Traffic Advisory: Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival
Point Defiance Park
Traffic Impacts for Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival – June 6-7, 2026
Parks Tacoma is anticipating heavier than normal congestion around Point Defiance Park and boat launch as people make their way into the park to participate in several events the weekend of June 6-7, including the Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival, the WDFW free fishing weekend and the opening of salmon fishing in marine Area 11.
The Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival runs June 6-7. Beginning on Thursday, June 4 there will be impacts to the normal operation of the Pearl Street entrance, Roberts Garden Road and Marina tunnel to accommodate facility and vendor load-in.
Pearl Street Entrance – On June 6 and 7 the gate at the Pearl Street entrance will open on schedule but close early at 8 p.m. On June 7 and 8 the gate will open at 6 a.m. and close by 9 p.m. The regular schedule will resume on Monday, June 8.
Roberts Garden Road – Roberts Garden Road, the left fork past the Pagoda which leads back to the Pearl Street entrance, will be closed all day June 4 through June 7 and reopen by 2 p.m. on Monday, June 8.
Marina Tunnel – The tunnel leading up from the Marina parking lot back to Roberts Garden Road will be closed all day June 4 through June 7 and reopen by 2 p.m. on Monday, June 8.
During these closures drivers entering Point Defiance from Pearl St will need to exit the park through the marina. Guests who wish to visit Owen Beach, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or Fort Nisqually Living History Museum will need to use the Mildred St Entrance.
Pedestrians and vehicles traveling to Vashon from the Point Defiance Ferry Terminal should plan accordingly to arrive on time for their scheduled sailing.
Parking Options
Paid Parking – Paid parking is available in the multipurpose lot above the boat launch parking lot. All vehicles are $16. Drivers entering the park from the Pearl St. entrance should take the first exit from the roundabout and continue up the hill.
Free Parking – Free parking is extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis along neighborhood streets. Additional parking can be found at the Point Ruston parking garage, a short walk over the Wilson Way pedestrian bridge to reach Point Defiance. Due to the expectation of a busy fishing and boating weekend, it is recommended that only vehicles towing boat trailers use the lot nearest the boat launch.
ADA Parking –ADA-accessible spots will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis near the Lodge crosswalk and a drop-off area will be available in front of the Point Defiance Pagoda.
Alternative Transportation – To reduce traffic and carbon footprints, Parks Tacoma strongly encourages visitors to take advantage of alternative transportation including Pierce Transit route 10 from Tacoma Community College and route 11 from downtown. All bus routes, fares and schedules are available on Pierce Transit’s website at PierceTransit.org.
Reminder that Parking Lot B at the west end of Wilson Way will be closed all day Saturday & Sunday. Attendees are also strongly discouraged from parking at the Zoo and the Marina parking lot for festival parking.
Free Shuttle Service at the Festival
A complimentary shuttle will transport visitors to different destinations in the park during festival hours. Stops will be located at the Pagoda, the Rhododendron Garden, Fort Nisqually and NW Native Garden. Shuttles will run approximately every 20 minutes on Saturday from 11:30 a..m-5:30 p.m. and Sunday, from 11:30 a.m-4:30 p.m.
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