Spray a Fire Engine Hose, Skaters Slamming and Groovy Music: UP Festival Guide 2013

Ready for some all-city fun?

The annual University Place Festival celebrates the city’s 18th birthday on Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Cirque Park, 7250 Cirque Drive W. and it promises to be packed full of fun! (Don't forget your donation to the back-to-school supplies drive, hosted by Summit Strength & Conditioning and Miss UP).

Get started early with a visit to the West Tacoma Optimist Club’s Pancake Fundraiser at the Curtis High School Cafeteria from 7-11 a.m. Then venture on up to Cirque Park where the fun begins at 10 a.m. Young ones will find lots to do in the popular Kids Fun Zone, with its bounce houses and other amusements. 

Then, beat the heat and take turns spraying the water hose at the West Pierce Fire & Rescue fire engine display or sitting aboard the shade of an Apache or Blackhawk helicopter at the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade area. 

The 6th annual Cirque Slam will also be taking place in the Skate Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and skaters will have the opportunity to receive free gear.

If you’re a music lover, the Main Stage will feature a variety of free entertainment beginning at 10 a.m. with the Battle in the Orchard winner, Audentia, followed by Alyx and Chris Phippen at 11. From noon to 7:30 p.m. the South Sound Blues Association will feature Steve Cooley and the Dangerfields, Nolan Garrett, the Mojo Groove Band, Palmer Junction Duo, and at 6 p.m. the headliner, The Cody Rentas Band.

There’s truly something for everyone. At UP Festival, you can:

• Visit the dozens of exhibitor booths
• Dine on the appetizing food and beverages 
• Enter the watermelon eating contest 
• Grab a drum and play in the Congo Productions Drum Circle
• Watch the Hogs vs. Hosers softball game between U.P. Police, West Pierce Fire & Rescue and members from our Community Connector – the 16th CAB at 5 p.m.

The evening will come to an end with a movie under the stars. Bring a chair or a blanket and watch the movie Babe on the big screen by the Main Stage.

For more information, visit the City’s website at www.CityofUP.com.