Summertime is my favorite.

It is truly the time when this little harbor town comes ALIVE… The smell of saltwater lingers in the air, the town buzzes with vibrancy. Life-jacket clad kiddos scamper up from the docks for ice cream, dog walkers meander past the shops that line Harborview Drive, and picnic-goers dot the grass watching as vessels coast in and out of the harbor. Jerisich dock or the Maritime pier prove to be quintessential walking spots, and you might even glimpse a proposal at the Old Ferry Landing! 

Indeed, Gig Harbor is a boater’s paradise and a hometown dream. 

One of the best parts of summer in the Harbor are the community events that draw together young and old for music, art and food! As a hometown girl who gets nostalgic about such things, I cannot wait to begin these traditions with my own growing family. 

While this list is not exhaustive, here are a few of my favorites….

Summer Sounds at Skansie

What is better than live music in the park?! Local bands venture here for “one of Gig Harbor’s most anticipated and popular summertime traditions, the Summer Sounds at Skansie” This outdoor concert series brings such delight to the scenic waterfront park and the sounds of summer echo throughout the harbor. 

Dates: Every Tuesday @ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Skansie Brothers Park, 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Schedule: July 11: Beat Frequency, July 18: Casey & Company, July 25: The Jewel Tones, August 1: The Ante Up Band, August 8: Good Day Sunshine, August 15: The Beatniks, August 22: Ian Ayes & Soul Purpose, August 29: Sounds Like Dolores

Jaclyn’s Local Tip: If you’re able, come by boat or kayak! Jerisich dock and surrounding waters are a quintessential way to raft up and enjoy the tunes. The whole harbor will have their sea legs dancing! 

For more details, see their website: https://www.gigharborguide.com/music/

Waterfront Farmers Market

There’s just something about shopping for fresh produce and local art while at the waterfront! Tucked downtown at Skansie Brothers Park, you’ll find fresh flowers, fruit and veggies, local honey and bread, soaps, jewelry, and other local goods. What a great way to give back to our community as we support local businesses!

Dates: Every Thursday @ 1:00 – 6:00 PM

Location: Skansie Brothers Park, 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Jaclyn’s Local Tip: Don’t forget the check out Skansie Brothers Netshed while you are there to learn some history of our harbor town! It is open to the public during market hours and is filled with incredible artifacts, history of the harbor and the essence of our beloved town. 

For more details, see their website: https://www.waterfrontfarmersmarket.org/

Maritime Gig Festival Weekend

I have the sweetest memories participating in this festival as a wee Gig Harborite! Start your weekend off with a Saturday morning fun run, then meet up with friends and line the streets with chairs and blankets for the Yo’ Ho’ Harbor Grande Parade; take in all the live music, entertainment and local fare, and make sure to visit the Vintage Car show that will be on display throughout Sunday! Food vendors will keep your bellies full and you will experience the safety and delight of this family friendly event that will keep you and your kiddos entertained all weekend! 

My favorite event is Sunday morning called, The Blessing of the Fleet. It’s “a beloved time honored tradition, where the where the Saint Nicholas Catholic Church Priest circles the fishing fleet blessing each boat and crew with holy water to honor those lost at sea and to pray for a safe and bountiful catch.”

Dates: Saturday, June 3rd @ 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM – Sunday, June 4th @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Details: Gig Harbor Parade starts at 10:00 AM on Saturday & Blessing of the Fleet starts at 1:00 PM on Sunday

Location: Downtown Gig Harbor

Jaclyn’s Local Tip: Make sure to pack a blanket or chairs for the parade, and bring a basket so you can collect goodies as the parade-ers throw out the candy (and if you don’t want your kiddos bellies to be filled with sugar before you can hit the food trucks!) 

For more details, see their website: https://www.gigharborchamber.net/maritime-gig-festival

Outdoor Movie Nights

I will absolutely need to forgo early bedtime for my daughters so that we can create family memories at the outdoor movie night! Every Friday at Sehmel Homestead Park, families gather and the community settles in for a treat on the big screen! The movies cater to all ages; popcorn is provided by Kitsap Bank but bring your own candy and drinks! 

Dates: Every Friday @ 8:30 PM-10:00 PM

Location: Sehmel Homestead Park, 10123 78th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Schedule: August 4, August 11, August 18 & August 25th

Jaclyn’s Local Tip: Get there early to mark your territory! Lay down a blanket for bringing chairs. Make sure to pack some light layers as the evening gets chilly. And don’t forget to bring all your candy – no need to sneak it in!

For more details, see their website: https://penmetparks.org/series/friday-night-movies-in-the-park/

Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival

Every summer, my grandmother, mother and I would go to Gig Harbor’s Summer Art Festival. Lining the streets with white tents, this weekend event showcases all the local artists in our town and surrounding areas. A wonderful event to indulge in arts, great food trucks, face paintings and more! Don’t miss it.

Dates: July 15th & July 16th

Location: Downtown Gig Harbor on Judson Street

Schedule: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM both days (Saturday & Sunday)

The Gig Harbor Trolley is Back!

Reminiscent of a jaunt up and down San Francisco streets, this sweet red trolley makes its way from Uptown, through Downtown and up to North Gig Harbor; it costs mere pennies and offers a great alternative transportation if you are unsure of parking at a local event. Not only is it convenient, but makes any adventure instantly more charming! 

For more details, see their website: https://www.piercetransit.org/pt-trolley/

Looking forward to seeing you around our sweet Harbor town!