7th Annual Downtown to Defiance Event-September 7, 2019

This free, family-friendly event is for people walking, bicycling, skateboarding, scootering, rollerblading - whatever human-powered travel mode you can imagine - to experience the beautiful Tacoma waterfront for five miles unencumbered by cars.

Event Details

Downtown to Defiance

Saturday, September 7, 2019

9 AM to 2 PM

Everyone is welcome to this annual open streets event, the only one like it in Tacoma-Pierce County. It is presented by the City of Tacoma and sponsored by Metro Parks, Pierce Transit, and the Puyallup Watershed Initiative Active Transportation COI.

Volunteers Needed

Interested in being an Information Rockstar or Course Champion? Volunteer at this amazing event! 

Volunteer for Downtown to Defiance

The Route

Join the course at any point along the route between Fireman's Park and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park. Streets close northbound to cars and open to people at 9 AM. Car traffic will resume on Ruston Way promptly at 2 PM and on Schuster Parkway promptly at 4 PM.

Official Park Stops

Take a break at parks along the way. Enjoy arts and crafts, games and sporting events, education demonstrations, and more!

Dune Peninsula: Join in the Community Celebration event and experience this brand new 11-acre park. 

Judge Jack Tanner Park: Metro Arts, gaga ball, bubble soccer, pickleball, and adaptive cycles

Dickman Mill Park: Tacoma Nature Center, public arts activation, children's obstacle course, and a pop-up skate park

Schuster Parkway: Recharge by taking an art break mid-way down Schuster Parkway

Fireman's Park: This park is the southern turn-around, but you don't need to breeze right through. Check out the newly constructed park and learn about the cool activities happening in Downtown Tacoma.