Ruston Way shuts down to all traffic Saturday, July 4, 2026, starting at 7 a.m.

If you're heading to Tacoma Summer Blast, plan your route before you leave the house.

Parks Tacoma released a traffic advisory detailing closures, parking options, and transit schedules for the annual waterfront celebration at Dune Peninsula and Cummings Park. The event runs noon to 10 p.m., with fireworks capping the night over Puget Sound.

Road closures start Friday

The closures begin a day early. On Friday, July 3, gated lots at Dune Peninsula, Cummings, Les Davis, and Jack Tanner parks will stay locked all day for stage construction and vendor load-in. Parking near Katie Downs Waterfront Tavern, Duke's Seafood, and Point Ruston remains available Friday.

On Saturday, July 4, full road closures take effect at 7 a.m. and last until midnight:

• Ruston Way between Alder Street and N. 49th Street
• Yacht Club Road between Ruston Way and Grand Loop
• N. Baltimore Street between Ruston Way and N. 49th Street

Parks Tacoma advises drivers to expect heavy traffic and delays near the closure boundaries.

Parking: paid, free, and slow

The Multipurpose Lot near Point Defiance Park offers paid parking at $25 per vehicle. Access it via the first exit from the roundabout at the Point Defiance Pearl Street entrance, then follow the road up the hill.

Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at Point Defiance Park near the boat launch and in all lots along Ruston Way south of Alder Street. The Point Ruston parking garage is also free, but Parks Tacoma cautions drivers to expect delays of up to two hours exiting after the fireworks.

Buses stop running before the fireworks

Pierce Transit serves Point Defiance Park via Route 10 and Route 11, but holiday hours will be in effect Saturday, July 4. According to Parks Tacoma's advisory, the last bus departs the Point Defiance Ferry Terminal at 6:28 p.m. Riders should confirm holiday schedules directly with Pierce Transit, as departure times may vary by route.

That's nearly four hours before the fireworks start. Parks Tacoma's advisory is blunt: do not plan on using the bus for transportation after the fireworks display.

ADA access

A dedicated ADA parking lot will be available at the intersection of Ruston Way and Alder Street. The ADA fireworks viewing area is located at the horseshoe pier at Cummings Park.

What to know before you go

The event features more than 150 vendors, live music, food, and a 20-minute fireworks display visible from Dune Peninsula in the north to Jack Hyde Park in the south. Pop-up tents and umbrellas are allowed at Dune Peninsula, but no stakes in the ground.

Water bottle refill stations are located near the restrooms at Dune Peninsula, with drinking fountains at Dickman Mill Park and a pocket park west of the Lobster Shop. Water is also available for $1 at event info booths at Dune and Cummings.

Boaters should stay at least 1,500 feet from the fireworks barge before and during the show. Full event details are available at TacomaSummerBlast.com.