July 4, 2026 | 10 am–2 pm | Downtown Gig Harbor Gig Harbor marks the nation's 250th birthday on July 4 with a community celebration in downtown Gig Harbor from 10 am to 2 pm. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Waterfront Alliance, the Kiwanis Club, and the city, the day includes a kids-and-pets parade, a flag-themed public art project, and pie-baking and pie-eating contests. It is the first organized Independence Day event Gig Harbor has hosted in decades, tim

July 18–19, 2026 | Sat 10 am–6 pm, Sun 10 am–5 pm | Sehmel Homestead Park The Peninsula Art League Summer Arts Festival returns to Sehmel Homestead Park July 18 and 19 for its 40th year. More than 100 juried artists from the Pacific Northwest and beyond will present work across ceramics, glass, metal, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber arts, sculpture, and other mediums. Live music begins at noon both days on the Kimball Coffeehouse Music Stage. The festival also includes

A milestone festival supporting artists and future creatives By Like Media Team For 40 years, the Peninsula Art League (PAL) Summer Arts Festival has brought community to the artist and art to the community. The 40th festival takes place July 18 and 19, 2026, at Sehmel Homestead Park. Admission and parking are free. Saturday hours are 10 am–6 pm, and Sunday hours are 10 am–5 pm. “Reaching this milestone is a moment of immense pride for us,” says PAL President Robin Avni. “We

Lessons from my father, a captain in the Seattle Fire Department By Campbell Anderson Captain Vance Anderson makes eye contact with the two yowling cats, sighs, and places one under each arm. Really, they have the survival instincts of flattened pennies. He exits the burning building, thankful that his fire gear is thick enough to protect him from the digging cat claws. He is not a cat person. He is just a good person. His coworkers are delighted by this feline surprise. Repo

A Gig Harbor destination for adventure, creativity, and connection By Like Media Team For siblings Andrew and Charlie Youngchild, the spark that became Lost Star Tabletop Gaming Outfitter began with a shared love for imagination, connection, and the kind of childhood memories that never fade. When their careers were interrupted in 2019, they took it as a sign to build something lasting—something that could bring people together through creativity and play. “Parts of our child

December 13 Celebrate the season with one of Gig Harbor’s most dazzling traditions, the annual Lighted Boat Parade. On Saturday, December 13, beginning at 5 pm, the harbor comes alive with festively decorated boats circling the waterfront in a sparkling display of holiday cheer. You can join the fun by captaining your own vessel or enjoy the show from shore as the community gathers for this magical night on the water. Visit GigHarborYC.com for registration and viewing detail

December 6-7, 11-14, 18-21 From December 6–7, 11–14, and 18–21, 2025, Holiday Village at Ancich Park returns to light up Gig Harbor with festive cheer. Stroll through twinkling lights, visit local food vendors, enjoy holiday music, and experience a magical seasonal atmosphere in the heart of town. This family-friendly celebration invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the spirit of the season. Visit GHDWA.org for event details, including hours and activities. Check

December 1-31 From December 1–31, 2025, explore the Gnome Hunt along Gig Harbor’s waterfront district. Participants search retail locations for at least 15 hidden gnomes, collect stamps on a passport, and upload the completed passport to enter a drawing for a $100 gift card to a waterfront business. This free, family-friendly event adds festive fun to the holiday shopping and exploring experience. Visit GHDWA.org for maps, rules, and details on how to participate. Check out

A celebration of creativity and community in Gig Harbor By Like Media Team For more than four decades, the Peninsula Art League (PAL) has connected artists and art lovers through its mission of bringing community to the artist and art to the community. What began in the early 1980s as a small group of local artists led by Evelyn Lorraine and William Arthur Phillips has since evolved into a vibrant organization of more than 250 members spanning the Gig Harbor Peninsula and bey

Fern Nichols and the gospel that reaches millions By Steve Russo Publisher’s Note: This article offers an insider's and personal look at...

Photo by Andrew Giammarco Blending creativity, collaboration, and client-centered thinking By Like Media Team At Board & Vellum,...

Meet the artists. Explore the studios. Experience the art. By Like Media Team Each fall, the Gig Harbor Open Studio Tour invites the...

Photo by In-Gear Media August 16 Join the fun as Gig Harbor’s waterfront transforms into a vibrant canvas for Chalk the Harbor on...

Photo Coutesy of Galloping Gertie August 2 Lace up for the Galloping Gertie Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K on Saturday, August 2, 2025,...

August 2 Cruise the Narrows Car Show rolls into Uptown Gig Harbor on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 8 AM to 3 PM. Hosted by the Gig...

July 19-20 Celebrate creativity at the 39th Annual Peninsula Art League Summer Art Festival, July 19-20, 2025, at Sehmel Homestead Park...

July 12 Raise a glass at Summer Sips at Uptown, happening Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 12 to 5 pm at Uptown Gig Harbor. This 21+ tasting...

July 10 - August 14 The Uptown Summer Concert Series returns to the Uptown Pavilion in Gig Harbor every Thursday from July 10 to August...

June 7-8 The Maritime Gig Festival returns to Gig Harbor’s downtown waterfront June 7-8, 2025, for a weekend full of music, food, and...

June 28-29 Experience the beauty of the 2025 Gig Harbor Garden Tour on June 28-29, showcasing seven unique gardens across the Greater Gig...