Traffic, parking, and tips for enjoying for Tacoma Summer Blast

Traffic impacts for Tacoma Summer Blast begin July 3

Drivers headed along Ruston Way should expect parking restrictions and road closures July 3 and 4 related to Summer Blast.

On July 3 the gated lots at Dune Peninsula, Cummings, Les Davis and Jack Tanner parks along Ruston Way will remain locked and closed all day for event set up including stage and tent construction and vendor load-in. Parking will still be available at Point Ruston and in the parking lots near Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern, Duke’s Seafood and across the street from those locations.

On July 4, Ruston Way will be closed to all traffic between Alder Street and N. 49th Street, Yacht Club Road will be closed between Ruston Way and Grand Loop, and N. Baltimore St. will be closed between Ruston Way and N. 49th St. These closures go into effect at 7 a.m. and will last until midnight. Heavy traffic and delays around these closures are expected, so please plan accordingly.

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Paid Parking 

Parks Tacoma is providing paid public parking in the Multipurpose Lot near Point Defiance Park. All vehicles are $25. Access the Multipurpose Lot by taking the first exit from the roundabout at the Point Defiance Pearl St. Entrance and following the road up the hill.

Paid parking is also available at the Point Ruston parking garage. Drivers in the Point Ruston garage should expect long delays of up to two hours to exit after the fireworks display.

Free Parking 

Free public parking is available at Point Defiance Park near the boat launch and in all lots along Ruston Way south of Alder St on a first-come, first-served basis.

ADA Accessibility 

On July 4, a dedicated ADA parking lot will be available at the intersection of Ruston Way and Alder. The ADA viewing area for the fireworks show will be located at the horseshoe pier at Cummings Park.

Bus Services 

Pierce Transit offers service to Point Defiance Park via Bus route 10 and Bus route 11. Note:Holiday hours of operation will be in effect on July 4, with the last bus scheduled to depart the Point Defiance Ferry Terminal at 6:28 p.m. Do not plan on using the bus for transportation after the fireworks display.

Boating Safety

If you plan on enjoying this year’s Summer Blast Fireworks Show from the water, please be aware that vessels are required to stay at least 1500 feet clear of the fireworks barge before and during the fireworks show. Read more about boating on the 4th of July.

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About Tacoma Summer Blast 

Tacoma Summer Blast is hosted by Parks Tacoma in partnership with the City of Tacoma. The event features a full day of live music, food, entertainment, and craft vendors. Festivities begins at noon and ends with spectacular fireworks over Puget Sound around 10:00 p.m. 

The celebration takes place at Dune Peninsula and Cummings Park on Ruston Way with over 150 vendors, 2 stages and a 20-minute firework display. The fireworks display can be seen from Dune Peninsula Park in the north, along Ruston Way Waterfront, and stretching to Jack Hyde Park in the south. The City of Tacoma Fireworks Show is presented by Tacoma Venue and Events.

More event details can be found online at TacomaSummerBlast.com.