Traffic, parking, and tips for enjoying for Tacoma Summer Blast
Traffic impacts for Tacoma Summer Blast begin July 3
Drivers in Tacoma’s north end should expect parking restrictions and road closures related to Summer Blast on July 3 and 4.
On July 3 the gated lots at Dune Peninsula, Cummings, Les Davis and Jack Tanner parks along Ruston Way will remain locked and closed for event set up including stage and tent construction and vendor load-in. Parking that day 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.
Staying Cool at Tacoma Summer Blast
Tacoma Summer Blast is gonna be a hot one this year, and we’re not just talking about the awesome music. During the hot weather we encourage everyone to:
👚Wear light-weight and light-colored clothing
🥤Drink plenty of water – there is a water bottle refill station near the restrooms at Dune and drinking fountains at Dickman Mill Park and and at a pocket park west of the Lobster Shop. Water will be available for $1 at event info booths at Dune and Cummings plus food vendors will have plenty of cold drinks available for purchase.
🌳Find some shade – The Cummings park stage is surrounded by trees. At Dune an umbrella or popup tent will be useful to block the sun (do not put any stakes into the ground and be courteous of your neighbor’s view)
💪Avoid strenuous activities
☀️Wear sunscreen
Get more tips and resources at metroparkstacoma.org/stay-cool
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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.
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.
Paid Parking
Paid public parking is available at the Point Ruston parking garage. Rates can be found on their website at PointRuston.com/about/parking.
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 at 6:06 p.m. Do not plan on using the bus for transportation after the fireworks display.
Boating Safety
Boaters who will be using the Point Defiance Marina to move their vessels in and out of the water should be aware that the morning low tide will cause service disruptions. The boat lifts are expected to close for roughly an hour from 10-11 a.m. The actual duration of closure will be determined by Marine staff based on the safety of conditions. The low tide will also reduce access to the launch lanes which could result in longer wait times. 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 Emerald Queen Casino fireworks show is presented by the City of Tacoma.
More event details can be found online at TacomaSummerBlast.com.
Media Contact
Stacia Glen, Public Information Officer
(253) 345-0948
