November in Tacoma is full of fun, culture, and community! Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Tacoma Art Museum, drink for a cause with the Hoppy Holiday Food Drive, jump back to 1985 for a Back to the Future anniversary showing, sip on history at Dressing the Gilded Age History After Hours, or explore careers at the Trades and Hiring Fair. Honor veterans at the Annual Tacoma Veterans Day Celebration at War Memorial Park, and if you are a veteran or active military, enjoy discounted Point Defiance Zoo and Northwest Trek visits. Comic lovers can dive into the Grit City Comic Show, while arts enthusiasts can browse local talent at Arts at the Armory and Hilltop Artists Exhibition. Wrap up the month with the festive Tacoma City Turkey Trot— there's something for everyone to do in Tacoma this November!
November 2nd
Celebrate life, memory, and culture at Tacoma Art Museum's Día de los Muertos celebration—a free, family-friendly event filled with color, creativity, and community! Enjoy hands-on art workshops, crafts, and a stunning community tapete (sand painting), and contribute to beautiful ofrendas (altars) honoring loved ones. Experience live music, performances, and cultural displays throughout the day. Admission is free with timed entry, and guests are welcome to stay and celebrate. This pay-what-you-can event supports Tacoma Art Museum’s education programs—everyone is welcome to join in the joy! Find you timed entry tickets here.
November 4th - December 2nd
The 7th Annual Hoppy Holiday Food Drive is back and spreading cheer all season long! From November 4th to December 2nd, you can drop off non-perishable food or hygiene items at any of the 12 participating local breweries and cideries — or boost your impact with an online donation to their totals. Then cap it all off with a celebration at Peaks and Pints on December 2nd, complete with raffles, seasonal pours, brewer meet-and-greets, and the always-exciting final weigh-in! Two trophies are up for grabs this year: one for the most physical donations and one for the largest financial contribution. Donations will again support the Emergency Food Network (EFN), which distributed 13.8 million pounds of food last year — including over 28,000 pounds collected through this very drive. So raise a glass, drink for a cause, and help fill plates across Pierce County!
November 6th
Step into the elegance of the Gilded Age at the Washington State History Museum! Enjoy a guided tour of Dressing the Gilded Age: Fashion from the 1870s to 1910s, then sip your way through history with a presentation on Gilded Era beverages by Renée Cebula, historian and creator of Raising the Bar. This 21+ evening blends fashion, cocktails, and storytelling, with admission including two drink tickets. IDs required for entry.
November 7th
Tacoma Public School's Trades & Hiring Fair returns on Friday, November 7th, offering a full day of hands-on career exploration focused on youth and young adults ages 16–24. Held at the Tacoma Dome, this free event welcomes students, recent grads, families, and community members to meet with more than 100 employers in high-demand fields—from construction and skilled trades to healthcare and maritime careers. Attendees can connect with colleges, apprenticeship programs, and training centers; learn how to earn college credit and industry credentials while still in high school; and even preview the new Maritime|253 Skills Center opening in 2026. Many employers will be interviewing and hiring on-site, so resumes are encouraged. Made possible through generous community partners, this fair is a fantastic opportunity for young people to explore future pathways and jump-start their careers.
November 11th
Honor Veterans Day in Tacoma on November 11th at War Memorial Park, where the Tacoma Historical Society and Edward B. Rhodes - Parkland American Legion Post 2 will host a moving community ceremony. The event features keynote speaker David Puente Jr., Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, along with music from the 133rd Army National Guard Band Brass Quintet. Guests will also hear historic readings about the founding of the Army and Navy, as well as the Tale of Tun Tavern, the legendary birthplace of the Marine Corps. Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to enjoy a free lunch at the Narrows Bridge VFW. This free, rain-or-shine gathering welcomes all who wish to pay tribute to our veterans.
November 8th - 11th
Veterans Appreciation Days:
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium along with Northwest Trek will be offering discounts to Veterans, active military, and their families over the holiday weekend! U.S. Military Veterans and Active Duty receive FREE entry and direct family members will receive half-off admission. Tickets are available at either location's admission windows (no online purchase) and proof of military service is required, this can be military or veteran ID card, discharge papers, DD 214 or any other proof of military service.
November 14th - 17th
Head to the historic Blue Mouse Theater and celebrate 40 years of the iconic sci-fi adventure with a special screening of Back to the Future! Travel back to 1985 and join Marty McFly and Doc Brown as they race against time to save the future. Showings run Friday, November 14th through Monday, November 17th, with matinees at 3:45 pm (Friday–Sunday) and evening showings at 7:00 pm (Friday–Monday). Open captions are available for all Sunday showings. Support the local Blue Mouse and find tickets here. Don’t miss your chance to relive this beloved classic!
November 15th
Grit City Comic Show returns to the Tacoma Convention Center this November, bringing a full day of comic-loving fun to fans of all ages. This one-day celebration packs in everything from conversations with comic creators and animators, to a stroll through artist alley with toys, collectibles, gaming, and plenty of cosplay energy. Guests can meet featured artists, browse unique vendor booths, take a seat in Kitt from Knight Rider, and enjoy the laid-back, old-school comic-con vibe the event is known for. With free admission for kids 12 and under, it’s a perfect community event for families, collectors, and pop-culture enthusiasts alike. Get your tickets here!
November 15th & 16th
Discover Tacoma’s creative spirit at Arts at the Armory, a two-day indoor arts market celebrating local talent and craftsmanship! Meet the artists behind our city’s vibrant art scene, browse handmade goods, fine art, and one-of-a-kind gifts—all under one historic roof. Enjoy warm meals and snacks from onsite food vendors (with vegetarian options), and make a day of it with the whole family—this event is all ages and stroller-friendly. Find a complete list of participating artists here!
Celebrate 30 years of creativity with Hilltop Artists at the Tacoma Community College Gallery! This showcase brings together alumni, staff, and current students, highlighting the powerful artistic growth that has flourished across generations. From dedicated instructors and emerging creative entrepreneurs to brand-new graduates, the exhibition captures the vibrant spirit and community impact of Hilltop Artists. Visit Tuesday–Thursday from 10 AM–4 PM or Friday from 10 AM–3 PM (closed Mondays), and don’t miss the reception on November 24th from 4–6 PM. Check back next month for the annual glass sale!
November 27th
Gobble Gobble! Start Thanksgiving Day off with a 5K through Tacoma's Proctor District. This family friendly run includes a 1K for the kiddos and great swag to show off at dinner time. Race day begins at Fleet Feet Tacoma on N. 26th and concludes back at the store with your finishers medal and "Dash for the Mash" t-shirt. Turkey Day costumes and accessories are highly encouraged!
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