Community Event Funding Announced for 2026

Tacoma reinvests venue revenue to support free special events

Photo credit: Elizabeth Crook & Lincoln International Business Association

The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) has approved $90,000 in funding to support 28 organizations producing free public festivals and community events in 2026. A tax on food & beverages at events at the Tacoma Dome and Greater Tacoma Convention Center is reinvested directly into community celebrations, cultural festivals, and neighborhood gatherings across Tacoma.

Awarded applicants will receive $2,500 to $5,000 to help cover direct costs to produce events including traffic control, performers, marketing, and other essential expenses. Funding is awarded by CERC through a panel-reviewed competitive process, with applications measured on merit, capacity, and community impact as well as how their event fosters access, opportunity, and belonging.

“As we continue this program into 2026, we’re honored to support 28 organizations whose events strengthen connection, celebrate culture, and expand access to meaningful experiences for all Tacoma residents,” said CERC vice chair Jacob Tice. “Each event reflects the creativity and dedication of our community, and we’re excited to see them grow and thrive.”

These free, all-ages events reflect and celebrate Tacoma’s communities and cultures, featuring music, performing arts, youth activities, multicultural traditions, heritage, literary and visual arts, food, dance, and other unique arts and cultural experiences in neighborhoods across the city.

The volunteer CERC panel also evaluates events for designation of non-monetary support through the City Event Services program, which provides access to services that improve crowd control, public safety, and essential event operations from Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma Fire Department, and the City of Tacoma’s Public Works and Environmental Services departments.

For more information on Tacoma Venues & Events programs, visit tacomavenues.org.

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The organizations and events awarded 2026 Special Events funding are:

• Alchemy Skateboarding
  Go Skate Tacoma

• Asia Pacific Cultural Center
  Asia Pacific New Year Celebration

• Black Night Market
  SoulFull Festival

• Caribbean Queens
  Caribbean Queens Festival

• Community Aunties
  Miss Juneteenth Pageant

• Entertainment Resource Alliance
  Military Marvels Art Market

• Hilltop Artists in Residence Arts
  Night Out Block Party

• Job Carr Cabin Museum
  Tacoma Fiber Fling

• Lincoln International Business Association
  Lunar New Year Festival

• LTD Presents
  Downtown Tacoma Blues & Jazz Festival

• McKinley Hill Business Association
  McKinley Hill Haunted Street Fair

• Museum of Glass
  Glass Fest Northwest

• Oasis Youth Center
  Oasis's Pride Block Party

• Proctor Business District Association
  Proctor Arts Fest

• Rainbow Center
  Tacoma Pride Festival

• Remakery
  Remaker Fair

• Sixth Avenue Business District
  Art on the Ave

• South End Neighborhood Council
  SENCo Block Party Fern Hill Edition

• Tacoma Art Museum
  Día de los Muertos Festival

• Tacoma Central Neighborhood Council
  Tacoma Porchfest

• Tacoma Light Trail
  Tacoma Light Trail New Year's Eve Celebration

• Tacoma Parks Foundation/Parks Tacoma
  MOSAIC

• Tacoma Puzzle Hunt
  Tacoma Puzzle Hunt

• Tacoma Refugee Choir
  Rally for Peace and Welcoming

• Tacoma Sister Cities
  Tacoma Kitakyushu Children's Day

• Washington State Historical Society
  IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival

• WayOut Kids
  Juneteenth Celebration: A Road to Economic Freedom

• Write253
  Wayzgoose