Biggest and Best Fireworks Shows Near Tacoma

Fireworks shows in and around Tacoma, Washington, mostly center around July Fourth, but that's not the only time you can catch a glittering display in the area. Cheney Stadium and the Washington State Fair put on regular light shows all summer long, though Independence Day's display is the grandest of them all.

Many events have been altered or canceled in 2020, so check details below and websites of the organizers before making plans.

Cheney Stadium

Every Independence Day is the Tacoma Rainiers' biggest game of the year. In 2020, it lands on July 3, when the annual fireworks show will erupt over the beloved sports stadium. The July 3rd Extravaganza also includes an auction in which attendees may bid on game-worn jerseys. But there is fun to be had past this patriotic holiday as well.

The baseball season traditionally runs from April to September, and after every Friday night home game, there is a full-blown fireworks show. Games usually start at 7 p.m. and the fireworks usually start somewhere around 10 p.m., or whenever the game is over. Not a baseball fan? You can find a viewing point around the stadium and watch the show for free. The baseball season schedule continues to change going into summer 2020, so check the Cheney Stadium website for updated information.

T-Town Family Fourth

This event has been rescheduled for later in 2020.

Originally called the Tacoma Freedom Fair, the annual Independence Day celebration got a total reboot—new name, new management, new location—in 2020. It moved further north along the Ruston Way waterfront (around Dune Peninsula) and was rebranded as T-Town Family Fourth. The free event is a Tacoma staple, attracting more than 100,000 attendees each year. It includes local eats, a beer garden, several concert stages, and vendors, but the highlight is, of course, the fireworks display. The show erupts over the water at 10 p.m. and is synchronized to music. So long as you're somewhere on the waterfront, you'll have a great view.

JBLM Freedom Fest

This event has been rescheduled for later in 2020.

Another major place to hang out on July Fourth is at Joint Base Lewis McChord’s (JBLM) Freedom Fest. For this event, the U.S. Army base is open to the public for carnival rides, live entertainment, a car show, lots of food, and kid’s activities galore, all at Cowan Stadium. The general public must use I-5 Exit 119 to get there. The fireworks start at dusk.

Steilacoom Grand Old Fourth of July

This event has been canceled in 2020.

Steilacoom, a charming little hamlet, lies just southwest of Tacoma, on the coast of Puget Sound. Its streets are quaint and quiet, almost out of another era. For more than 20 years, the city has hosted a July Fourth party featuring a patriotic parade (plus a kids' bike procession), a street fair, a beer garden, and subsequent fireworks show, all in Steilacoom's downtown area around Lafayette Street. The festivities are free and provide a great alternative to the ever-crowded fireworks displays in Seattle and Tacoma.

Bonney Lake Days

Every August, Bonney Lake—home to beautiful glacier-fed rivers and historical landmarks—hosts Bonney Lake Days, a celebration that takes place over several weekends at Allen Yorke Park. It usually includes live music, food and craft vendors, a car show, a parade, kids' activities, and a fireworks show. In 2020, Bonney Lake Days are scheduled for August 14, from 4 to 9 p.m., and August 17, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Only the Friday event will feature fireworks.

Eatonville Fireworks and Parade

This event has been canceled in 2020.

Eatonville's July Fourth celebrations usually start on July 3 with a day full of family activities, including kids' bouncy castles, live entertainment, and vendors. By night, fireworks fill the sky, leading up to the big day. On the morning of July Fourth, the fun continues with a parade and a big community picnic.

Other Regional Fireworks Shows

July Fourth fireworks take place all throughout western Washington. Seattle's massive show on Lake Union is the most famous, but it has been canceled in 2020. At the southern end of Puget Sound, there are also usually shows in Olympia and Lacey. Be sure to check with the websites of the organizers for updated information.