Drivers headed along Ruston Way should expect parking restrictions and road closures July 3-4 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. 49^th 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. 49^th 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.

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.

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.

Free 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.

Bus Services

Pierce Transit offers service to Point Defiance Park via bus routes 10 and 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.

Media Interview Availability

Parks Tacoma will have a spokesperson available for on-camera interviews on July 4 from 11:00-11:30 a.m. at Dune Peninsula near the Echo Dome. Communications and Marketing Manager, Megan Marquett-Snow, will be acting PIO for Parks Tacoma. For any questions please call (253) 345-4608.

Media representatives are encouraged to arrive between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to allow time for parking and equipment transport. 

All vehicles will need a physical printed copy of the Summer Blast Access/Load-in Pass to present at the police barricade at the Yacht Club Road and Grand Loop intersection near Point Ruston. Parking will be located inside the Tacoma Yacht Club gate.

There will be no vehicle access available to media outlets for the Cummings Park event footprint due to road closures and vendor load-in.

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 begin at noon and end 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 firework 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 Venues & Events.

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

Media Contact:

Stacia Glenn, Public Information Officer

(253) 345-0948, [email protected]

Summer Blast On-site Media Contact:

Megan Marquett-Snow, Communications and Marketing Manager
(253) 345-4608, [email protected]

*A map of listed road closures and parking is available on request