Are you ready for the red, white and blue celebration? It’s time to eat our fill of hot dogs, s’mores, cotton candy and more as we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day. We have plenty of fun events in Olympia, Tumwater and Lacey to celebrate July Fourth. Here are the Thurston County Fourth of July fireworks and events.
Planning on having a firework show at home? Be sure to check out the Washington State Patrol’s guidelines and information resources on which Thurston County cities have firework bans and/or restrictions.
Retro Rainier Independence Day
July 1: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Wilkowski Park
Rochester St E, Rainier
Kick off the Fourth of July weekend with the Retro Rainier Independence Day event! There will be games and activities for the whole family, including face painting, balloon animals, rock painting, carnival games and more! Check out the classic car show, crafters, vendors and food. Dress in your patriotic finest and enter to win the Best Dressed contest. For more information, visit the Retro Rainier website.
Tad Hatter Live Music, Camping and Fireworks Extravaganza
July 2-4
Tenino
This incredible event has been going on for 10 years in Tenino and is the perfect Fourth of July camping experience for adults that like to rock! The weekend includes over 10 rock and metal band performers. There is space for camping next to your car. The 21-and-over event will have plenty of vendors, food and fun all weekend long, ending in a firework show. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit the Eventbrite listing.
Lacey Fireworks Spectacular
Monday, July 3
Rainer Vista Park
4 p.m.
Free
The Lacey Fireworks Spectacular is once again happening on the day before the Fourth – July 3 – giving you an extra day of firework fun! Head to the park to listen to music starting at 5 p.m. with The Coats and Grove Nation. Check out the Acrobats at 4 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. There will be food vendors and a Kid Zone with plenty of activities to keep the kids busy until those fireworks go off with a bang. Learn more at the Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation website.
City of Tumwater’s Independence Day Parade
Tuesday, July 4
Tumwater
11 a.m.
Free
As is tradition, the City of Tumwater’s Independence Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. on July 4, 2023. There is still time to sign up if you want to be in the parade! The parade starts at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Lee Street, moves south on Capitol Boulevard to Israel Road, where it turns right and continues past City Hall, ending at the corner of Israel Road and Linderson Way. For more information, visit the City of Tumwater website.
Artesian Family Festival and Thunder Valley Fireworks Show
Tuesday, July 4
Tumwater Valley Golf Course
6 p.m.
Free entry. Parking $10/car
After the parade, spend the day in Tumwater and then head to the Tumwater Valley Golf Course where the gates are opening at 6 p.m. for the annual Artesian Family Festival and Thunder Valley Fireworks Show! There will be music, games and lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy. And of course, tons of food! Fireworks will begin at 10:15 p.m. For more information, visit the City of Tumwater webpage.
Food Trucks & Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cowan and Memorial Stadiums
Free
If you are a DOD ID card holder, you and your guests can attend this special Fourth of July event at JBLM. There will be food, music and fireworks. Bring your blankets and chairs. Looking for some exercise? You can sign up for the Freedom Run starting at 6 p.m. Be sure to park in authorized spaces only. For more information visit the JBLM website.
