SummerFEST is Next Saturday!
Get Ready for a Full Day of Fun, Food, and Special 30th Anniversary Festivities.
Mark your calendar and join your family and friends. Lakewood SummerFEST returns next Saturday, August 15!
The free and fun event runs from 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. This year, SummerFEST will celebrate Lakewood’s 30th Anniversary. You’ll find special anniversary activities and moments throughout the event that honor Lakewood’s history.
Enjoy food vendors, browse over 100 market vendors, relax in the beer garden, listen to live music all day, and enjoy performances on the International Stage.
If you’re looking for excitement, check out the aerial motocross shows, tethered balloon rides, and performances by the Wenatchee Youth Circus and Vuelta la Luna Circus.
Take a walk through the Bombs Away car show, join the LEGO building contest, and visit the Veterans Resource Village. The City of Lakewood booth has your SummerFEST Passport – use it to win prizes by joining in sports and arts activities throughout the day.
Families will have plenty to do in the kids’ activity zone. Pony rides are available for a fee, and there will be skimboarding, a giant slide, and roaming activities. New this year: SplashTimesFun Foam Bubble and Splash Party.
Stay for the grand finale. TUIFEAI Cultural Academy will light up the evening with a stunning Polynesian Dance and Fire Show at dusk.
- What: Lakewood SummerFEST
- When: Saturday, August 15, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW
Important reminders: SummerFEST entrance is free. Tickets for some activities are available for purchase on-site.
Find the full schedule of events, parking map, vendor list, and more: NEARcation.com/summerfest.
The Good Times Roll Brings Favorites from The Cars to Summer Nights at the Pavilion
The Summer Nights at the Pavilion concert series continued Tuesday, Aug. 4, with The Good Times rocking iconic new wave favorites by The Cars at Fort Steilacoom Park.
There will be no concerts or Farmers Market on Aug. 11 or Aug. 18 due to the upcoming SummerFEST event.
Custer Road Reconstruction Project
Lakewood, the time is almost here. Construction on Custer Road is set to begin next Wednesday, Aug. 12.
Traffic Control and Lane Modifications:
Bridgeport Way will be reduced to one lane northbound between 78th and Custer starting the morning of August 11. The right lane northbound between Custer and 75th will be changed from a through-right to a dedicated right turn lane. Vehicles in the right lane northbound on Bridgeport will be required to turn right at 75th.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect during the project.
- Phase 1: Utility providers will finish important infrastructure work before the main road construction begins. This helps prevent more disruptions later.
- Phase 2: New sidewalks and a center turn lane will be added to make it easier and safer for people walking and driving.
- Phase 3: Crews will rebuild and improve the road while it is fully closed. This lets them work safely and get the job done faster.
- Phase 4: In October, crews will finish the final pavement striping during a separate closure before the project wraps up.
Closing the road fully lets crews work on several phases at once and shortens the construction time, bringing the improvements to you sooner.
The City of Lakewood is rebuilding Custer Road between Bridgeport Way and 75th Street to improve safety, access, and the long-term condition of this important roadway. Custer Road carries approximately 20,000 vehicles each day, and the existing pavement has reached the end of its service life. Because the roadway has failed, it must be completely reconstructed – not simply resurfaced. For more information visit https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/
Construction includes:
A new roadway pavement, storm drainage improvements, sidewalks and curbs, a center two-way left-turn lane, and street lighting.
Project Funding:
This project is funded primarily through a $2.98 million Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant, helping improve Lakewood’s transportation system while minimizing local costs.
Road Closure & Detour:
To rebuild the roadway safely and efficiently, Custer Road will be closed between Bridgeport Way and 75th Street during construction.
Local Businesses:
Please continue to support the local businesses along the Custer Road corridor during construction. These businesses will remain open and rely on the continued support of customers throughout the project. Your patronage will help them continue serving the community while this important infrastructure improvement is underway.
Traffic Control:
Main detour will be via Bridgeport Way and 75th St for through traffic
Contractor will accommodate access to all businesses to the fullest extent possible
The Traffic Control Plan will adjust where needed as construction progresses.
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM):
The City’s Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) has been sent out to businesses and residents in the affected area.
Custer Business Highlight – Best Burgers
The City is coordinating with local business owners to present a video series showcasing businesses along Custer Road, where road construction is set to begin Aug. 12.
This video features Best Burgers of Lakewood, which has served our area since 1990. Originally founded by Rick and Cathy Best, the Lakewood location is now owned and operated by the Flajole family and is the last remaining Best Burgers restaurant.
We talked with the owners to learn more about their business, what makes Best Burgers unique, and why supporting local businesses is especially important during construction.
Best Burgers, along with other businesses on Custer Road, will remain open throughout construction, so please stop by, grab your favorite meal, and continue supporting Lakewood businesses.
Best Burgers of Lakewood serves the Lakewood and Tacoma communities with quality food, exceptional customer service, and a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. Family-owned and operated from the start, the restaurant is committed to offering delicious meals at competitive prices while making every customer feel like family.
Best Burgers is known for its 100% ground-beef patties, flame-broiled for a classic, down-home flavor. The restaurant also offers a diverse menu featuring chicken, fish, seafood, and more. The restaurant proudly supports local companies by using locally sourced products whenever possible and remains committed to environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations.
Thanks to its dedicated employees and generations of loyal customers, Best Burgers of Lakewood continues to be a local favorite where great food, friendly service, and community come together.
For more information about the road project, detour maps, and how to subscribe for project updates, please visit https://cityoflakewood.us/custer-road/
Thank you, Lakewood for Supporting National Night Out!
Lakewood, you showed up and showed out this week! Thank you for celebrating community and honoring our Lakewood Police Department and West Pierce Fire and Rescue first responders.
National Night Out was amazing! You joined us in parks and neighborhoods across the city, and your energy, support, and community spirit made each gathering special.
Watching families, neighbors, community groups, and partners connect and celebrate with us is what National Night Out is all about. You help make Lakewood a welcoming, safe, and vibrant place to live.
We appreciate you, Lakewood!
City of Lakewood’s Youth Academy Underway!
The first week of the Lakewood Municipal Youth Academy got off to a strong start. Students attended their first class, Local Government 101, where they learned about the services provided by federal, state, county, and local governments, as well as special districts.
The class focused on the City of Lakewood and how it works through partnerships.
Students also got an introduction to the tours they will take during the academy. They talked about what “community” and “assets” mean, which will help them later as they create a Community Asset Map.
Next, the students visited the Emergency Food Network campus. Staff led a tour of the warehouses and explained how their operations work. The students also took part in group activities that encouraged them to think about food accessibility in the Pierce County community.
Community Resources and Desserts Available at Springbrook Back to School Bash
Join us at the Desserts on the Driveway and Back to School Bash at Springbrook Park on Thursday, Aug. 14, where a variety of community organizations will be on site with information, resources, and services for local families.
Participating organizations include:
- Caring for Kids
- St. Leo’s Mobile Food Bank
- Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center
- Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- Pierce County Library System
- Pierce Conservation District
- Community Health Care
- Asia Pacific Cultural Center
- Chambers-Clover Watershed Council
Join Us for an Upcoming Desserts on the Driveway Event!
Desserts on the Driveway is an innovative initiative connecting the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Council members, and city officials with Lakewood neighborhoods. This event offers residents a platform to voice concerns, share ideas for solutions, and gain insight into city services.
- Downtown
- Lakewood Playhouse
- Wednesday, August 12
- 6:00 p.m.
- Springbrook
- Springbrook Park
- Friday, August 14
- 6:30 p.m.
- Fort Steilacoom Park
- The Pavilion at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Friday, August 28
- 6:00 p.m.
- Lake City
- former school site 8800 121st SW Lakewood, WA 98498
- Thursday, Sept. 10
- 7:00 p.m.
2026 Comprehensive Plan Proposed Amendments
The Lakewood City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2026 Comprehensive Plan on Monday, August 17, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. or shortly after. You can view the proposed amendments at https://cityoflakewood.us/comprehensive-plan/
If you have concerns about this issue and want them to be considered, please share them at the hearing. You can also send written comments to the City Clerk at 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, or email [email protected] before the hearing.
You can attend the hearing in person at the City Council Chambers, 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA. If you prefer to join virtually, call +1 (253) 215-8782 and enter meeting ID 868 7263 2373.
You can also join online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86872632373. Everyone will have a chance to share their comments at the hearing.
If you need more information, contact Tiffany Speir at 253-983-7702 or [email protected].
The City Council met on Monday, Aug. 3 for a Regular Meeting. You can watch or listen to the meeting below.
What’s on Deck:
August 10, 2026, Study Session, 7:00 P.M.
- Pierce County Library System Update – Gretchen Caserotti, Executive Director
- Review of the interlocal agreement with Pierce County regarding the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA)
- H-Barn Project Update and Exploration of Lease/Facility Use Agreement
- with Partners for Parks
- Introduction of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Review of preliminary draft encroachment and permitting for rights-of way
- Review of City Council Goals and Priorities – Follow-up from April 18, 2026, Retreat
August 17, 2026, Regular Meeting and Study Session, 6:00 P.M.
- Police Commissioning and Commendation Ceremony
- Business Showcase – Bandido Solutions
- Authorizing the execution of an interlocal agreement with Pierce County regarding the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA)
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the replacement of a section of the roof at Lakewood City Hall
- Authorizing the execution of an agreement for the Nisqually Loop Interpretive Signage project
- This is the date set for a public hearing on the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
- Items for Discussion – Review of Conservations Futures Program
- Items for Discussion – Review of Automated Traffic Safety Camera Program
- Items for Discussion – Review of franchise agreement with Clover Park School District for fiber optic cable (tentative)
August 18, 2026, Retreat, 6:00 P.M.
- Update of Legislative Agenda and Policy Manual
Each week Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith shares a summary of total calls for service for the prior week. The intent of the summary is to show a snapshot of how the department works to keep the community safe.
Statistics for the week of July-28 – Aug. 4, 2026
- Calls for Service: 994 (+3% from prior week)
- Arrests: 34 (-8% from prior week)
- Violent Crime: 25 (-17% from prior week)
- Property Crime: 50 (-14% from prior week)
- Traffic Stops: 121 (+61% from prior week)
- Collisions (reportable): 18 (-5% from prior week)
Sign up for Lakewood Alert
Sign up to receive emergency alerts from the City of Lakewood through our new notification system. Lakewood Alert has a fresh look and a simpler sign-up process.
If you signed up previously, your contact information was saved to the new platform. Now is a good time to check and update your details if needed.
These alerts will mainly be used for emergencies where life safety is at risk. The system will also be used sparingly for non-emergencies like missing persons, traffic congestion, and extreme weather notifications.
When you register to receive alerts, you can select the types of messages and your preferred communication method. You can adjust these settings at any time.
Subscribe: Scan the QR code or visit CityofLakewood.Us/Lakewood-Alert
Updates for the week of August 6 – 13
*Please note that the listed dates are tentative and may change due to weather or other conditions.
ACTIVE ROAD CLOSURES:
Wadsworth/Silcox/Boat Sewer Extension: Sewer construction on Silcox, Wadsworth, Boat and 88th will began this week and is expected to last another week or two. The contractor will begin grading the roads for paving at the end of the month. Local access will be provided via detour routes, as applicable.
112th – South Tacoma Way to Steele Street: 112th each night between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Preparation for the overlay began this past week. Grinding and paving which is tentatively scheduled for the week of August 10.
Custer Road – Bridgeport to 75th: Bridgeport Way will be reduced to one lane northbound between 78th and Custer starting the morning of August 11. The right lane northbound between Custer and 75th will be changed from a through-right to a dedicated right turn lane. Vehicles in the right lane northbound on Bridgeport will be required to turn right at 75th.
This project will begin on August 12 and will require complete closure of the road until September 30. Improvements include full roadway replacement, storm drainage, widen the road for a new two-way left turn lane, curbs, and sidewalks. Striping will be completed under a separate night closure in October. A detour including Bridgeport Way and 75th will be in place during construction.
Tacoma Power has completed their power relocation. One of four communication lines has relocated with the other three needing to be relocated in the coming weeks for the existing poles to be removed during construction.
Projects in Design & Development in 2026:
- Edgewater Park
- H-Barn partnership project at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Nisqually Trail partnership Project at Fort Steilacoom Park
- Westlake Ave Street End Lake Access Pilot Project
- Oakbrook Park Improvements
- Primley Park Improvements
For more information on upcoming parks capital projects, please visit https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/parks-capital-projects