Looking for fun and engaging activities for a memorable date night this July in Tacoma? As the South Sound magazine's voted best realtor, I've compiled a list of must-attend events that will make your evenings unforgettable. Whether you're planning something lowkey or outgoing, you'll find a variety of options here. From enchanting community festivals and intimate live music performances to unique date night experiences and special summer programs, discover the best experiences Tacoma has to offer this month. Dive into our date night event guide and make the most of your July with these fantastic local events!
LIVE MUSIC AT KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE
Live bands in a wide variety of genres play on the Kimball Stage every Friday night. Doors open at 6pm, and the show goes from 7-9 pm. Enjoy a bite to eat, one of the rotating beers on tap, a glass of wine, or coffee – of course.
Dates: Fridays, July 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Music on the Square
Join us for unforgettable, music-filled Wednesday evenings at Music on the Square in Market Square this summer! From July 10 to August 28, enjoy live music from different bands and delicious eats from a variety of food trucks. July 10 - Joel Astley Band (blues) with Lumpia Love. July 17 - Flor de Luna (Santana and Latin rock) with Tacos Mirrey. July 24 - Pearl Django (gypsy jazz) with Boss Mama (burgers). July 31 - Lavon Hardison and South Sound Express (jazz) with Manic Meatballs.
Date: Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Music on the Square is located in Market Square, just in front of the City's Civic Building, 3609 Market Place West, University Place WA 98466
FREE NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS AT TAM
Tacoma Art Museum is open late and FREE to the community every Thursday, 5 – 8 pm! Neighborhood Nights offer us the space to build programs with community partners, artists, scholars, and entertainers. Stop by TAM Cafe for a bite or a drink before enjoying exhibitions, artmaking in TAM Studio, or a special program. Thursday evenings at the Tacoma Art Museum are the perfect time to bring your friends, family, or a date to enjoy art. Experience YOUR Museum.
Date: Thursdays, July 11, 18, 25
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, admission is FREE
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN WITH VICTIMS OF LOVE
Join us for Victims of Love. A Tribute to the Eagles, the band is comprised of 5 Seattle-area music veterans who formed a project to give anyone within earshot the opportunity to hear those Eagles songs they love played live. Did you know that Don Felder recorded 16 different guitar tracks on Hotel California with 7 playing at the same time at one point in the song? It's amazing to see how the band performed that one live with just three guitar players. Come out and catch a Victims of Love show…we'll show you how the Eagles performed that one live…along with dozens of others! (Pro tip for date night: visit a Sumner winery before or after the concert!)
Date: Friday, July 12
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
TERRARIUM BUILDING WORKSHOP
Join us for a hands-on terrarium class! Purchase of this event includes all supplies to build a terrarium, accessories and instruction, just choose your vessel. PLUS 10% off one item of your choice in the shop! Hardscapes, accessories and plants will vary according to availability. BYOV=bring your own vessel and pay for supplies and instruction only. Thrifted glass vessels=this aligns with our values of sustainability and repurposing.
Date: Saturday, July 13
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: Parkland or 6th Ave, 323 Garfield Street South, Parkland, WA 98444
BEGINNERS BONSAI WORKSHOP
In this beginners class you will learn the basics of bonsai, plant selection, potting medium and care, and the significance of winter rest. What is included: Juniper. 6" ceramic pot. Decorative rock and bonsai topping. Please note, wiring is not included and is an advanced skill. (see Advanced Bonsai class) Attendees also receive 10% off one regular priced item of your choice during the event. Please make note of class location.
Date: Sunday, July 14
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Parkland, 323 Garfield Street South, #103, Parkland, WA 98444
FREE THIRD THURSDAY AND DOWNTOWN ARTWALK
Tacoma's monthly Third Thursday museum district celebration! Local museums offer free or discounted admission once a month, and often feature special activities. Visit the Washington State History Museum for free from 3pm to 8pm. You can also visit the Foss Waterway Seaport from 4pm - 8pm, and the Tacoma Art Museum and Museum of Glass for from 5pm to 8pm. Local downtown art galleries also open their doors for participants to stop by and enjoy, the works of art and mingle with the artists.
Date: Thursday, July 18
Time: 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
Concerts in the Park
Join us at the Curran Apple Orchard Summer Concerts starting on Thursday, July 18. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy these free Thursday evening performances that begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Curran Apple Orchard (3920 Grandview Drive W.). The 2024 performers are: July 18 - Octopus Ballet (folk and Americana), July 25 - Anjali Silva and Sabor (Brazilian and Latin), August 1 - Billy Spaulding and the Soulful 88s (blues), August 8 - Budapest West (rock and world music), August 15 - Bigfoot Brass (brass band jazz).
Date: Thursdays, July 18, 25
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Curran Apple Orchard, 3920 Grandview Drive W., University Place, WA 98466
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN WITH RESTLESS VOCAL BAND
Join us for Restless Vocal Band. Restless Vocal Band is a dynamic and award-winning mixed voice a cappella group hailing from the Pacific Northwest. With a diverse set list that spans decades and genres, from classic hits by The Temptations and The Drifters to modern pop sensations like Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa, Restless Vocal Band delivers a high-energy and unforgettable performance experience. (Pro tip for date night: visit a Sumner winery before or after the concert!)
Date: Friday, July 19
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
OWL TOGETHER NOW - 1- MILE WALK
(Age 6+) Join us for this exciting collaborative fun event! This 1-mile course will be located solely within the Point Defiance Zoo. Animal photos displayed throughout the course will be a fun scavenger hunt for the whole family. This course is stroller and family-friendly. You will see the zoo in a different light and have chances to spot penguins, musk ox, and red wolves. Half of the entry fees goes to support the PDZA AAZK to support conservation and professional development for their members. Interested in volunteering? Click here to sign up. July is Zookeeper Awareness month so, “Owl Together Now” let's support a fun and meaningful cause! The Zoo's Plaza Café will be open with Lancer Catering on the day of the race. 1-Mile Entry Fee, see website for more details. (Pro tip for date night: visit nearby Point Ruston or Proctor district for post-walk drinks and eats––think Knapp's or Peaks and Pints!)
Date: Saturday, Jul 20
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Point Defiance Park Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN WITH VICTIMS OF LOVE
Crafting small-town songs with big-city sounds, James Coates has spent 15 years connecting with audiences across the Pacific Northwest and around the country. Backed by a group of friends old and new, James Coates & His Band perform a signature blend of genres they affectionally refer to as “Funky Country & Americana Soul.” (Pro tip for date night: visit a Sumner winery before or after the concert!)
Date: Friday, July 26
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
MOSAIC: Tacoma's Arts & Culture Festival
Wright Park transforms into a celebration of international delights July 27-28 from 12-7 p.m. for the MOSAIC Arts and Culture Festival. The free community event highlighting traditional dance, music, art and food marks its 36th year under the park’s beautiful canopy of trees. MOSAIC includes performances from community groups held both days on two different stages, a kids’ zone with entertainment created especially for younger festival goers. Enjoy a bounce house, the park’s sprayground and other activities. Other features at this year’s celebration include food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines, and vendor village with nearly 100 different booths. Vendors include multicultural artists and crafters, local small business owners and Tacoma community groups, agencies and services. (Pro tip for date night: visit a downtown Tacoma restaurant for dinner after the festival, like Moshi Moshi or En Rama, or drive to nearby Dock Street or Ruston Way for a romantic waterfront stroll!)
Date: Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28
Time: 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Wright Park, 501 S I St, Tacoma, WA 98405