Traffic Alert: Point Defiance Flower and Garden Festival – June 7-8, 2025
Point Defiance Park
Traffic Alert: Point Defiance Flower and Garden Festival – June 7-8
Visitors to Point Defiance Park can expect significant traffic impacts the weekend of June 7-8 related to the Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival. Drivers wishing to access the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum or Owen Beach on those days should use the Mildred Street entrance.
The festival begins on Saturday, June 7 at 11 am but expect traffic impacts to begin earlier in the day to accommodate vendors and facilities. Click here to view a parking & traffic map for the event.
Point Defiance Park and its attractions will be open, but visitors and those arriving for the ferry should expect increased traffic and delays.
Free parking is available, however visitors are encouraged to find alternative means of transportation to limit traffic.
Zoo and Fort Nisqually Visitors
Those planning to visit Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Fort Nisqually, or Owen Beach by car should use the Mildred Street entrance.
Free Parking
Free parking is extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis in the boat launch parking lot and on neighborhood streets.
ADA reserved parking spots are available near the Lodge crosswalk.
Paid Parking
Paid parking is available in the auxiliary gravel 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.
Additional paid parking can be found at Point Ruston. Visitors will need to pre-pay in the garage and walk a short distance over the Wilson Way pedestrian bridge to reach Point Defiance.
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. View all bus routes, fares and schedules on Pierce Transit’s website.
- Pierce Transit Shuttle, a shared-ride service for people who, because of their disability, are unable to ride a regular Pierce Transit bus.
- Rideshares and carpool
Vendor Parking
Vendor passes are required to park in the reserved spots on the far side of the pond.
Festival Parking and Traffic Map
Where is the Mildred Street entrance?
