If you haven't heard, summer is for car lovers in the South Puget Sound. When the weather is bright and sunny, collector vehicles are out and about - possibly on one of these scenic drives through the county. Chrome sparkles, paint jobs shine, and roofs come down and hoods go up as collector cars are celebrated this weekend at Goodguys and LeMay - America's Car Museum! Equally at home in the South Sound are revheads of a different variety, the type who enjoy watersports. This weekend, Tacoma welcomes athletes from across the globe to the World Water Ski Racing Championships at Point Ruston. In other parts of the city, Wright Park hosts Ethnic Fest and the Tacoma Dome invites Ed Sheeran to take the stage. Happy Friday, Pierce County!
Want to see even more events? Check out our online events calendar to see what else is happening this weekend.
1. Goodguys 30th Pacific Northwest Nationals
Friday, July 28 - Sunday, July 30
Washington State Fair Events Center
Over 2,500 of the Northwest's finest hot rods and classic cars will be on display at the Washington State Fair Events Center this weekend. This annual event is one of the largest car shows in the region, and features custom hot rods, muscle cars, and vintage vehicles. Goodguys is a great outing for the whole family, kids will enjoy the free arts and crafts, games, model car making, and the giant slide and carousel.
2. Cars + Cigars
Friday, July 28
LeMay - America's Car Museum
Held on the Anderson Plaza in front of LeMay - America's Car Museum, Cars and Cigars is a local favorite. Both cigar aficionados and automotive enthusiasts alike enjoy delicious food from award winning chef Tom Douglas. Beverages on hand range from wine to whiskey to local craft beer, and of course, there will be Montecristo cigars. This event is 21+ only, and a valid ID is required for admission. The museum will be hosting another car event on Sunday, July 30. FitMint 2017 celebrates custom built cars in the Pacific Northwest, and will donate all net proceeds to Seattle Children's Research Hospital.
3. World Water Ski Racing Championships
Saturday, July 29 and Saturday, August 5
Point Ruston
Athletes from around the world will compete in the World Water Ski Racing Championships in Commencement Bay this Saturday and next weekend. Occurring every two years, the competition comes to Point Ruston after last held in Wellington, New Zealand in 2015. Free for viewers, the championships feature high octane water ski racing from 50 international teams, sky diving demonstrations, and water ski stunts. The festivities continue into the evening, with the Point Ruston free Summer Music Series. Want to try your hand at some watersport stunts? Try paddleboard yoga on the Foss.
4. Ethnic Fest
Saturday, July 29 - Sunday, July 30
Wright Park
The largest celebration of culture and community in Tacoma returns this weekend. Wright Park in the historic Stadium District hosts the free, family-friendly festival this weekend.Live entertainment will take place on two stages, and includes performances by the Indonesian Cultural Center, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, and the Clay Martin Puppets. Food vendors will be stationed throughout the festival area. After the festival concludes on Saturday evening, stick around the park for a free movie! This week's featured film is Hidden Figures.
5. Ed Sheeran at the Tacoma Dome
Saturday, July 29
Tacoma Dome
Welcome to Tacoma, Ed! English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will be performing at the Tacoma Dome this Saturday night, with an opening performance by James Blunt. After the show, stick around at the Plaza and Exhibition Hall where free Pepsi beverages and snacks will be provided. Stacks food truck will also be on hand to provide post-concert burgers.
