There is so much to do in Tacoma this May! Kick things off exploring Historic Homes, enjoying a guided walk celebrating local historical women, or grabbing some local tomato starts from Farmer Jon at Second Use. Get creative with a Mother’s Day workshop or give back via the Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Enjoy pizza and trivia supporting Job Carr Cabin Museum, then catch a heritage tool testing right at the cabin. Explore the tidepools at Titlow Beach, then end the month with Books on Tap at Parkway Tavern or grab unique locally made pieces at the TCC Art Market.
We'll see you around, Tacoma!
May 2nd & 3rd
Step back in time and explore the architectural soul of the city during the Historic Homes Tour. This beloved annual event offers a rare peek inside some of Tacoma’s most stunning private residences, showcasing preserved craftsmanship and the unique stories behind these local landmarks. It’s a perfect weekend outing for history buffs, design enthusiasts, or anyone who’s ever wondered what lies behind those beautiful vintage doors.
May 9th
Get your garden ready for summer at the Jon the Farmer Tomato Starts and More Sale hosted at Second Use Tacoma. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a first-time planter, this is a great opportunity to pick up high-quality, locally grown starts. Supporting local farmers while ensuring your backyard produces the freshest tomatoes in the neighborhood is a win-win for any Tacoma resident. Get there early to snag the best starts!
May 9th
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, handmade gift for Mom, look no further than Craftopia's Mother’s Day Make and Take event. It’s a creative way to spend a Saturday morning crafting something special that she will actually use and cherish. Sugar scrubs, keepsake boxes, candles, and more, you'll find something to suit her. Space is often limited for these hands-on workshops, so be sure to get your tickets early to secure your spot at the crafting table.
May 9th
This is one of the easiest ways to give back because you don’t even have to leave your home! For the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, simply leave a bag of non-perishable food items next to your mailbox. Your postal carrier or an Emergency Food Network volunteer will take care of the rest. In Pierce County, EFN works closely with Union Branch 130 to collect more than 200,000 pounds of food for our neighbors in need in one day!
Want to lend a helping hand? Reach out to Emergency Food Network by sending an email to volunteer@efoodnet.org and learn how you can help collect donations.
Additionally, Emergency Food Networks has made a list of the most needed items to consider when filling your bag: Peanut butter & nut butters, Canned fruits & vegetables (low sugar and sodium), Baby food and formula, Canned chili or stew (with pop-top lids), and Canned proteins (like chicken, tuna, and Spam).
May 12th
Put your thinking cap on for a cause at the Pizza and Trivia Night to support the Job Carr Cabin Museum. This event combines two of the best things, delicious pizza and friendly competition, to help preserve the history of Tacoma’s birthplace in Old Town. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to hang out with friends while ensuring our local heritage stays accessible for the next generation.
May 13th
Celebrate the powerful legacy of local leaders with Walk Tacoma: Women’s Impact on Tacoma – Past, Present, Future. This guided tour takes you through the city streets to highlight the women who have shaped our community’s culture, politics, and industry. It’s a wonderful way to get some fresh air, meet neighbors, and gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse female voices and contributions that have built the Tacoma we love today.
May 16th
Step back in time at The Tool Shed - Tacoma Heritage Days, a free, hands-on event hosted by the Job Carr Cabin Museum in Old Town Park. In partnership with the Pioneer Farm Museum and Toolbox Laboratories, this interactive experience lets you "test drive" 19th-century manual tools like vintage saws, drills, and hammers. It’s a perfect family outing where you can explore Tacoma’s history through building, old-fashioned games, and themed crafts.
May 17th
Ever wondered what’s happening beneath the surface at low tide? Head down to Titlow Beach for Tiptoe Through the Tidepools, a free, family-friendly event where you can explore the fascinating world of Puget Sound’s marine life. Naturalists will be on hand to help you spot sea stars, crabs, and anemones while teaching you how to protect these delicate ecosystems. It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh salt air and get a little bit of "beach education" while you're at it!
May 26th
Enjoy an evening of literary chats over local brews at Books on Tap. Hosted by the Tacoma Public Library, this book club moves out of the stacks and into one of the city's favorite local pubs. It’s a great way to meet fellow book lovers in a cozy, relaxed setting over a local brew. Whether you’ve finished the month's pick or just want to hear some good recommendations, it's a quintessential neighborhood gathering.
This month you can head down to Parkway Tavern and discuss George Takei's They Called us Enemy. This moving graphic memoir explores Takei’s childhood in WWII internment camps, blending young memories with adult reflections. Together with his co-authors, Takei interweaves historical context and personal outrage to tell a powerful story of a dark chapter in American history.
May 30th
Support the next generation of local creators at the 3rd Annual TCC Art Market! Hosted at the Tacoma Community College Senate Plaza, this vibrant market features unique, handcrafted pieces ranging from ceramics and paintings to jewelry and digital art, all created by talented TCC students and local community artists. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or a new statement piece for your home, this is the perfect chance to shop local and see the incredible artistic talent growing right here in our community.
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