October around Tacoma is one of those months when there’s almost too much to put on the calendar.
There are forest paths to explore, costumes waiting for another outing, and neighborhood gatherings that give you a reason to visit somewhere beyond your usual routine. Some plans call for an evening out. Others are as simple as a morning walk with a little seasonal curiosity mixed in.
If you’re looking for things to do in Tacoma and the South Sound this October, there’s still plenty ahead. Here are a few ways to enjoy the rest of the month, from local arts to Halloween traditions in Tacoma, Eatonville, and Gig Harbor.
Find a little inspiration during Tacoma Arts Month
October is Tacoma Arts Month, a citywide celebration of the creativity happening in our own community.
The opening celebration and studio tour have already taken place, but the arts calendar is still a useful place to find exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events. It’s a good starting point when you want an outing that feels connected to the city.
Choose something that catches your attention, then leave time for a nearby coffee or dinner. Sometimes one small plan is all it takes to get to know another part of Tacoma. (tacomaartsmonth.org)
Explore the calendar: https://tacomaartsmonth.org/
Meet the visiting trolls at Point Defiance and Northwest Trek
There’s a new reason to look a little more closely along the paths at two favorite South Sound destinations.
TROLLS: A Field Study brings 12 giant sculptures by Thomas Dambo to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Made from reclaimed materials, the trolls each have their own personality, with four at the zoo and eight at Northwest Trek.
The exhibition opened October 15 and is included with admission or membership at each location. At Northwest Trek, one troll is in the Free-Roaming Area and can be seen from the tram.
You could make two separate outings of it rather than trying to fit both parks into one day. More time to wander, notice the animals, and enjoy being outside. (nwtrek.org)
Learn more: https://www.nwtrek.org/trolls/
Explore Northwest Trek after dark at Hoot ’n’ Howl
If costumes and a twilight forest walk sound like your kind of October evening, Hoot ’n’ Howl brings both together.
Northwest Trek’s seasonal event includes illuminated animal paths, trick-or-treat stations, games, and evening keeper chats. Five of the visiting trolls are also viewable during the event, adding another layer of discovery along the way.
The remaining October dates are October 23, 24, and 30, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. This is a separately ticketed evening event, so plan your admission before heading out. (nwtrek.org)
Tickets and details: https://www.nwtrek.org/event/hoot-n-howl/
Spend an afternoon at Halloween on the Hill
Tacoma Community House’s Halloween on the Hill brings seasonal activities and neighborhood connection together in one place.
The free celebration includes candy, music, Halloween activities, and community resource tables. Costumes are encouraged, and the afternoon offers a chance to meet some of the local organizations supporting Tacoma residents.
It takes place Saturday, October 24, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Tacoma Community House, 1314 South L Street. A manageable afternoon outing with room to connect as well as celebrate. (eventbrite.com)
Event details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-on-the-hill-tickets-2000310458428
Put those costumes to work in Browns Point
For another neighborhood Halloween stop, Browns Point Improvement Club hosts Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25.
The event runs from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at 201 Ton A Wan Da Avenue NE in Tacoma. If you’ve been looking for a reason to explore Browns Point, this is a seasonal gathering to add to the calendar. (brownspoint.org)
Event details: https://brownspoint.org/event/trunk-or-treat/
Watch a giant pumpkin take shape in Gig Harbor
Pumpkin carving is a little different when the pumpkin becomes a sculpture.
On Friday, October 30, artist Russ Leno will be carving a giant pumpkin at Uptown Gig Harbor’s pavilion from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Stop by to watch the work take shape, then build in time for lunch or a browse through the shops.
It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary Friday errand into something a little more memorable. (uptowngigharbor.com)
Event information: https://uptowngigharbor.com/
Stay for trick-or-treating at Uptown
Later that same afternoon, Uptown Gig Harbor hosts free trick-or-treating from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Bring costumes and explore participating businesses throughout the shopping center. With pumpkin carving earlier in the day, you can choose a short visit or spend more of the afternoon there.
Both events take place at Uptown Gig Harbor, 4701 Point Fosdick Drive. (uptowngigharbor.com)
Details: https://uptowngigharbor.com/
Start Halloween with a bird walk at Point Defiance
For something a little quieter before the evening festivities, the Halloween Bird Walk offers a different way to enjoy October 31.
Join a Parks Tacoma guide to learn about local birds and the folklore and superstitions surrounding them. Costumes are welcome, admission is free, and drop-ins can attend without advance registration.
The walk runs Saturday, October 31, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, meeting at Point Defiance Lodge, 5715 Roberts Garden Drive. Participants should be prepared to travel up to two miles on uneven, unpaved trails. Bring binoculars if you have them; loaners are available upon request.
A morning among the trees feels like a pretty good way to begin Halloween. (parkstacoma.gov)
Walk details: https://www.parkstacoma.gov/event/halloween-bird-walk/
Make room for the parts of Tacoma you haven’t explored yet
One of my favorite things about living in the South Sound is how many different kinds of days you can have close to home.
An art outing downtown. A neighborhood celebration on the Hilltop. An afternoon in Gig Harbor. A forest walk that gives everyone something new to notice.
If you’re moving to Tacoma or comparing communities around Pierce County, local events can be a useful way to experience a place beyond the homes you’re touring. Spend a little time there. Visit a business nearby. Notice how the day feels.
For more local finds, my weekly events email shares South Sound happenings, new openings, and places worth exploring. And if you have questions about living in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, or the surrounding communities, I’m always happy to help.
Ruthy Taylor
MOSAIC | REAL
206.718.3933