The short version has not changed for the holiday. Friday, June 19 is Juneteenth, an observed holiday on the ferry calendar, so the departures marked as holiday-exempt do not run that day. The rest of the weekend runs the normal peak-season schedule.
Two boats are running Friday and Sunday this weekend, adding a set of extra mid-day runs on top of the regular sailings. Saturday runs the single boat. The county marks its two-boat days on the peak-season Extra Run Calendar rather than running them every weekend, so it is worth a look before any summer trip. Peak fares apply all season regardless, so the second boat does not change what you pay.
A few things do not change for a holiday. Vehicles, drivers, and passengers need to be in position with tickets twenty minutes before departure, or they may not make the boat. Walk-ons board first. There are no reservations on the Steilacoom run. Plan for a wait on the afternoon and evening sailings, since a summer holiday weekend is the heaviest the route gets.
Before you head to the dock
Schedules can shift on short notice, and a holiday weekend is when that is most likely. The live word comes from Pierce County, not from us. Sign up for Rider Alerts and check current departure times through the City Experiences app, which is also where you buy tickets.
- Full schedule and the peak-season extra-run calendar: 2026 Ferry Schedule.
- Ferry Rider Alerts.
- Ferry tickets.
- Ticket office 253-588-1950
- After-hours emergency 253-798-6000.