2026 Special Events Funding

2026 Special Events Funding The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) has approved $90,000 in Special Events funding to support 28 organizations in producing public-benefiting events throughout Tacoma in 2026. In addition, CERC has put forward recommendations for select events to receive non-monetary support through the City Event Services program, which provides access to City of Tacoma services that support crowd control, public safety, and essential event operations. 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. Awarded applicants will receive $2,500 to $5,000 to help cover direct costs associated with their event(s), including infrastructure, traffic control, performers, marketing, and other essential expenses. Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) provides this funding through the Special Events grant program, made possible by revenue generated from Tacoma Dome and Greater Tacoma Convention Center events that is reinvested back into the community. Funding is awarded by CERC through a panel-reviewed 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 committee member Jacob Tice. “Each event reflects the creativity and dedication of our community, and we’re excited to see them grow and thrive.” As part of the City Event Services program, CERC makes recommendations to the City Manager’s Office for select events to receive non-monetary support from various City of Tacoma departments including Public Works, Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma Fire Department, and Environmental Services. The program provides access to resources that help ensure safe, well-coordinated events and expands opportunities for organizers to activate community spaces throughout Tacoma. Alchemy Skateboarding Go Skate Tacoma 2026 Asia Pacific Cultural Center Asia Pacific New Year Celebration Black Night Market Soulful Festival Caribbean Queens Caribbean Queens Festival Community Aunties Community Aunties Miss Juneteenth Pageant Entertainment Resource Alliance Military Marvels Art Market Hilltop Artists in Residence Arts Night Out 2026 Job Carr Cabin Museum Tacoma Fiber Fling Lincoln International Business Association Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival LTD Presents Downtown Tacoma Blues Festival McKinley Hill Business Association McKinley Hill Haunted Street Fair Museum of Glass Glass Fest Northwest Oasis Youth Center Oasis's Pride Block Party 2026 Proctor Business District Association Proctor Arts Fest 2026 Rainbow Center Tacoma Pride Festival 2026 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 2026 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 Kitakyushu Committee 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 Wazeygoose