We love our Summer in the Pacific Northwest, and particularly in Tacoma, we know how to party! This Summer promises to be an epic season, with a bunch of must-attend events. We’ve assembled this list of Tacoma events to help you navigate what you need to hit up during the Summer months.
SOUNDWAVE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Soundwave is Tacoma’s first ever multi-genre music festival! You definitely wanna clear your calendars for this one
Don’t miss this event at Cheney Stadium on July 7th. You’ll want to be there not only for the epic music, but you’ll love the incredible food, drinks, games and more.
When: July 7
Where: Cheney Stadium
More Info & Tickets: Eventbrite
PRIDE TACOMA 2018: THE MIX PRIDE BLOCK PARTY
The Tacoma Pride Festival honors the LGBTQA community by fostering pride in who we are as valuable, creative members of a diverse population in the South Puget Sound region by curating cultural events, establishing partnerships, and hosting Tacoma Pride, formerly Out in the Park, an outdoor festival.
When: July 14
Where: 635 St Helens Ave. Tacoma
Website: Tacoma Pride
Ages: 21+ Only
REGGAE ON THE WAY 2018
Tacoma’s sole Reggae music festival is BACK! Reggae on the Way is an all-ages block party style festival held on South Tacoma Way, spanning from 54th Street to 56th Street. This year expect amazing talent, a massive stage, high-end sound and lighting production, vendors, beer gardens, food trucks and more!
When: July 28. Gates open at 12 PM., music starts at 2 PM, goes until 11 PM
Where: 5406 S Tacoma Way
More Info & Tickets: Eventbrite
TASTE OF TACOMA
Touted as the ultimate Summer get-together, the Taste of Tacoma® is Tacoma’s premier food and drink festival. We celebrate with 5 top local eateries, serving up large-taste portions, prepared by some of Tacoma’s most creative local chefs.
If great food brings you to another level of indescribable satisfaction, this festival is for you!
What can you expect?
- Live music on 4 stages
- Live cooking demonstrations & cook-offs at “The Taste Cooks!” stage
- 40+ restaurants & vendors
- The all-new South Sound Bites local restaurant showcase
- Craft Beer Tasting
- Outdoor beer gardens
- Wine Bar
- Funtastic Carnival
- Kids petting zoo & more!
If you’re a foodie, this is a must-attend event!
When: Friday, Jun 22, 11:00 am to Sunday, Jun 24, 9:00 pm
Where: Point Defiance Park, 5400 N Pearl St
Phone: (253) 305-1000
More Info & Tickets: Website
ART ON THE AVE
Mary Mart is proud to be a part of 6th Ave Tacoma’s largest festival. The annual art festival features a variety of local vendors, artists, exhibits, music, and beer gardens. Also, don’t miss the shopping bargains that line the street from Alder to State.
Make sure to check the Art On The Ave website for regular updates. This promises to be one of the best Tacoma events.
When: Sunday, July 8, 2018
More Info & Tickets: Website
Event Page: Facebook
TACOMA FREEDOM FAIR
Mary Mart is proud to be a part of the annual Tacoma Freedom Fair, which for the last 40 years has been Washington State’s largest one-day event. (And, it keeps getting bigger every year!)
2018’s will feature 4 stages of live music, numerous exhibitions, a kids zone and a car show. The event concludes with one of the top 10 fireworks show in America!
When: July 4, 10 am – 11 pm
Where: Ruston Way Waterfront 2201 Ruston Way, Tacoma
More Info & Tickets: Facebook
TACOMA ETHNIC FEST 2018
Since its humble beginning in 1986, Ethnic Fest has become Tacoma’s largest celebration of culture, community, and diversity. Ethnic Fest is a free festival that is family friendly, featuring arts & crafts, a variety of entertainment, and a kid’s zone. Come to celebrate over 30 years of Tacoma culture!
When: Saturday-Sunday, July 28-29, from Noon to 7:00 pm
Where: Wright Park, Tacoma
Website: Ethnic Fest
MUSIC AND ART IN WRIGHT PARK
MAWP — aka Music and Art in Wright Park — started in the early 1990s in the heart of Tacoma. A family-friendly event, you’ll enjoy arts and crafts, delicious food (food trucks!), and plenty of music, including rock, pop, alternative, and of course, punk!
Best thing of all, MAWP is free to the public!
When: Saturday, August 11th, 2018 – Noon till 7 pm
Where: Wright Park
Website: MAWP Festival
ALMA MATER TACOMA EVENTS
This summer will be awesome at the new Alma Mater venue. Mark your calendar for some really cool shows at an incredible venue, now featuring a great cafe to chill in!
LAUGHING MATER
When: June 15
More Info: Alma Mater
DESTINY CITY COMICS AND ARTS FESTIVAL
When: June 23
More Info: Alma Mater
TACOMA PRIDE AFTER PARTY
When: July 14 – July 15
More Info: Alma Mater
So many events, so little time. Make this Summer the best one yet! Don’t be a stranger — stop on by Mary Mart and say “hi!”
And, don’t forget to check out our menu for your favorite strains and special deals.