Whether you need activities for kids, family-friendly outings, or unique date night options, I've curated a list of exciting events happening near you in the Tacoma area that will keep you busy all month long! From community gatherings to live music and after-school programs, some great experiences are waiting for you and your loved ones this June!
BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK
A glimpse into the life of Vera Stark, a strong African American woman who wants to begin an acting career in the 1930s - a time when her only shot at success lays in stealing small scenes in big Hollywood blockbusters. Watch her story unfold and reflect on the life and legacy of this controversial star.
Dates: May 31 - Jun 16
Location: LAKEWOOD PLAYHOUSE, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
FAMILY & BABYSITTERS MEET UP (FORMERLY BABYSITTERS CLUB)
Are you a parent in search of the ideal babysitter to care for your precious little ones? Perhaps you're a caring and experienced babysitter eager to find the perfect family to work with? Look no further! Join us for a fun and unique event that brings parents and babysitters together for a delightful day of bonding, open playtime, and circle introductions.
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: THE POD WORKS, 7024 27th Street West, University Place, WA, 98466
PROCTOR FARMERS' MARKET
Join us at the weekly Proctor Farmers' Market, presented by the City of Tacoma and Pierce County's Agriculture Program. Enjoy live music and browse a variety of local produce, crafts, and more. Free to attend and suitable for all ages!
Date: Saturdays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: North 27th and North Proctor Streets, Tacoma, WA 98401
OPEN STUDIO HOURS JUNE 2024
This spring and summer, we're trying something new: we're holding open studio hours every first Saturday of each month, starting in April. While visiting the BCP studio, you can shop our growing selection of new and used books (the majority of which are from small, local presses), (co)work on your creative projects or meet/mingle with other creatives in the community.
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: BLUE CACTUS PRESS STUDIO, 1901 Jefferson Ave Office 105, Tacoma, WA 98402
POINT DEFIANCE FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL
The Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival is a showcase of gardening in the Pacific Northwest with hands-on programming, demonstrations, garden tours, food trucks, shopping, lectures, live music, and a beer and wine garden. This indoor/outdoor event is perfect for expert gardeners, budding plant lovers, or those who just enjoy stopping to smell the roses.
Date: Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2
Time: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: POINT DEFIANCE PARK, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
BRICK BY BRICK LEGO CLUB
Join us every other week for Brick by Brick LEGO Club! Build a LEGO creation around the monthly theme, or free build to your heart's content!
Dates: Saturdays, June 1 and June 15
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: MOORE BRANCH, 215 South 56th Street, Tacoma WA 98408
More info: All ages, free. No registration is required. Please leave your LEGOs at home.
BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
Join us for a hands-on planting class! We will be creating a mini bog bowl using fascinating carnivorous plants. You will learn basic survival needs, proper potting medium, and winter dormancy. Small - 1 sarracenia and 1 drosera. Large - 1 each sarracenia, drosera and pinguicula.
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: 323 Garfield Street South #103, Parkland, WA 98444
BOTANICAL GARDEN TOUR AT POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM
Cacti. Bamboo. Leaves, trunks, flowers. Did you know the Zoo is also a botanical garden, home to hundreds of varieties of plants from decorative to functional? Zookeepers use some of the plant growth, such as banana leaves and bamboo shoots, as food or skill-building tools for the animals. The plants also create a stunning botanical paradise.
Take a botanical garden tour with our horticulturalist Bryon Jones and be awed by the power of plants at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
Date: Sunday, June 2
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: POINT DEFIANCE ZOO & AQUARIUM, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
YOGA @ TAM WITH TULADHARA
Join us for Yoga @ TAM in partnership with Tuladhara Yoga! This upcoming 60-minute yoga practice in TAM's main event space is inspired by art in the collection and the importance of community connection. Feel rested and restored with a mellow flow led by Alycia Patterson. After class, enjoy a mimosa included in the ticket price.
Date: Sunday, June 2
Time: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, admission is FREE for TAM members and $20 for non-members
COMMUNITY GARDEN WORK PARTY
Many hands make light work! Join us for spring planting and general maintanance for the PLU Community Garden. All food grown in the garden is donated to Trinity Lutheran's Food Pantry. We encourage volunteers to dress for the weather, bring a water bottle, and to wear closed toe shoes. All PLU student, faculty, staff and Parkland community members are invited to join.
Dates: Sunday, June 2
Times: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: PLU COMMUNITY GARDEN, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Ave S, Parkland, WA 98447
CO-WORKING WITH KIDS
Join us for weekly kid-friendly co-work sessions at The Pod Works. While the kids engage in nearby activities, parents can focus on networking, brainstorming, and receiving feedback from peers. Open to members and day pass holders with an office reservation. First-time guests attend for free.
Date: Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 4:25 PM - 5:25 PM
Location: THE POD WORKS, 7024 27th Street W STE A, University Place
BABY & TOT MEET UP/EARLY LEARNERS
Join us for Baby & Tot Meet Ups with Early Learners at The Pod Works. Enjoy structured circle time for early learners at 9:40 am, followed by open play and coffee with friends from 10:00 am to 11:40 am. We'll end with another 20 minutes of Early Learners Circle Time. Free for members and first-time guests. Day passes and donations welcome. Registration required.
Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 9:40 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: THE POD WORKS, 7024 27th Street West, University Place, WA, 98466
STORYTIME FOR LITTLE SPARK PLUGS
ACM welcomes toddlers and their caregivers for our brand new, in-person Storytime for Little Spark Plugs! Join us to meet new friends, enjoy interactive stories and action songs, and play in ACM's hands-on Family Zone.
Date: Tuesday, June 4
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
TUESDAYS AT THE BAY
Stop by Bay Terrace each Tuesday for one of our weekly programs, or a cup of coffee! Tuesdays at the Bay includes free employment and education resources for adults and teens at “The Hub,” the Fresh Express Farmers Market, Community Café, and Club Z Tutoring for K-12 kids and teens. You don't have to live at Bay Terrace to attend, all are welcome!
Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: BAY TERRACE, 2550 S G St, Tacoma, WA 98405
LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET
With a wide variety of vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious snacks, this market is the perfect destination for a weekend outing. Explore the stalls and discover unique items while supporting local farmers and artisans. The Lakewood Farmers Market is more than just a shopping destination; it's a community gathering spot where friends and families can connect and enjoy live music, activities for children, and food trucks.
Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: FORT STEILACOOM PARK, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
UP AND ATOM: LIBRARY PROGRAM
Immerse yourself in the excitement of Up and Atom STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Days, presented in collaboration with the Tacoma Public Library. Engage in hands-on STEAM and craft activities, where children aged 5-12 can explore the world of artists, learn about their creations, and unleash their creative skills by crafting their own artwork. All materials are provided, and everyone is encouraged to join this inclusive and entertaining event!
Date: Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 27
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Location: TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY, Multiple Branches (check link for locations)
AFTERNOON ADVENTURES WITH KIDS!
We will have some ever-changing guided crafts and activities every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00. We will provide all resources needed, as well as a light snack and drink option. Parents/grown-ups will be required to be on-premises and assist their child as needed with the activity.
Date: Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
CELEBRATE GLOBAL RUNNING DAY
Global Running Day celebrates what makes running so special–camaraderie and friendship, endorphins and accomplishment, and the chance to challenge your personal limits. Whether it's your first 5K or your fiftieth, we invite you to join us for The Big Run on Wednesday, June 5 at Fleet Feet Tacoma. Distance: 5k fun run/walk.
Date: Wednesday, June 5
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Fleet Feet Tacoma, 3812 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98407
MONTHLY MILITARY SPOUSE COFFEE HOUR
In partnership with Blue Star Families, join us for coffee and pastries, and feel free to bring your own, while you mingle and network with other military spouses!
Date: Thursday, June 6
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: THE STEVEN A. COHEN MILITARY FAMILY CLINIC, Valley Cities' Boeing Community Room, 6103 Mount Tacoma Drive Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98499
More info: Free.
TACOMA FARMERS' MARKET ON BROADWAY
Tacoma Farmers Market creates vibrant marketplaces where local farms, small businesses, and organizations connect directly with the community.
Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 925 Broadway, Tacoma WA 98402
GIG HARBOR WATERFRONT FARMERS' MARKET
The Waterfront Farmers Market, located in downtown Gig Harbor, provides our community with fresh, locally grown farm products and specialty foods. At the same time, we are providing our local area growers with a community-supported venue for their crops and products. Give back to your community. Eat fresh and local.
Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: SKANSIE BROTHERS PARK, 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
FIRST THURSDAY TEEN MOVIE NIGHT
The first Thursday of the month is teen movie night at University Place! We're kicking off our summer teen movie series with a free showing of The Sandlot! A young boy moves to a new neighborhood where he is taken in by a group of local baseball players. The new gang of friends finds themselves caught in many adventures; including getting a prized ball back from the menacing neighborhood dog. Rated PG, runtime 101 minutes.
Date: Thursday, June 6
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: UNIVERSITY PLACE LIBRARY, Meeting Room, 3609 Market Place West, Suite 100, University Place, WA, 98466
More info: Suitable for teens (ages 13-18)
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, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
More info: All ages, admission is FREE
TACOMA SEWING CLUB & CRAFTING WORKSHOP
Join Sew Club Tacoma, a "book club style" sewing club designed to grow Tacoma's sewing community. All sewing enthusiasts are welcome from every level of the craft in this inclusive, safe, and encouraging space. Meetings on the first and third Thursdays of each month include choosing sewing patterns, discussing sewing processes, and showcasing creations. Participants can choose suggested designs or their own projects. During meetings at Tacoma Art Museum's Library Space (2nd floor), attendees share their makes, seek guidance, and discuss sewing processes. Socializing and pattern selection occur on the first Thursday of each month, while beginners receive project assistance on third Thursdays.
Date: Thursdays, June 6 and 20
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: TACOMA ART MUSEUM, Library Space (2nd floor), 1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
OPEN MIC AT KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE
Join us for our weekly Open Mic night where you can showcase your talents or simply enjoy the performances. Sign-ups start at 5:30 PM. See you there!
Date: Thursdays, June 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
JUNE MOM'S NIGHT AT THE POD WORKS
Join us at The Pod Works for Mom's Night, the first Friday of every month! This event is for moms and babes in arms, an opportunity to enjoy some adult time and connect with other mothers in our community over snacks and beverages. Please bring a snack or beverage to share. Theme - Paint Party with Barbara Serry
Date: Friday, June 7
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: THE POD WORKS, 7024 27th Street W STE A, University Place
TAYLOR CRAFT NIGHT
Join us for a Taylor Craft Night! We will have a custom hat bar by Kalei's Creations, custom t-shirt, crewneck bar by Meeker Mercantile and Amicisnovum (our OG business) custom totes, and of course tasty drinks from Bean Hut Espresso!
Date: Friday, June 7
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: NUESTRO BARRIO MULTICULTURE SHOP, 116 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371-5912
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, June 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP AT HIVE CO.
Join Jeanne Anderson of Indigo Street Studio for a 2 hour watercolor workshop. We will be painting a beautiful scene of Mt. Rainier. No experience necessary and all supplies will be provided. Bring a friend!
Date: Saturday, June 8
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
PODCAST CAFÉ
Join our monthly group to create your very own podcast from concept to download. Led by Digital Media Lab instructor John Hargis, this gathering is open to podcasters and storytellers ages 12 and up. Topics covered include setting up your recording space, developing compelling content, and analyzing popular podcasts.
Date: Tuesday, June 11
Time: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Online
Link
MEEKER DAYS
This iconic festival, held annually in June, has been a beloved tradition for over 80 years. With live entertainment, mouth-watering food, thrilling rides, and an array of unique vendors, Meeker Days has something for everyone. Explore the historic downtown district of Puyallup and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll through the streets filled with music and laughter. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, so bring your friends and family and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out on this unforgettable summer experience!
Dates: Friday, June 14 - Sunday, June 16
Location: 118 W Main, Puyallup, WA 98371
FAMILY STEAM DAYS – CUSTOM CAR CREATIONS
On the third Saturday of each month, families can spend quality time together exploring activities available in the Education Studio and Family Zone. Family STEAM Days are free for ACM Members and included with Museum admission. Museum visitors age 18 and under receive FREE admission on Family STEAM Days.
Date: Saturday, June 15
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: LEMAY – AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
The festival will include a main stage filled with amazing performances and speakers, an interactive kid's zone and stage, face painting and a playground. Partnering with the City of Tacoma/Tacoma Creates, Metro Parks, Tacoma Urban League, MultiCare and other community organizations and utilizing the beautiful Stewart Heights Park, the Juneteenth festival will host over fifty vendors from trade associations, local businesses, nonprofits, and finance. Our goal is to create an opportunity for economic growth and set a path for financial stability within the BIPOC community and of course celebrate.
Date: Wednesday, June 19
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Ln, Tacoma, WA 98404
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, June 20
Time: 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATION
Commemorate Juneteenth through an evening of programming curated by BLK WINS. BLK WINS strives to be a direct resource for people, specifically Black youth, to discover and identify who we truly are, where we come from, and how we got here. The session will include a presentation and conversation facilitated by the BLK WINS team that reflects on the importance of Black history on a local and national level and the significance of Juneteenth in Washington State. The program will conclude with an interactive mural-making session.
Date: Wednesday, June 19
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
RHUBARB DAYS
Join us for the fastest growing festival in the Pacific Northwest! A full weekend of live music, a beer garden, crafts, and local vendors! Sumner is the place for family fun! Come celebrate Rhubarb in the Rhubarb Pie Capitol of the World.
Date: Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Main Street Sumner, WA 98390
LINCOLN DISTRICT FOOD WALK
We're transforming Lincoln District, Tacoma into a street food festival! Yakima Ave will be filled with food trucks and stands. Grab a drink in the michelada beer garden and enjoy live performances from PNW artists. Follow the food walk map and taste small bites and special menu items from district restaurants. Shop the pop-up marketplace curated by Tacoma Sunday Market. Lincoln District Food Walk is a street food festival celebrating cultural diversity through food, drink and music! EAT. DANCE. DRINK. REPEAT.
Date: Saturday, June 22nd
Time: 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: 3801 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98418
FIRCREST STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
There's not much better than a fun summer evening in the sun! Come kickoff the summer event season at the Fircrest Strawberry Festival!
Jam to the toe tapping tunes of the HOOK ME UP BAND live in concert! We'll have Artists, Makers, Food Trucks and of course the famous Fircrest Kiwanis Strawberry shortcakes! There's even reliable rumors that the Strawberry Princess might be fluttering around! You won't want to miss it!
Date: Sunday, June 23rd
Time: 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: 511 Electron Way, Tacoma, WA 98466
TACOMA OCEAN FEST
Tacoma Ocean Fest returns to the Foss Waterway Seaport June 28 & 29, 2024! Incredible art, music, dance, film, poetry, science and water fun bring our community together to celebrate the ocean, learn about its threats and get inspired to protect it. State of the Salmon Screening: Thursday, June 27, 2024 6pm-7pm. Lantern Paddle for Species: Friday, June 28, 2024 7pm-10pm. Waterfront Clean-up: Saturday, June 29, 2024 10am-Noon. Festival: Saturday, June 29, 2024 Noon-5pm.
Location: FOSS WATERWAY SEAPORT, 705 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402