Happy August, friends! There are so many family-friendly festivals here in Pierce County, and we’ve put together a list of our top picks of local, family-friendly events and workshops that offer admission at no cost for families looking for some playful activities to enjoy this month. Whether you’d like to play out in the sunshine or stay engaged indoors, there’s plenty to see and do with your community!

Click the photos to be redirected to event websites.

TAM Neighborhood Nights

Neighborhood Nights

Tacoma Art Museum | Every Thursday

Experience the Tacoma Art Museum with free admission and programming on Thursday evenings from 5 – 8 p.m.

Sparks Workshop

Sparks Workshops

Children’s Museum of Tacoma | Every Friday

At the Children’s Museum of Tacoma at 1501 Pacific Avenue, Sparks Workshops invite children and their families to explore thematic concepts in art, math, science, movement, and more each Friday from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. this summer!

2025 Proctor Arts Fest

Proctor Arts Fest

The Proctor District | August 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This community celebration of art, featuring live music and entertainment, a children’s area, food, and tons of artwork, takes place on North 26th and Proctor Street in Tacoma!

Downtown Tacoma Block Party

Downtown Tacoma Block Party

Broadway | August 3, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Featuring tasty food, live music, local art, and fun, this community celebration takes place right in the heart of Downtown Tacoma at 917 Broadway. Plus, stop by the Play Nook for tons of activities for children and youth, as well as a Calm tent for friends with sensory sensitivities from Greentrike and our partners!

2025 National Night Out Bonney Lake

National Night Out

Allan Yorke City Park | August 5, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

A fun, free community event to promote neighborhood safety and strengthen police-community partnerships. This takes place Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Allan Yorke Park – 7203 W Tapps Hwy E, Bonney Lake. Parking will be free for this event.

STEAM Night

STEAM Night at the Tacoma Public Library: Main Branch

Tacoma Public Library: Main Branch | August 6, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family together to explore concepts of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, also known as STEAM, for an evening brimming with playful discovery and creation! STEAM Nights are free admission and no pre-registration is required.

In the Spirit

In the Spirit Arts Market and Northwest Native Festival

Washington State History Museum | August 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This free community festival features live music, art exhibitions, a fashion show, artisan vendors, interactive activities, food, and complimentary museum admission. Don’t miss this summertime celebration of Native arts and culture! IN THE SPIRIT is hosted collaboratively by the Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and the Museum of Glass.

STEAM Night

STEAM Night at the Tacoma Public Library: Main Branch

Tacoma Public Library: Wheelock Branch | August 27, 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family together to explore concepts of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, also known as STEAM, for an evening brimming with playful discovery and creation! STEAM Nights are free admission and no pre-registration is required.

Hilltop Street Fair

Hilltop Street Fair

People’s Park | August 23, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

This community event features a car show, live music, and tons of food!  Community resource tables and information booths for all ages will line the streets.  There will also be a local swap meet hosted by Por Vida NW, a one-on-one basketball tournament hosted by Gametime, and a free outdoor movie “Puss In Boots:  The Last Wish” showing at People’s Park, presented by The Grand Cinema.

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