00 PM
Location: Angle Lake Park, 19408 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188
TACOMA SUMMER BLAST
Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display spanning from the north at Dune Peninsula Park, along the Ruston Way Waterfront, all the way to Jack Hyde Park in the south.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 12:00 - 10:30 PM
Location: Dune Peninsula Park, Ruston Way Waterfront, Jack Hyde Park
4TH OF JULY NIGHT FIREWORKS TOURS
Gig Harbor Details: Cruise from 8:15 PM to Midnight on an epic, interpretive, guided, night-sightseeing cruise with your friends and family or business associates! You can bring your own food and non-alcohol drinks. “RIVIERA” is a classic Northwest built charter boat that is certified by the USCG and ready for an adventuresome night cruise to remember! Cruise leaves from and returns to the Maritime Pier in downtown Gig Harbor, the pier located next to the Tides Tavern. Price: $80.00 per person including tax.
Tacoma Details: Tacoma Fireworks trip from Tacoma runs 9:00 to 11:00 PM. (Must have reservation, Arrive by 8:45 for check-in. No bathroom on boat.) Sails from 1817 Dock St. Tacoma 98402. Price is $60.00 Adults, $60 Seniors, $60 all children Ages 0-12. This trip is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 8:15 PM to 12:00 AM (Gig Harbor) AND 9:00 - 11:00 PM (Tacoma)
Locations: Maritime Pier, 3003 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (sails/returns to Gig Harbor) AND 1817 Dock St. Tacoma 98402 (sails/returns to Tacoma)
LIVE MUSIC AT KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE
Live bands in a wide variety of genres play on the Kimball Stage every Friday night. Doors open at 6pm, and the show goes from 7-9 pm. Enjoy a bite to eat, one of the rotating beers on tap, a glass of wine, or coffee – of course.
Dates: Fridays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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, July 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: North 27th and North Proctor Streets, Tacoma, WA 98401
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.
Date: Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 21
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Owen Beach, 5605 N. Owen Beach Rd., Tacoma, WA 98407
BOTANICAL GARDEN TOUR AT POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
Cacti. Bamboo. Leaves, trunks, flowers. Did you know the Zoo is also a botanical garden, home to hundreds of varieties of plants from decorative to functional? Zookeepers use some of the plant growth, such as banana leaves and bamboo shoots, as food or skill-building tools for the animals. The plants also create a stunning botanical paradise.
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, July 7
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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, July 7 and July 21
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 917 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
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, July 11, 18, 25
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 925 Broadway, Tacoma WA 98402
MOVIES ON THE LANES AT OCEAN5
Join us on Thursdays in July for a family-friendly movie experience! Beat the summer heat (or escape the rain) and enjoy popular movie series while bowling. With no school, it’s the perfect daytime outing! Grab your friends, lace up those bowling shoes, and settle in for a fun movie matinee. Don't forget to grab some lunch or maybe even a little popcorn! See you there! 📅 11am -3pm(ish). July 11th - Minions series. July 18th - Shrek series. July 25th - Toy Story series. Take advantage of our "Hang Ten" Wednesday deal where the first $10 is on us for every child in the arcade all day long.
Date: Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: OCEAN5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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, July 11, 18, 25
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: SKANSIE BROTHERS PARK, 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
FREE NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS AT TAM
Tacoma Art Museum is open late and FREE to the community every Thursday, 5 – 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, July 11, 18, 25
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, admission is FREE
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN WITH VICTIMS OF LOVE
Join us for Victims of Love. A Tribute to the Eagles, the band is comprised of 5 Seattle-area music veterans who formed a project to give anyone within earshot the opportunity to hear those Eagles songs they love played live. Did you know that Don Felder recorded 16 different guitar tracks on Hotel California with 7 playing at the same time at one point in the song? It's amazing to see how the band performed that one live with just three guitar players. Come out and catch a Victims of Love show…we'll show you how the Eagles performed that one live…along with dozens of others!
Date: Friday, July 12
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
SHARKS & RAYS
Learn about sharks and rays, watch a shark feed, and play shark and ray games! Free with admission or membership. July 13-14. Find the details at the link below! Get tickets ahead of time or check in with your membership.
Date: Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14
Time: 9:15 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 North Pearl Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
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, July 14 and July 28
Times: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: PLU COMMUNITY GARDEN, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Ave S, Parkland, WA 98447
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, July 18
Time: 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN WITH RESTLESS VOCAL BAND
Join us for Restless Vocal Band. Restless Vocal Band is a dynamic and award-winning mixed voice a cappella group hailing from the Pacific Northwest. With a diverse set list that spans decades and genres, from classic hits by The Temptations and The Drifters to modern pop sensations like Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa, Restless Vocal Band delivers a high-energy and unforgettable performance experience.
Date: Friday, July 19
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
FIRCREST FUN DAYS
The 2024 Friday Night FUN will feature a large variety of outdoor games, competitions, activities and culminate in an ultimate 80's Dance Party. The evening will also feature the Kids' Makers Market and a full line up of food trucks offering a fantastic variety of food options for purchase. On Saturday, FUN DAYS will feature live entertainment with bands, reptile show and so much more. And of course, we'll have Artist and Maker vendor booths, food trucks, a beer garden, yoga in the park, Kidz Zone and more. We'll bring back the Annual Furry 4K Pet Walk. We'll also bring back the Fir'CRUST' Pie Bake-off, Junior Bake-Off and Watermelon Eating Contest. The Saturday festivities will conclude with a spectacular firework show that evening. Fircrest FUN DAYS is family-friendly and community oriented.
Dates: Friday, July 19, 5:00 - 10:00 PM and Saturday, July 20, 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location: Fircrest Park, Fircrest, WA 98466
HIVE POP UP MARKET
Mark your calendar! The next Hive Pop-Up Market is taking place Saturday, July 20th at 10 AM. We are actively sourcing artists and vendors, so if you are interested in participating, please visit our website and fill out the vendor form. We will post more details as we lock things in!
Date: Saturday, July 20
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
FAMILY STEAM DAYS – RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINES
On the third Saturday of each month, families can spend quality time together exploring activities available in the Education Studio and Family Zone. Family STEAM Days are free for ACM Members and included with Museum admission. Museum visitors age 18 and under receive FREE admission on Family STEAM Days.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
OWL TOGETHER NOW - 1- MILE WALK
(Age 6+) Join us for this exciting collaborative fun event! This 1-mile course will be located solely within the Point Defiance Zoo. Animal photos displayed throughout the course will be a fun scavenger hunt for the whole family. This course is stroller and family friendly. You will see the zoo in a different light and have chances to spot penguins, musk ox, and red wolves. Half of the entry fees goes to support the PDZA AAZK to support conservation and professional development for their members. Interested in volunteering? Click here to sign up. July is Zookeeper Awareness month so, “Owl Together Now” let's support a fun and meaningful cause! The Zoo's Plaza Café will be open with Lancer Catering on the day of the race. 1-Mile Entry Fee, see website for more details.
Date: Saturday, Jul 20
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Point Defiance Park Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN WITH VICTIMS OF LOVE
Crafting small-town songs with big-city sounds, James Coates has spent 15 years connecting with audiences across the Pacific Northwest and around the country. Backed by a group of friends old and new, James Coates & His Band perform a signature blend of genres they affectionally refer to as “Funky Country & Americana Soul.”
Date: Friday, July 26
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
MOSAIC: Tacoma's Arts & Culture Festival
Wright Park transforms into a celebration of international delights July 27-28 from 12-7 p.m. for the MOSAIC Arts and Culture Festival. The free community event highlighting traditional dance, music, art and food marks its 36th year under the park’s beautiful canopy of trees.
MOSAIC includes performances from community groups held both days on two different stages, a kids’ zone with entertainment created especially for younger festival goers. Enjoy a bounce house, the park’s sprayground and other activities.
Other features at this year’s celebration include food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines, and vendor village with nearly 100 different booths. Vendors include multicultural artists and crafters, local small business owners and Tacoma community groups, agencies and services.
Date: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Time: 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Wright Park, 501 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405