Special Events Funding Announced for 2025
City Event Services program launches
The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) has approved $90,000 in Special Events funding to support 26 organizations in producing public-benefiting events throughout Tacoma in 2025. In addition, CERC has put forward recommendations for 11 events to receive non-monetary support through the newly established City Event Services program, which supports crowd control and public safety at events.
These free, inclusive, all-ages events reflect and celebrate Tacoma’s diverse communities and cultures, featuring music, performing arts, youth activities, multicultural traditions, heritage, literary and visual arts, environmental and cultural education, food, dance, and other unique arts and cultural experiences in neighborhoods across the city.
Awarded funding 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. Funding is awarded through a panel-reviewed process, with applications scored based on merit, equity, community impact, and the organizers' ability to successfully produce the event.
“As we enter our fourth year of this program, we are proud to support 26 organizations in 2025, each of which is committed to creating experiences that bring our community together,” said CERC committee member Jacob Tice. “These events are critical to Tacoma’s vibrant cultural landscape, and we look forward to seeing them thrive.”
As part of the new City Event Services program, CERC made recommendations to the City Manager’s Office for select events to receive event services from various City of Tacoma departments, including Public Works, Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma Fire Department, and Environmental Services. Additionally, the Juneteenth Celebration has been designated as a Citywide Event, joining previously designated Daffodil and Junior Daffodil Parades, Summer Blast (Fourth of July), Tacoma Pride, and the Downtown Holiday Celebration. The 2025 Sponsored Events under the new City Event Services program will include Lunar New Year, Wayzgoose, SENCo Annual Block Party, Proctor Arts Fest, Downtown Tacoma Block Party, Indigenous Art Fair, Second Annual Soul Food Festival, Park(ing) Day, Porchfest, and Caribbean Queens Festival.
For more information on Tacoma Venues & Events’ special events programs and how to apply in future years, visit tacomavenues.org.
The organizations and events awarded 2025 Special Events funding are:
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Asia Pacific New Year Celebration
WayOut Kids
Juneteenth Celebration: A Road to Economic Freedom
Central Neighborhood Council
Tacoma Porchfest
Downtown on the Go
Parking Day 2025
Greentrike
Math Fest
Hope Leadership Trust
Disability Day Street Festival
Proctor Business District Association
Proctor Arts Fest
South End Neighborhood Council
SENCo Annual Block Party
Tacoma Arts Live
Northwest Playwrights Alliance Readings
Tacoma HONK! Fest
Tacoma HONK! Fest 2025
Tacoma Refugee Choir
Let There be Peace on Earth Concert
The Paloma Project
Indigenous Art Day
Caribbean Queens
2025 Caribbean Festival
Black Night Market
Second Annual Soul Food Festival
Washington State Historical Society
Spirit Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival
Classical Tuesdays in Old Town
Tacoma Tapestry 2025
Entertainment Resource Alliance
Military Marvels Art Market
Hilltop Artists in Residence
Arts Night Out
Lincoln International Business District
Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival
Rainbow Center
Tacoma Pride Festival
Tacoma Art Museum
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Tacoma Concert Band
Holiday Concert and Tree Lighting
Tacoma Light Trail
Tacoma Light Trail 2025
Tacoma Sister Cities
Japanese Children’s Day
University of Washington Tacoma
Celebrando Comunidad
Write253
Tacoma Wayzgoose
About the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee: The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee serves as an advisory and action committee on matters pertaining to City-hosted events, special events funding, and recognition programs. Members are responsible for planning, reviewing, and evaluating events to receive grant funding and services, as well as engaging the community in its planning efforts for City-hosted events such as City of Destiny Awards and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
About Tacoma Venues & Events: The City of Tacoma enhances quality of life for the community and drives economic vitality through its premier venues, special events, and diverse entertainment opportunities. Tacoma Venues & Events oversees these renowned venues, which include the Tacoma Dome, one of the world’s largest wood-domed structures with flexible seating configurations ranging from 5,000-21,000; the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, artful and modern with its trademark glass walls and 119,000 square feet of event space; Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers; and the historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters and Theater on the Square.