With only a few weeks left in summer, we wanted to give you some final outdoor options as well as some fun ways to transition into fall. Enjoy another local festival, climb aboard a tall ship, savor some tatsy bier, or get outside on a fee free day in Washington's National Parks. If we don't catch you out in the final days of summer sun, we hope to at least find you with a tasty brew in hand. Happy Equinox, Everybody!
September 7th
Tacoma’s North Slope region is full of cobble stone roads, incredible old homes, and rich history. In addition to its charm, the area is almost entirely walk-able! Come get your steps in at this FREE North Slope walking tour put on by Gritty City Tours in partnership with The Tacoma Historic Preservation. Starting at one of Tacoma’s oldest bars (and one of our mainstays) Parkway Tavern, come hear stories of Tacoma past and delve into what has made this particular region beautifully diverse in both construction and population. Once your brain in completely full of Tacoma facts, come get a taste of history with a brew and a bite at the famous Parkway Tavern.
September 7th
The Stadium District is certainly a Tacoma treasure complete with bars, restaurants, art, its own grocery store, and a ton of history ( yes, even aside from its spectacular castle). Come support the Historic Stadium District while enjoying local libations, treats, and performances. Drink tickets will be provided with admission and raffle tickets can be purchased for a chance to win prizes from various local shops, theaters, restaurants, museums and businesses. Check-in begins at 3pm at Columbia Bank and parking will be available in the Stadium High School garage. Don’t forget your I.D. and come thirsty!
September 7th
Do you have a curious kiddo who’s fascinated when the firetruck comes barreling down the road, or tiny tot who gets giddy when the semi-truck driver responds to their fanfare gestures with a big *Honk Honk*? This FREE event is just for them (and maybe the little kid in you 😉)! Kid’s of all ages will be able to sit in, climb around on and even honk the horns of some local dump trucks, tractors, fire engines, school buses and military vehicles. A special one-hour block from 12pm – 1pm “of no horn time” will be offered for children with sensory sensitivity. Come learn about big-rigs with local truck drivers, military personnel, members of the Northwest Historical Truck Society, and more. Rain or shine, this event is happening, so be sure to dress weather appropriate!
BONUS: A smaller Touch-A-Truck event will also be happening on September 21st at the Port of Tacoma.
September 12th – 15th
Ahoy! Did you know that Washington State has it's own official tall ship!? In celebration of Washington State’s centennial in 1989, Lady Washington was first launched. After appearing in several films and television programs, she was designated as the official tall ship of Washington State in 2007, and now tours various ports along the west coast. During Lady Washington’s visit, admission to the museum at the Foss Waterway Seaport will give you access to a vessel tour where you can climb aboard and meet the crew. Tours are scheduled at various times throughout each day, so be sure to check the schedule before heading down. On the final day of the tour, you can purchase a ticket to the two hour Adventure Sail where you will experience tall ship sailing as it has been done for hundreds of years and enjoy beautiful views of the Puget Sound. Get your sea-legs ready!
September 14th
Attention all lovers of local Tacoma businesses, this event is just for you! Alma Mater will be packed with 20+ local shops and retailers including UXC, Lapis, Compass Rose, Paper Luxe, Bleach and MANY more. This end of season pop-up market will also include drinks, music, and most importantly up to 70% off of the local merchandise. Come shop and celebrate local with us!
September 14th
This annual event is a Jobb Carr Museum classic. Enjoy a day in Tacom’s Old Town park, where children and parents alike are invited to experience some hands-on pioneer activities, like interactive demonstrations and crafts, as well as historical games and the occasional race. Live storytelling and music straight out of Tacoma’s frontier history will also be going on. Admission to the museum and the event is “pay as you can.”
September 19th
We Douville’s are all about drinking beer for a cause and this is a great one! For every pint sold at 7Seas Tacoma from 5pm – 9pm, $1 will be donated to Emergency Food Network (EFN). EFN is a local non-profit (with a 4 star Charity Navigator rating!) that provides nutritious food to 76 food pantries, meal sites, and shelters to be distributed to families and individuals in need around the South Puget Sound. For every $1 donated to EFN, they are able to provide FIVE meals to a neighbor in need! WOAH! If you wanted to enjoy the full brewery experience at this event, take the $5 brewery tour at 6pm. The tour includes not only a ton of information and a souvenir glass, but another $1 donation to EFN directly out of your admission. Jars of peanut butter will also be collected at this event, so feel free to bring one or a few!
September 21st
Getting it’s start in 2012, The Tacoma Moon Festival seeks to celebrate the rich diversity of culture in Tacoma that has been brought here by immigrant communities over the last 150 years. This year, in honor of the 25th anniversary of Tacoma’s Sister City relationship with Fuzhaou China, the festival will place special focus upon Chinese culture and “Fuzhou Day.” Special performances will include Seattle Chinese Orchestra, a short production of Bejing Opera by Seattle’s HWA Shend Chinese Opera Club, tea presentations, calligraphy viewing, and a parade of lanterns as the festival closes at 7pm. In addition to the Chinese celebration there will be Mexican dance, Zimbabwean Marimba music, Drum and Dance from Chief Leschi, and a Pacific Islander performance. Food will be served at various food trucks and local libations will be available in the beer and wine garden.
September 28th
Dystopian State is bringing Oktoberfest to Tacoma and their brewers have been hard at work preparing some Doppelbocks and Lagers to fuel you for a few rounds of hammerschlagen! Featuring Oktoberfest biers brewed in both Tacoma and around Germany, as well as brats and pretzels from Hess German Bakery, your stomach is sure to be saying “Danke!” by the end of the night. Stick around for some games, activities, and polka. The event itself is free but if you purchase a VIP package you can take home a commemorative stein. Don’t forget your ID and maybe take an Uber, as parking is tight (and beir… duh).
September 28th
Since 1994, the fourth Saturday in September has been National Public Lands Day. In celebration of National Public Lands Day, entrance to all National Parks will be free! This is also an excellent day to take part in a volunteer work project which will gain you a fee free day coupon on another set date. Check out the options here.
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