Summer is here and we've found some great activities around Tacoma!
Check out a parade of lights along the water, enjoy a festival among the flowers, test your skills at a historical happy hour, cheers your buds at Brewfest, head to Hilltop for a Juneteenth street fair, tickle your taste buds at the Lincoln Food Walk, run for raffle tickets with Fleet Feet, get in touch with your introverted artistic self, or check out a few HUGE yard sales around town. There's always something to do in Tacoma!
June 6th
Head down to the Foss Waterway for an illuminating experience on the water. Local marine enthusiasts will decorate their boats and paddleboards with lights and lanterns then glide along Thea Foss Waterway. There will also be shoreside activities for spectators, including delicious food and access to the museum. This free, family-friendly event aims to raise awareness about threatened marine species in the stunning Puget Sound.
This year’s festival is jam packed with flowers, food, fun, and a few sips along the way. Looking to gain some floral knowledge? Take a guided tour of the gardens, sit in on the lecture series, or stop at the Make and Take workshops. If you’d like to relax, then snag a glass of wine, some tasty local treats, and grab a seat in the beer garden while you listen to some sweet tunes. There will be vendors, green thumb stops, a paint and sip, and more. This event is for the most novice gardener to the greenest of thumbs. Either way, come enjoy a beautiful day at Point Defiance Park!
June 12th
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum is reviving the maker movement with a nostalgic twist! This summer, you can enjoy a dynamic series of evenings dedicated to “make and take” 19th-century crafts. Experience hands-on activities like tin-smithing, tatting (lace-making), embroidery, leatherwork, and engaging games. This 21+ event features a cash bar, delicious food samples, and live music from the talented Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Music Guild. Gather your friends, raise a glass, and dive into the joy of learning something new! If you miss this one, don't worry, you can catch it again on July 24th or August 21st. Note that the crafts and trades featured will vary by event, ensuring a fresh and vibrant experience each time.
June 14th
Enjoy local brews and tunes at Tacoma's very own McMenamins Elks Temple’s Brewfest. Featuring 24 beers and ciders from around the Tacoma area, your ticket gets you 10 drink tokens and a commemorative glass. There will be live music and of course food served at all of the on site restaurants. After you’ve wet your whistle and settled the argument if Mosaic or Citra is the better hop, head into the Post-Brewfest Dance Party, which is also included with admission. Cheers!
June 21st
Join the RISE Center for a free community event celebrating "Black freedom, culture, and joy" in Hilltop! Head down to MLK Way between S. 21st and S. 23rd for an afternoon of art, live performances, and tasty food from Black-owned vendors. There will even be fun activities for kids, including a bouncy house and face painting, as well as wellness stations and community resources for those in need. The RISE Center is committed to strengthening the community by creating an environment where families and neighbors can gather while working towards the goal of ending homelessness in the Tacoma area. That being said, all vendor proceeds will support programs that provide food, clothing, and housing assistance for community members in need. It’s a wonderful chance to support a great cause and meet your neighbors.
Hey there, food lovers! Tacoma's favorite street food festival is making its return, and you won't want to miss it! The Lincoln District Food Walk is all about celebrating our vibrant cultural diversity through tasty food, refreshing drinks, and great music. Enjoy delicious food from a variety of local food trucks, a fun Michelada beer garden, special deals from beloved Lincoln District restaurants, lively music, and so much more! Plus, you can shop at the fantastic pop-up marketplace brought to you by Por Vida NW. Be sure to RSVP on their Facebook event page for future updates!
June 26th
Join the fun at Fleet Feet's Summer Block Party scavenger hunt run series! On the last Thursday of each month, fellow runners gather outside Washington Elementary at the corner of N 26th St. and N Washington St. to snap a picture of the route and enjoy a nice group run. You'll be able to meet some amazing vendors while exploring the local businesses and collecting raffle tickets for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. The event is free and all prizes are generously donated by local businesses!
June 29th
Enjoy a low-pressure and inviting evening designed especially for introverts! Participants will be immersed in a diverse array of artistic expressions while exploring their own creative processes. Engage with art, music, and poetry in a relaxed atmosphere while drawing, coloring, and creating pieces that you can take home. If you'd simply like to sit back and take it all in, pull up a seat and enjoy performances from local singer-song writers Allison Preisinger and Toya Fragoso, along with captivating poetry readings by Mari G and others. Hosted by the lovely Allison Preisinger, this evening is sure to spark curiosity, connection, and creativity. Plus, there will be light snacks, beverages, and some cool merchandise available
It's Yard Sale Season
June 6th & 7th
This two day sale runs from 9am - 4pm on both days and features a variety of items from families all over Tacoma. This GIANT yard sale is hosted in North Tacoma, around North 18th. The official address will be posted early morning the day of the event, so keep an eye on the event page! All proceeds go to the Rachel Lynn Henley Foundation, who's mission is, "bringing joy and support to young people, families, and caregivers impacted by childhood cancer." Click here to learn more about the Rachel Lynn Henley Foundation.
June 14th
This multi-family yard sale will be hosted indoors at The Hive on South Tacoma Way. There will be a little bit of everything at this sale, kitchen gear, furniture, clothing, art, linens, event supplies, you name it! There is plenty of free parking in the back lot (ignore the permit parking signs, it's for The Hive's customers!). Check out all the neat stuff at stellar yard sale prices!
June 21st
This massive Yard Sale takes over the city of Fircrest for a day of treasure hunting fun! Fircrest residents will host individual yard sales all over the community selling everything from dishware to lawn care, and clothing to toys! If you are a Fircrest resident, living within the city limits, there is still time to sign up! Deadline for registration is on June 6th. A master list will be posted of all participating addresses closer to the event date. If you get hungry while hunting, head over to the food trucks at Fircrest Park, who will be serving local food from 11:30am - 2:30pm.