South Puget Sound Events & Traditions in Spring 2023
We are excited for all of the fun events, unique traditions, and annual festivals that Spring 2023 brings us here in the South Puget Sound!
Here are a few of the annual events and traditions we are looking forward to in the South Puget Sound this spring, organized by month:
April 2023 Events in the South Puget Sound
Daffodil Parade in Pierce County
April 1, 2023
This year brings us the 90th Annual Daffodil Parade! The Daffodil Festival Parade spans several cities, including Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting. Click here to learn more about the Daffodil Parade itinerary so you can plan your day!
The Spring Fair in Puyallup
April 13-16 & 20-23, 2023
Located at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Downtown Puyallup, The Spring Fair features 2 weekends of rides, games, performances, farm animals, a variety of fun events… and of course, fair food! Learn more about everything happening at The Spring Fair in Puyallup here!
Gig Harbor Paddlers’ Cup
April 29 & 30, 2023
All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this annual community event in Gig Harbor! Enjoy paddle racing for canoes, kayaks, stand-up/prone paddleboards, outriggers, para-canoes, and dragon boats. Learn more about the 10th annual Paddlers Cup Regatta here!
May 2023 Events in the South Puget Sound
MayFest at Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood
May 12-14, 2023
Celebrate the arrival of spring at the annual MayFest event at Lakewold Gardens. This year, enjoy a special Mother’s Day treat, tour the gardens, meet featured artists, and pick up a bouquet of flowers. Click here to learn more!
Gig Harbor Beer Festival
May 20, 2023
Located at the Uptown Gig Harbor Pavillion, the Gig Harbor Beer Festival features live music, games, and of course, a myriad of beers to try! Learn more about this annual event here.
Sumner Block Party
May 20, 2023 Celebrate the start of summer by getting outside to meet your neighbors and enjoy a beer garden, live music, several food trucks, and more, right on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Sumner. Click here for all the details!
Memorial Day Observance at War Memorial Park in Tacoma
May 29, 2023
Each year, the Tacoma Historical Society sponsors a Memorial Day Observance at War Memorial Park in Tacoma. Visit this page for more info as the date approaches.
June 2023 Events in the South Puget Sound
Duck Daze Festival
June 3, 2023
Each year, University Place hosts the popular Duck Daze parade. In addition to the parade, enjoy local vendors, a watermelon eating contest, live music, and lots of kid-friendly carnival activities. Learn more here.
Roy Pioneer Rodeo
June 3-4, 2023
The Roy Pioneer Rodeo is a local tradition that attracts visitors from all around the region. In addition to a packed schedule of arena events, enjoy several food booths, a covered beer/wine garden, browse souvenirs, and more. Learn about the Roy Pioneer Rodeo here!
Maritime Gig Harbor Festival
June 3-4, 2023
Celebrate all things Gig Harbor, all weekend long! Watch the Maritime Gig Parade, stroll through the Wheels on the Water Car Show, participate in the U.S. Bank Fun Run, attend the Blessing of the Fleet, and more. Click here to view the entire schedule of events!
The Foothills Dash
June 4, 2023
Explore the Foothills Trail in Orting at the annual Foothills Dash! There are several courses you can participate in, all starting and finishing at Orting City Park. Learn more here.
Sound to Narrows
June 10, 2023
The Sound to Narrows has been happening since 1973, and this year the event is celebrating its 51st Anniversary! The event starts at N Vassault & 37th Street in Tacoma and finishes at Vassault Playfield, and there are a few different routes depending on the length of race you’re doing. Click here to learn more about the Sound to Narrows!
Meeker Days in Puyallup
June 16-18, 2023
Established in 1939, Meeker Days in Puyallup is a festival where you can enjoy live music, food vendors, shopping, educational exhibits, tons of activities for kids, classic car shows, and more. Click here for updates about this year’s event as the date approaches!
Kitsap Medieval Faire
June 17, 2023
Located at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds & Events Center, the Kitsap Medieval Faire is “a day of historical recreation and demonstrations of martial and artisan skills from the Middle Ages.” Learn more about what you can expect at this event here.
Tacoma Highland Games
June 24, 2023
Located at Frontier Park in Graham (we know the name is a little misleading here!), 2023 brings us the 52nd annual Tacoma Highland Games! Dancing, piping, athletics, culture, and tradition all await; get tickets and learn more here.
The Taste Northwest at the Washington State Fairgrounds
June 30 - July 2, 2023
Many locals may notice that this event looks a bit different these days! Formerly known as the Taste of Tacoma, the community has been enjoying this event since 1986. This much-loved event features more than just incredible cuisine—enjoy live bands and entertainment, cooking demos, outdoor beer gardens, etc. This year, enjoy 50+ food and specialty vendors, 5 entertainment stages, and much more. Click here to learn more about what to expect at The Taste of Northwest 2023.
This is only the beginning of the many events, festivals, and happenings during 2023 in the South Puget Sound—we’re excited for all of the traditions that await during Summer 2023 and beyond as well!