Last blast of summer 2024: Here’s a guide to which seasonal events are ending in Tacoma

Students file back into class next week , and the leaves will soon start turning autumnal colors.

That can only mean one thing: Fall is about to touch down in Tacoma.

The close of summer will bring changes to certain markets and other local happenings. Be sure to check them out before they go away.

Markets and Fairs

T-Town boasts vibrant markets, where residents can snag handmade goods, art, clothing, locally grown produce and other specialty items.

The Eastside Market, 1724 E. 44th St., kicked off June 7 and closed Aug. 30 , according to the city’s website. It was open Fridays from 3-7 p.m. and featured live music and food items, such as honey and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Another market wrapped up last month: the Tacoma Sunday Market at 917 Broadway . However, it will return Dec. 1 for a “huge holiday” rendition.

The Broadway Market, off 9th and Broadway, is still going strong on Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — at least for now. It returned to downtown on May 2 and will close out on Halloween, the city notes on its website.

Meanwhile, the “ Proctor Season of Summer Fun ” ends this weekend. The city announced in a news release that the family friendly “Proctor Blocks” event series caps off Saturday, Sept. 7, with the Historic Cushman Street Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The fair will offer food, music and activities for folks of all ages at 3713 N. 19th St., near the Cushman and Adams substations.

Event-goers can also weigh in on how they want the future to look for Proctor’s vacant and gated substations , The News Tribune previously reported.

Cooling off with Metro Parks

The Stewart Heights and Kandle outdoor pools have closed for the 2024 season, according to Metro Parks Tacoma’s website. However, the Eastside Community Center and People’s indoor pools are still up and running.

The indoor Norpoint pool and spa areas remain indefinitely shuttered so that its boilers can be replaced, according to Metro Parks’ website. A return date is yet to be determined.

The schedule for Metro Parks’ spraygrounds also has shifted.

These splash-tastic playgrounds were open seven days a week from May 25 through Monday, Sept. 2. Tacoma’s spraygrounds will now only activate on weekends : 10 a.m.-8 p.m. starting this Saturday, Sept. 7 until Sept. 29, per Metro Parks.

A reminder: Tacoma’s parks open a half-hour before sunrise and close a half-hour after sunset.

Mark your calendars

There’s still plenty to look forward to this year in terms of local markets.

Tacoma residents can scope out the ghoulishly fun Haunted Farmers Market through November at South 54th Street and South Tacoma Way, as noted on its website. Find goods and services such as taxidermy, “spooky art,” Tarot readings and crystals.

Weekend warriors can scope out the Proctor Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through Dec. 21, per its website. The market, at the corner of North 27th and North Proctor streets, returns in winter 2025 on second Saturdays.