Festivities are planned July 3 and July 4 in Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater to celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th Birthday.
Personal fireworks are allowed this year in unincorporated Thurston County between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, but are otherwise prohibited.
The cities of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater have their own voter-approved regulations prohibiting fireworks year-round.
Community members are asked to “leave it to the professionals” and celebrate the Fourth of July at one of the area’s scheduled fireworks shows.
The City of Olympia does not have its own fireworks show planned, but encourages its residents to participate in the neighboring communities’ celebrations.
Lacey Fireworks Spectacular
Friday, July 3 – 4 to 11 p.m.
Rainier Vista Community Park, Lacey
The Kid Zone and food vendors open at 4 p.m. Kid Zone activities close at 9:15 p.m., and the fireworks show begins at approximately 10 p.m. The Rainier Vista parking lot opens to the public at 3 p.m. Parking space is limited, and the City of Lacey is providing free bus shuttle service from other nearby school parking lots. Visit https://tinyurl.com/yjkern89 for more information.
Fourth of July Marathon
Saturday, July 4 – 8:30 a.m.
Heritage Park, Olympia
A chance to challenge yourself, celebrate the Fourth of July, and join the vibrant running community in Olympia. Participants will enjoy a scenic out-and-back course, with the 5K and 10K runners completing their loops multiple times, while half marathoners tackle the course six times. Runners can refuel with water, fruit, and snacks available at the starting line.
Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.
All runners must register at https://tinyurl.com/58cftzjj.
38th Annual Tumwater Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 4 – 11 a.m.
Capitol Boulevard to Israel Road Southwest, Tumwater
Find a viewing spot along the parade route and watch military and veteran's groups, high school cheer and dance teams, classic cars, and more. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3nx3xjft for more information.
Tumwater Family Festival
Saturday, July 4 – 6 to 10:40 p.m.
Tumwater Valley Golf Course
Free family event with games, music, and a lot more. $10 event parking that benefits Thurston County Special Olympics. Event parking lot is adjacent to the driving range, accessible via E Street off Capitol Blvd. Gate opens at 6 p.m. Activities include DJ music, inflatable activities, games, IMR Photography, plenty of food vendors, and more. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4hefw9sc for more information.
Nisqually Red Wind Casino Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4 – 10:15 p.m.
Tumwater Valley Golf Course
Thanks to Premier and Title Sponsor, Nisqually Red Wind Casino, the City of Tumwater’s fireworks show promises to be “the biggest and best fireworks show in the county.” The fireworks will be discharged from the Tumwater Valley Golf Course Driving Range.
Thurston County Fireworks Regulations & Safety
Fireworks are allowed in unincorporated Thurston County, but only between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4.
“Have fun .. AND be safe, look out for each other, and follow the hours... or we will call your mom. And trust us, she’s not picking you up from the Fire Marshal's office,” Thurston County said in a social media post Wednesday.
Fireworks are fully prohibited year-round within Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater city limits.
By law that was approved by voters, fireworks may not be sold, purchased, or discharged in those communities.
Novelty devices such as snakes, glow worms, and party poppers are allowed. However, sparklers and all other types of fireworks — including those purchased elsewhere — may not be used in Lacey, Olympia or Tumwater city limits.
Unused fireworks should be discarded safely using the following steps:
Thurston County residents are asked to limit 911 calls related to Fourth of July fireworks to reporting fires, injuries, or other life-threatening situations.
“Calls for immediate emergency life safety assistance must be prioritized to ensure public safety,” the City of Tumwater said in a news release.
Fireworks complaints, including information about the illegal sale or discharge of fireworks within Olympia, Lacey or Tumwater city limits, should be directed to the non-emergency police dispatch line.
For the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater police departments, that number is 360-704-2740.
