Celebrating the 4th of July & America’s 250th Birthday: A South Puget Sound Event Guide

This year’s 4th of July season is extra special: We are celebrating America’s 250th birthday! 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in addition to our much-loved Independence Day celebrations, there are several additional happenings to mark the occasion. Special exhibits, festivals, concerts, parades, fireworks and more are all on the calendar, and in the South Puget Sound, there’s no shortage of ways to commemorate the occasion. 

Here's your city-by-city guide to celebrating the 4th of July and America’s 250th Birthday festivities throughout the South Puget Sound: 

Tacoma

• Tacoma Summer Blast: On July 4, head to Ruston Way & Dune Peninsula to explore 150 vendors and enjoy an epic 20-minute firework display, live music, food, and more. 
• The Annual July 3rd Fireworks Extravaganza: On July 3rd, head to Cheney Stadium to see the Tacoma Rainiers play, the fireworks show, and other patriotic festivities.

Gig Harbor

• Gig Harbor Celebrates America 250 Kid & Pet Parade: On July 4, head to the Downtown Gig Harbor waterfront to join in on the Kid & Pet Parade. 

Puyallup

• America 250 in Puyallup: On July 4, an all-day celebration awaits at Pioneer Park in Downtown Puyallup. In addition to a reading of the Declaration, Presentation of Colors, and the National Anthem, there is also the farmers market, live music, a patriotic car cruise, food trucks, a beer garden, and more.
• Red, White & Kaboom On July 3, the Washington State Fairgrounds will host a full day of fun with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, a 5K, lots of kid-friendly activities, and finally a professional fireworks display at 10pm. 

Orting

• 4th of July Festival: On July 4, head to Main City Park & North Park to enjoy Orting's Independence Day festival paired with the city’s farmers market. 

Steilacoom

• Steilacoom Four on the Fourth: On July 4th, join in on this fun run/race through the historic town of Steilacoom. After the run, enjoy the street fair, parade, and fireworks. 

DuPont

• 4th of July Hometown Celebration: On July 4, DuPont is going all out with their Independence Day celebration. The day begins with a pancake breakfast and then you can enjoy the parade, live music, food, games, vendors, a movie in the DuPont Fire Station, and finally fireworks at dusk. 
• 5th of July Walk & Talk: On July 5, join DuPont Historical Society for an informative walk where you’ll learn about DuPont’s history and how it fits in America’s larger story. 

Lacey & Thurston County

• Lacey Fireworks Spectacular: On July 3, head out to join your neighbors for live entertainment, kids activities, food vendors, and fireworks. 
• American Legion Concert: On July 9, enjoy a patriotic outdoor concert hosted by the American Legion. 

Free Museum Day: August 8

To celebrate and honor America’s 250th anniversary, several museums throughout the South Puget Sound and Washington state are offering free admission. 

A few favorites close to home include: 

• 9th & 10th Horse Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers Museum (Tacoma)
• Museum of Glass (Tacoma)
• Foss Waterway Seaport (Tacoma)
• Pacific Bonsai Museum (Federal Way)
• DuPont Historical Society (DuPont)
• Karshner Museum (Puyallup)
• LeMay Collections at Marymount (Lakewood)
• Steilacoom Historical Society (Steilacoom)

You can find the complete list of museums participating in Free Museum Day throughout Washington state here.

America250WA.org is another incredible resource for discovering the various exhibits and programs designed to honor our nation's 250th anniversary throughout Washington state.