Oh Fall, we knew you were coming, but did you have to make such an appearance!? Don't worry my fellow chilly Tacomans, we've found some things to keep you warm, full, and educated this month. This October, explore the tastes, arts, community and history of the Puget Sound. You may even find yourself out of this world!
October 1st – 31st
October is a special time in our creative town, as it is a jam packed 31 day celebration of Tacoma’s art scene. On October 2nd the “opening ceremonies” begin at Kaleidascope, an evening of dance performances, song, and visual art from local performers, high schools, film makers and more. Then continuing throughout the month, you can attend a host of exhibits, musicals, tours, museum nights, workshops, and of course the famous Tacoma Film Festival. If you haven’t explored what Tacoma has to offer in the way of the arts, October is the perfect time. Check out the schedule and get out there!
October 4th – 6th
Opa! It’s that time again! One of Tacoma’s longest running community events is ready to yet again touch our hearts and our stomachs. The Tacoma Greek Festival has blessed this city with joy and baklava induced smiles for nearly 60 years! St. Nicholas Orthodox Church meticulously hosts this three day event full of traditional Greek dance, music, food and fares. Be sure to check the schedule for not only the dance performances but the daily menu designed to give you a taste of everything from Gyros, to Pastitsiou, to Melomakarona. While free to the public, a portion of the proceeds from the event goes directly back into the community, so don’t miss out on any of the vendors!
October 10th
This event will be out of this world! Grab a pint from Three Magnets Brewing and learn from retired Boeing engineers about the lunar rover, or sip on some Chateau St. Michelle wine while you explore the stars and planets with Tacoma Astronomical Society. The fascinating new exhibit A New Moon Rises will be open to all guests, where you can get up close views of the vast craters, mountains, and lunar poles of Earth's Moon. You may even get a glimpse of the Apollo landing sites and rocks brought back by the first humans to land on our rocky yet magnificent satellite. If you feel like trying your own hand at getting creative with the celestial bodies, check out the ex-beer-aments or create a moon print in the museum’s new print shop. Get your tickets soon as these after hour events often sell out. We have ours and will hopefully see you there!
October 12th
Tacoma is beautiful, and we should do our best to keep it that way. Our sweet city is full of parks, wetlands, and other open spaces that could use some love. Come join hundreds of Tacoma volunteers at one of the 14 event sites and be prepared to get a little dirty. Plant some native plants at Julia’s Gulch, remove invasive weeds while learning about the native plant life at Franklin Park, or pick up litter at the Kia-Kaha restoration area at TCC. Each site is a little different and each activity makes a great impact on our Tacoma community. Learn, clean, and grow with our sweet community!
October 12th
If you need one last “Hurrah!” of summer, hang ten down to The Valley for some rad surfer tunes. Beach and surf wear is highly encouraged at this event, so you can better rock out to the live surf band line-up. Stick around and learn about the great things South Sound Surfriders is doing to help protect our beaches, water quality, and wild life not just in Tacoma but around the world. There will be a silent auction and donations taken at the door to benefit the Surfrider Foundation, as well as limited edition shirts and hoodies from local artist Kristofer Nystrom (Same designer as the logo above!) for sale. Come let out your best “Cowabunga!” and give one final “wave” to Summer.
October 12th
Come and “get your geek on” at Tacoma-con! Watch how a R2 unit is built and later learn how to properly wield a light saber. There will be hands-on cosplay building, map and world making, and cartoon creation lessons from professional artists and staff from Downtown Tacoma’s Tinkertopia. Costumes and cosplay are of course welcomed because you’ll want to be dressed up when getting a photo taken with a professional Jedi! While all are welcome, this free event is geared towards children and teens, and is generously hosted by the Tacoma Public Library. Free comics from Comics4Kids will be given out to each child and teen in attendance. Be sure to check out the website because this event is just packed!
October 19th
Grab your costumes a little early this year and head down to Cheney Stadium for some free treats and maybe even a hat trick. Macaroni Kids will be hosting their annual Trunk-or-Treat, including live music, a couple select food trucks, and 60 generous trunks full of treats. Any kiddo that comes in costume will receive FREE admission to the Defiance soccer match following Trunk-or-Treat, with gates opening at 5:30pm and match starting at 7pm. While the event is free, you MUST be registered in order to attend and can sign up here. Additionally, if you can’t attend, please cancel your ticket as soon as possible so that others may attend.
Every Weekend in October (and one in November!)
I know there just has to be a few of you out there. You people who actually LIKE being scared! While you may not see me there, there will be several smiling…errr…. screaming Tacoma faces wandering the haunted halls of Freighthouse Square’s, Frighthouse Station. Make your way through 30 horror-filled rooms, where death, nightmares, and creatures of the unknown are behind each creaky door. The shambling dead are patiently waiting, are you brave enough to enter?
October 26th
Are you ready to put your taste buds to the test? Come taste, rate, and vote for the Puget Sound’s best burger! This free event is an opportunity to try burgers from all over the Puget Sound ranging from traditional ground beef, to seafood, to vegan. The event and parking are free but you can purchase “burger flights” in advance to get a little taste of everything. 20% of the proceeds from pre-ordered flights will benefit the USO Northwest, which helps military service members stay connected to their families and home. There will be live music and a beer garden open to guests that are 21 and over. For the younger burger enthusiasts, trick-or-treating at various vendors will be available. You better come hungry! You will find most updates on Battle of The Burger Facebook event page.
October 31st
Halloween Night Trick or Treat Options Around Tacoma!
We want everyone to have a fun, safe, and festive Halloween! That includes the littlest members of our families. Here’s a short list of where you can find some neighborhood treats this year:
4pm – 7pm
The beautiful Point Ruston Community will be opening their shop doors to all costumed folk. Parking will be free in the garage for this event and Grand Loop will be closing down to foot traffic only for a safe evening.
3pm – 5pm
Look for orange balloons at 20+ of the participating Lincoln District businesses and if you show up in costume, you’ll get a treat. As a part of the “Teal Pumpkin Project” many businesses will also be offering non-candy treat options. Canned food will also be accepted at many locations as a “Reverse-Trick-or-Treat” option.
Proctor Treats
4pm – 6pm
This event has been happening in the Historic Proctor District since 1929 and they plan on keeping the tradition going as long as possible! Beginning promptly at 4pm and ending just as promptly at 6pm, this is a safe and sane option for some of our tiniest trick-or-treaters.
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