Explore the vibrant community events in Tacoma with my curated guide. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, our list of local happenings offers something for everyone. From lively street fairs and farmers markets to cultural festivals and family-friendly activities, Tacoma's event scene is buzzing with excitement. Stay connected and make the most of your community by discovering the best events, all thoughtfully selected to help you enjoy and engage with Tacoma's unique charm.
SUNFLOWER DAYS AT KNUTSON FARMS
Join us for our Annual Sunflower Festival at Knutson Farms! U-Pick flowers, Concessions treats, the Animal Barn, Cow Train Rides, a NEW interactive scavenger game through the Flower Field, and so much more Farm fun! We can't wait to have you!
Date: Thursday, August 1 - Sunday, August 11
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: KNUTSON FARMS, 16406 78th St E, Sumner, WA 98390
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, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 925 Broadway, Tacoma WA 98402
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, August 1
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.
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, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: SKANSIE BROTHERS PARK, 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
FREE NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHTS AT TAM
Tacoma Art Museum is open late and FREE to the community every Thursday, 5 ā 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, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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, August 1 and 15
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, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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: 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, August 1, 8, 15
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: CURRAN APPLE ORCHARD, 3920 Grandview Drive W., University Place, WA 98466
MOMS AFTER DARK, MARKET & NIGHT OUT
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 - 90s Nostalgia Night. Mom's night is free for members, donations to our pod family financial aid programs are requested from non members, however, first visits are always free.
Date: Friday, August 2
Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: THE CO-LAB, 3808 North 27th Street, Tacoma, WA, 98407
SUMNER NIGHT MARKET
Join us for the Sumner Night Market at Heritage Park! It's going to be an evening filled with great vibes, fantastic vendors, delicious food, and live entertainment by Stephanie Anderson from 6 PM to 8 PM! Get ready to groove to some amazing tunes!
Date: Fridays, August 2 and 23
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: HERITAGE PARK, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
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 ā of course.
Dates: Fridays, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: KIMBALL COFFEEHOUSE, 6659 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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, August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: North 27th and North Proctor Streets, Tacoma, WA 98401
OPEN STUDIO HOURS AUGUST 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, August 3
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: BLUE CACTUS PRESS STUDIO, 1901 Jefferson Ave Office 105, Tacoma, WA 98402
UNIVERISITY PLACE MOVIE IN THE PARK
Grab your picnic dinner, blanket and chairs and head out to Cirque Park for "Movie in the Park"! Starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be children's activities and snack trucks prior to the show. Then spread out your blanket and settle in for the hilarious adventures of Dory and her friends as they get busy "Finding Nemo." On site for the evening will be the Corndoggery food truck, Bliss Ice Cream and Kona Ice! Please note: The event venue is lawn seating. As a courtesy to all viewers, those with taller lawn chairs are asked to set up their seats toward the back of the viewing area so that everyone can see the movie.
Date: Saturday, August 3
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: CIRQUE PARK, 7250 Cirque Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
TACOMA SUNDAY MARKET
Event Description: Explore the South Sound's favorite curated marketplace at the Tacoma Sunday Market. Discover vintage clothing, handmade goods, sneakers, designers, food, drinks, music, and more! This fun and inclusive event celebrates diversity and small businesses while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Date: Sundays, August 4 and 18
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 917 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402
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: Sundays, August 4, 18
Times: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: PLU COMMUNITY GARDEN, Pacific Lutheran University, 12180 Park Ave S, Parkland, WA 98447
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 āThe Hub,ā the Fresh Express Farmers Market, Community CafĆ©, 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, August 6, 13, 20, 27
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, August 6, 13, 20, 27
Time: 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: FORT STEILACOOM PARK, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
FIRCREST NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
National Night Out is an opportunity to build neighborhood unity and strengthen the police-community partnership that is so important to the success of our community policing efforts. We are delighted that over the past 24 years our event has been judged and recognized as on of the best events in the nation for communities with a population of 15,000 or less.
Date: Tuesday, August 6
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Fircrest Community Center, 555 Contra Costa Avenue, Fircrest, WA 98466
GIG HARBOR FLOWER FARMERS MARKET
We are a collection of Gig Harbor flower farmers and growers. We sell at our public flower market Spring through Fall. Check our website for updates!
Date: Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Uptown Pavilion, 4701 Point Fosdick 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. August 7 - Mark Hurwitz and Gin Creek (blues, roots rock) with Corndoggery. August 14 - Billy Stoops and the Dirt Angels (Americana) with Tacos Mirrey. August 21 - The Chris Eger Band (blues, rock, country) with Jack's Savory Pies. August 28 - King Kom Beaux (Cajun swamp rock and blues) with Boss Mama (burgers).
Date: Wednesdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28
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
MOTORS & MOVIES ā DRIVE IN AT ACM: KUNG FU PANDA 4
Grab dinner at our picnic concessions and watch in your car or from a blanket, either option will provide you a great view of the 40-foot tall outdoor screen. Motors & Movies is FREE and open to all ages, no RSVP required, first come first served. Gates for parking 6:00 PM, Movie Start Time: Sunset, Movie: Kung Fu Panda 4.
Date: Friday, August 9
Time: 6:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: LEMAY ā AMERICA'S CAR MUSEUM, 2702 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
LA PALOMA MARKETPLACE
Get ready for an amazing 10th season at La Paloma Marketplace! With our newly acquired nonprofit status and road closure, we look forward to supporting small businesses and our community like never before. La Paloma Marketplace is an Indigenous owned and operated 501(c)(3), outdoor vintage & artisan market founded in 2014.
Date: Saturdays, August 10, 23
Time: 9:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Proctor District of Tacoma, N 28th St & Proctor St in front of Mason Middle School
TACOMA KIDS SWAP
Purge those closets and join us for our next Tacoma Kids Swap event! Whether you've participated before or are coming for the first time, we are so glad you're here. Please read the details at the link and message them if you have any questions! THE SWAP: This event is FREE and open to everyone, regardless of whether or not you have items to contribute. Stop by Hive Co. (address listed on the event, ample parking available at the back of the building) and shop the pop-up for whatever the kids in your life may need. There is not limit on the items you can take; we just ask that you only take what your family can truly use! We recommend bringing your own bag, but we'll have some onsite in case you forget. Any items left over after the event will be donated to local non-profit organizations. Anything that cannot be donated may be stored away for the next swap pop-up.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
SUMMER BASH AND OUTDOOR MOVIE AT NORPOINT
Join us for the Summer Bash and Outdoor Movie at Norpoint! Enjoy a Pickleball Tournament with both Rec and Advanced divisions, food trucks from 2-9 PM, and family games and activities from 5-8 PM. Don't miss the "Tacoma's Got Talent" competition from 6-7:30 PM, and wrap up the evening with a free outdoor screening of "Trolls Band Together" (PG) on the lawn at dusk. Bring your snacks, blankets, and lawn chairs for a fun-filled day and night!
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 2:00 - 11:00 PM
TACOMA'S GOT TALENT
Sign up and share your talent during our Summer Bash at Center at Norpoint! This activity is open to all ages. Come prepared with a 5-7 minute performance and show off your skills. For AV requirements, please email vangela.box@tacomaparks.com for assistance.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Center at Norpoint - Outside, 4818 Nassau Ave NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
SUMNER'S MUSIC OFF MAIN
Join us for Kalimba: The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire. The most authentic vision of Maurice White there is out there. Kalimba strives to pay homage to the past & present of EWF, and understands the vision that the groups founder Maurice White had and continues to personify his vision! Kalimba brings all the EWF hits to the stage in a way that takes you back to the first time that you heard these great songs.
Date: Saturday, August 10
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Loyalty Park, 914 Kincaid Ave, Sumner, WA 98390
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, August 15
Time: 3:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
THE SUMMER SERENADE - LIVE MUSIC AT MCMENAMINS
Experience an unforgettable night of live music at The Spanish Ballroom featuring award-winning classical world guitarist Andre Feriante, alongside Recording Academy member, songwriter, and pianist Tara Chugh, and the multi-instrumentalist band Ghost in Glass. Join us for a captivating performance blending intricate guitar work, soulful songwriting, and dynamic multi-instrumental compositions. This unique musical event promises an evening of artistic excellence and musical diversity. Bring your whole family to this all ages show!
Date: Sunday, August 18
Time: 4:00 PM Doors, 5:00 PM Show
Location: MCMENAMINS SPANISH BALLROOM, 8355 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
TACOMA RISING SUMMER BASH
Join us for the Tacoma Rising Summer Bash at Cheney Stadium. Enjoy the Lemon Drop Tailgate Party, a stadium tour, and party deck viewing with free dinner and drinks. Gates open at 6 PM, so come early for an unforgettable evening of fun and festivities!
Date: Thursday, August 22
Time: 4:00 - 10:00 PM
Location: CHENEY STADIUM, 2502 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405
FIRCREST CONCERT, MARKET & PICNIC IN THE PARK
Join us in Fircrest Park to enjoy live music by Harmonious Funk Band from 6:00-8:00 PM, along with a variety of vendors and food trucks from 5:00-8:30 PM. Presented by Umpqua Bank and Fircrest Parks & Recreation, this event promises an evening of fun and entertainment for all ages!
Date: Thursday, August 22
Time: 5:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Fircrest Park, Fircrest, WA 98466
HILLTOP STREET FAIR
The Hilltop Business Association presents Tacoma's most prominent community event, The Hilltop Street Fair! In its ninth year, the Hilltop Street Fair celebrates summer with food trucks, beer gardens, vendor booths, live entertainment stages, activities for kids, and much more! The Car Show will also return this year, and for the first time, the fair will feature a local Swap Meet currated by Por Vida NW, a 1on1 Basketball Tournament hosted by Gametime, and a Free Outdoor Movie in People's Park presented by The Grand Cinema, where they will show Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The Hilltop Street Fair centers around the business district on 11th St and Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and People's Park. Fairgoers can find ice cream, espresso, bakery items, chocolate confections, pubs, ethnic restaurants, and specialty stores open for business throughout the Hilltop Business corridor. Questions or inquiries, please email: info@hilltopba.org
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: PEOPLE'S PARK, 1100 S 9th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES - PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH
The Grand Cinema is kicking off our fourth annual FREE Outdoor Movie series for summer 2024! ā We'll set up our 30-foot-wide, inflatable screen at a different outdoor venue for each free family-friendly screening. Bring your own blankets, chairs and snacks! TAPCO Credit Union will be passing out a limited supply of FREE Grand Cinema Popcorn!ā š Puss in Boots: The Last Wish at the Hilltop Street Fair
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: Approx. 9:00 PM
Location: PEOPLE'S PARK, 1100 S 9th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
COMMUNITY HARVEST DAY
The public is invited to a Community Harvest Day in which the community is welcome to pick from untaped trees. Please bring picking bags from home and limit yourself to two bags to enable enough apples for everyone to enjoy. There will be NO other activities scheduled on this day (no pressings available). The Community Harvest Day is simply an opportunity for people to come and enjoy the park. If you are unable to attend, you may also pick apples AFTER this date from UNTAPED TREES. Tree Adopters will also receive email notices about additional options available to them.
Date: Sunday, August 25
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: CURRAN APPLE ORCHARD, 3920 Grandview Drive W., University Place, WA 98466
HIVE POP UP MARKET
We are very excited to announce the vendors for our next Hive Pop-Up Market on August 31st! Check out these incredible local makers and services who will be set-up at the shop from 10AM - 1PM. We have free parking in our back parking lot (you can ignore the "permit" signs) and easy entrance to the market through our back door. Just look for the big blue building with "HIVE" on it!
Date: Saturday, August 31
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: HIVE CO., 5436 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, 98409
AUGUST FAMILY DAY AT THE CO-LAB
Back to School Family Day! Free and Open to All - Open house style, pop in/pop out. Family Day is the last Saturday of every month, so mark your calendars for next months! 12 pm baby and toddler circle time, 2 pm Parent Education with Ms Natasha, 3 pm babysitter club meetup, and 12-5 pm all-age pop-up vendors, crafts, coffee and activities!
Date: Saturday, August 31
Time: 12:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: THE CO-LAB, 3808 N 27th St, Tacoma, WA 98407