Community Corner

Looking For Something To Do This Summer In Lakewood-JBLM? Here's The Rundown

With summer off to a fast start in the Pacific Northwest this year, the City of Lakewood is offering great family-friendly events throughout the warmer months. With activities ranging from the farmers market returning for the second year, to SummerFest and the Junk in the Trunk community garage sale, both visitors and locals will find something for every member of the family.

June

Farmers Market (June 4)
The farmers market will be open Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until September 17 with two extended market days on July 30 and September 10 where the market is open until 7 p.m.  The farmers market is located at Lakewood City Hall (6000 Main Street SW) and features fresh food, arts, crafts and entertainment. For more information, visit: www.cityoflakewood.us/farmersmarket.

Senior Activity Center Open House (June 6)
Come and see all that the Senior Activity Center has to offer and also connect with businesses that offer services for seniors. For more information, visit:www.cityoflakewood.us/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/senior-activity-center.

Kids Summer Fun Fair (June 6)
Organizations from Lakewood and Tacoma will have information on programs for kids.Join Lakewood area organizations and learn about the amazing summer programs offered in the area.  Families will learn about programs for kids of all ages to fill their summer with fun adventures, crafts, learning and so much more.  The fair is at Lakewood City Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. 

Annual Rhodie Deadhead Work Party at Lakewold Gardens (June 8)
From 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., volunteers help Lakewold prepare for summer at the annual mass-deadheading of the rhododendrons. For more information, visit: www.lakewoldgardens.org.

Soggy Doggy 5K (June 8)
A 5K run/walk for people and dogs at Fort Steilacoom Park with dog friendly obstacles that include mud, foam and water.  $45 for pre-registration or $60 day of race - the fee includes one pet, t-shirt, bandana and timing system. The 5K will begin at 9:30 a.m., but packet pick-up will be available at Lakewood City Hall on June 7 or on-site beginning at 8 a.m. For more information and rules, visit: www.lakewoodparksandrec.com.

Maritime Place Names for Inland Waters (June 9)
Richard Blumenthal will talk about his latest book at 2 p.m. at the Historic Fort Steilacoom Association museum complex on the campus of Western State Hospital. For more information, visit: www.historicfortsteilacoom.org.

The Important of Being Earnest at Lakewood Playhouse (June 14 to July 14)
Falling in love with Earnest is easy. Finding out who he really is will keep you laughing for hours. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18-24. For more information, visit: www.lakewoodplayhouse.org.

Picnic in the Park (June 18)
The Lakewood Historical Society will host a free potluck dinner and history of Fort Steilacoom Park from 6 to 8 p.m. at a large picnic shelter. For more information, visit:www.lakewoodhistorical.org.

Discovery Walk at Lakewold Gardens (June 19)
Visitors from 3-4 p.m. will tour the gardens with Lakewold staff and volunteers, discussing seasonal changes, new additions and future plans. Admission is $6-$9. For more information, visit: www.lakewoldgardens.org.

Second City Chamber Series (June 20)
Have a front row seat, sit under the wisteria covered verandah or maybe throw a blanket out on the grass while relaxing to the moving sound of Second City Chamber Series at Lakewold Gardens. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit: www.scchamberseries.org

July
 

SummerFEST (July 13 and 14)
Fort Steilacoom Park will host this popular two-day family festival presented by the City of Lakewood. The free fun-filled community event offers something everyone in the family can enjoy. For more information, visit:  www.lakewoodsummerfest.com.

SummerFEST Triathlon (July 14)
This is a fun and competitive sprint triathlon open to participants 15 years and older. The course consists of a half mile swim, 14-mile bike course and 3.1-mile run. For more information, or to register, visit: www.lakewoodsummerfesttriathlon.com.

History and Tour of American Lake VA Hospital (July 16)
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the VA Hospital, the Lakewood Historical Society will host a free tour from 7 to 9 p.m. at 9600 Veterans Drive. For more information, visit:www.lakewoodhistorical.org.

NAMI Pierce Summer Picnic (July 17)
The NAMI Pierce Summer Picnic at the Fort Steilacoom Park Cemetery will begin at 5 p.m. and include a marker dedication in honor of Oscar Peterson. For more information, visit:www.wshgraveconcerns.org.

Discovery Walk at Lakewold Gardens (July 17)
Visitors from 3-4 p.m. will tour the gardens with Lakewold staff and volunteers, discussing seasonal changes, new additions and future plans. Admission is $6-$9. For more information, visit: www.lakewoldgardens.org.

Second City Chamber Series (July 18)
Have a front row seat, sit under the wisteria covered verandah or maybe throw a blanket out on the grass while relaxing to the moving sound of Second City Chamber Series at Lakewold Gardens. Ticket prices vary. For more information, visit: www.scchamberseries.org. 

Dog-a-Thon (July 20)
Held at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, this fun, family event has a one-mile stroll or a four-mile hike, dozens of pet-related booths, demonstrations, contests, entertainment and a barbeque. The walk benefits the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.

The Little Mermaid at Lakewood Playhouse (July 20 and 21)
Don’t miss this great family classic. Show on July 20 at 7 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information, visit: www.lakewoodplayhouse.org.

Suessical Jr. at Lakewood Playhouse (July 26 to August 4)
Oh, the people you will see and the things you will do! Join the Lakewood Playhouse for a madcap romp in the production of Seussical Jr., where anything and everything is possible. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit: www.lakewoodplayhouse.org.

Beauty and the Beast at Lakewood Playhouse (July 27)
Don’t miss this great family classic. Show at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information, visit: www.lakewoodplayhouse.org.

Navy Federal Free Movie Under the Stars (July 27)
Navy Federal is hosting a free movie under the stars at Fort Steilacoom Park, showing, “Here Comes the Boom,” starring Kevin James.  The festivities include inflatables and games beginning at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk.

Pierce County Heritage League Tour of the Washington State Hospital Cemetery, Historic Fort Steilacoom Museum and Western State Hospital Historical Society Museum (July 31)
The tour will begin at 10 a.m. from the Fort Steilacoom Park Cemetery. For more information, visit: www.wshgraveconcerns.org. 

August
 

Beauty and the Beast at Lakewood Playhouse (August 3)
Don’t miss this wonderful twist on a great family classic. Show at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information, visit: www.lakewoodplayhouse.org.

Summer Nights at Lakewold Gardens (August 7, 14, 21 and 28)
Bring a picnic and experience Lakewold Gardens on a summer evening or grab the family for a mid-week outing to take advantage of the beautiful calm that embraces the 10-acres as day becomes night. Admission fee $6-9 and open until 8 p.m. For more information, visit: www.lakewoldgardens.org.

Shake It Up Shakespeare at Lakewood Playhouse (August 10)
This will be a wonderful show featuring the Young Actors, the Bard and a unique theatrical experience. Show at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more information, visit:www.lakewoodplayhouse.org. 

Junk in the Trunk Community Garage Sale (August 10 and 24)
The Community garage sale will take place at the Lakewood City Hall and will cost $15 for participants.

History of Clover Park Technical College and Recent Campus Developments (August 20)
The Lakewood Historical Society will host a free presentation by Dr. John Walstrum, retiring president of Clover Park Technical College, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive SW. For more information, visit: www.lakewoodhistorical.org. 

Discovery Walk at Lakewold Gardens (August 21)
Visitors from 3-4 p.m. will tour the gardens with Lakewold staff and volunteers, discussing seasonal changes, new additions and future plans. Admission is $6-$9. For more information, visit: www.lakewoldgardens.org. 

Cindy at Lakewood Playhouse (August 24 and 25)
This is a very contemporary reworking of Cinderella. Shows on August 24 at 8 p.m. and August 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19-25. For more information, visit:www.lakewoodplayhouse.org. 

September

Arsenic and Old Lace at Lakewood Playhouse (September 13 to October 13)
A comedy with a little extra “something.” Shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $19-25. For more information, visit:www.lakewoodplayhouse.org. 

John Flett, Lakewood Pioneer (September 17)
The Lakewood Historical Society will host a free presentation by Beth Flett, a descendant of John Flett who will relate the family history, from 7 to 9 p.m. at 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive SW. For more information, visit: www.lakewoodhistorical.org.

Discovery Walk at Lakewold Gardens (September 18)
Visitors from 3-4 p.m. will tour the gardens with Lakewold staff and volunteers, discussing seasonal changes, new additions and future plans. Admission is $6-$9. For more information, visit: www.lakewoldgardens.org. 

Living History Day (September 28)
Fort Steilacoom will come alive as reenactors live and work as soldiers, officers, their wives, children and friends.  Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit: www.historicfortsteilacoom.org.


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