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School is officially out, which means one thing…
Summer has arrived in Gig Harbor!
If you’ve lived here for a while, you know there’s just something special about summertime in our little corner of Washington. The days are long (it seems like the sun comes up around 5:00 in the morning and doesn’t set until after 9:30), the weather is usually pretty amazing, and people are out enjoying everything our community has to offer.
Of course, we have all of our favorite places that are great year-round. Whether it’s grabbing dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, meeting friends at a local brewery, or spending an evening at Oceans 5, there’s never a shortage of things to do.
But summer also brings some of my favorite seasonal activities.
One of the highlights every week is the Gig Harbor Farmers Market at Skansie Brothers Park on Thursday afternoons.
There’s something for just about everyone. Local farmers bring fresh produce, berries, flowers, meats, baked goods, and all kinds of handmade crafts. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything, it’s worth walking through just to enjoy the atmosphere. The location couldn’t be much better either, right on the waterfront with views of Gig Harbor Bay. It’s one of those places that reminds you why so many people love living here.
Another summer tradition is Summer Sounds at Skansie Park on Tuesday evenings. This has become one of my favorite local events. Different bands perform throughout the summer, and you’ll see families, friends, and neighbors spread out across the lawn with blankets and lawn chairs. Some people bring a picnic dinner, kids run around playing, and every once in a while you’ll even see a few people get up and dance when the music gets going. It’s one of those simple evenings that reminds you how great a small-town community can be.
And if Tuesday nights aren’t enough music for you, don’t worry. Uptown Gig Harbor also hosts live music on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. It’s another fun way to enjoy a warm summer night while supporting local businesses.
If you’ve never experienced Gig Harbor from the water, summer is also the perfect time to do that. You can actually book a ride on the Gig Harbor Gondola, which offers a relaxing tour through the harbor. I’ve always thought that’s one of the more unique things you can do around here. On a sunny summer evening, it’s hard to imagine a much better way to take in the waterfront and appreciate just how beautiful Gig Harbor really is.
And speaking of getting outside, summer is the perfect excuse to explore some of the area’s parks. Kopachuck State Park is one of my favorite places to spend a nice afternoon. Whether you’re walking the beach, having a picnic, kayaking, or just enjoying the views, it’s a great reminder of why we live in the Pacific Northwest. Another spot that’s worth checking out is Narrows Park, tucked underneath the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It’s a fun place to watch boats go by, explore the shoreline, or simply sit and enjoy the incredible view of the bridge towering overhead.
One of the things I appreciate most about Gig Harbor is that there’s always something happening, but it never feels rushed. Even on the busiest summer weekends, it still has that welcoming feel that makes people want to come back again and again.
So if you’re looking for something to do over the next few months, get outside and enjoy everything our community has to offer. Visit the farmers market, listen to some live music, explore a local park, or just grab an ice cream and take a walk along the waterfront.
Summer seems to go by faster every year, so I’m planning to take advantage of as much of it as I can. Maybe I’ll even see you out there.
