October is here and there is so much to check out in Tacoma this spooky season!
Celebrate Art's Month all over the city, enjoy some Greek festivities at Saint Nicholas, keep Tacoma green with your neighbors, join the Halloween Parade on McKinley, learn some eerie history at McMenamins, dive in to a Dia de los Muertos celebration on 6th Ave, enjoy some spooky markets and festivals, and of course take your favorite kiddos trick or treating.
We'll see you around, Tacoma!
October is Arts Month in Tacoma! This month-long celebration aims to explore and support the local art, music, and dance community. The celebration starts on October 2nd with the kick-off Kaleidoscope event, a free and family-friendly day of performances, art demonstrations, interactive activities, art displays, and more. On October 12th and 13th you can take the Tacoma Studio Tour using the interactive map and fill in your passport as you explore art studios all over the city. You can also grab some popcorn and enjoy the week-long Tacoma Film Festival at The Grand Cinema. There are dozens and dozens of local events, from theater performances, to Lego printing, to storytelling, and dance. Find the full calendar here!
October 4th – 6th
St. Nicholas is hosting their 61st annual Greek Festival! This free charming event takes place over three days and is packed with entertainment, food, and fun. Enjoy performances by the St. Nicolas Dancers throughout the festival along with an assortment of traditional Greek tunes. There will be food in abundance, from gyros and spanakopita to their famous baklava and Greek fries (the real reason Catie attends).
October 12th
Green Tacoma Day is and annual day of service full of opportunities to explore local green spaces, lend a helping hand, and get to know your neighbors. The City of Tacoma has partnered with local organizations like Metro Parks, UW Tacoma, Tacoma Tree Foundation, Tacoma 350, Clover Park, and the South End Neighborhood Counsel to put together over a dozen Green Tacoma Day events. Help clear brush, plant trees, remove ivy, pull weeds, and learn about both the native and invasive plant life in our city. Every event runs from 9am – 12pm and you can register for your preferred location here. Let's keep Tacoma Green!
October 16th
Enjoy and evening of exploring days of old with McMenamins History Pub as they dive into the history of the Old Tacoma Cemetery. Built in a time when mortality was exceptionally fascinating, the beautiful Victorian era cemetery was created with such vibrancy and intention to encourage those now beyond the veil to stay put. Hear from local nature enthusiast, Raine Rath, as they take a closer look at the flora and fauna of the cemetery and tell tales of those who are buried below.
October 19th
Head down to the McKinley Business District for a spooky spectacle and catch the first ever Tacoma Halloween Parade! This event aims to create a freaky yet safe environment for all goblins and ghouls to enjoy the Halloween spirit. Starting with a street fair full of food and fun at 2pm and leading into a frightful parade at 6pm. Enjoy some local haunts while relishing in this eerie season!
October 26th
6th Ave Business District's Dia de los Muertos is back with some added fun! Through Tacoma's sister-city relationship with Cienfuegos, we get the chance to celebrate with art, food, music, and fun. Hosted again in the Tapco parking lot, there will be food vendors, a stage for live music, arts & crafts, and other fun activities. This year a wagon and bicycle decorating contest will be held for anyone who wishes to participate, followed by a procession for all to share their colorful creations. Free champurrado y pan de muerto will be handed out at 4:30 during a ceremony to honor the ancestors. This free event is open to all!