Summer carnivals are back! Bring family, neighbors and friends to kick back and enjoy our parks. Play Tacoma family carnivals kick-off at Franklin Park on Friday, June 26. Come play, learn and grow as ...more

Summer carnivals are back! Bring family, neighbors and friends to kick back and enjoy our parks. Play Tacoma family carnivals kick-off at Franklin Park on Friday, June 26. Come play, learn and grow as you experience interactive games, entertainment, arts and a host of other family focused activities.

Through July community parks around Tacoma take turns as carnival destinations from 5-8 p.m. on Friday evenings. Bring the camera for all the photo ops created by these fun memory making adventures for kids. All activities are free. <<less

From 4 - 6p.m. the Puyallup Community Board will perform on the lawn of the Meeker Mansion. The snack bar will sell ice cream sundaes, shortcake and cheesecake (all topped with strawberries from local ...more

From 4 - 6p.m. the Puyallup Community Board will perform on the lawn of the Meeker Mansion. The snack bar will sell ice cream sundaes, shortcake and cheesecake (all topped with strawberries from local farms), hot dogs and soft drinks. A hat will be passed for the band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Come and enjoy an old fashioned concert in the park. The Mansion is open for tours from 12p.m. to 4p.m. Regular admission is charged. <<less

Lafayette Street becomes the center of the annual old-fashioned, hometown Independence Day Parade and Street Fair sponsored by the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce. Kiosks of craft items and patriotic d ...more

Lafayette Street becomes the center of the annual old-fashioned, hometown Independence Day Parade and Street Fair sponsored by the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce. Kiosks of craft items and patriotic displays line the street while music can be heard from the bandstand in front of the Post Office. There is a street dance in the evening. Around 10:30 p.m., one of the best pyrotechnical displays in the area takes place over Puget Sound. <<less

This story belongs in the group of Southern Gothic comedies for which Henley is best known. Its heroine, Carnelle, is an irrepressible young woman who thinks that winning the local beauty contest will ...more

This story belongs in the group of Southern Gothic comedies for which Henley is best known. Its heroine, Carnelle, is an irrepressible young woman who thinks that winning the local beauty contest will restore her soiled reputation and make her somebody in her small Mississippi community. The general conclusion the characters reach is that, even if the real you is not the fulfillment of your hopes, you will be more at peace if you learn to define and accept your own self. <<less

Mark your calendar immediately for Silent Movie Night at the Steilacoom Historical Museum. This fourth annual event will take place May 15 at 7 pm. The doors open at 6:30 pm.

The films includ ...more

Mark your calendar immediately for Silent Movie Night at the Steilacoom Historical Museum. This fourth annual event will take place May 15 at 7 pm. The doors open at 6:30 pm.

The films include a documentary about Charles “Lucky” Lindbergh, a slapstick featuring the antics of Buster Keaton and a thrilling drama – “Nanook of the North.”

If this outstanding collection of films isn’t enough for you then the price of admission certainly should get you over to the museum: 10 cents per person and the popcorn is free! It doesn’t get any better than that!

The event is open members of the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association and everyone else interested. <<less

Every Wednesday in July and August the gardens will be open for visitors to take pleasure in those long summer evenings. Bring the family by for a picnic in the cool breeze, or relax and enjoy a good ...more

Every Wednesday in July and August the gardens will be open for visitors to take pleasure in those long summer evenings. Bring the family by for a picnic in the cool breeze, or relax and enjoy a good book after a long day at work, either way a summer night at Lakewold is unlike any other. Also, indulge in late night shopping at The Garden Shop until 8:00 p.m. <<less

The ARK Institute of Learning is offering 6 different classes this summer, mostly in math, for grades 2-12. Each class runs Monday through Thursday. Tuition is $175 and financial assistance is availab ...more

The ARK Institute of Learning is offering 6 different classes this summer, mostly in math, for grades 2-12. Each class runs Monday through Thursday. Tuition is $175 and financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
Course descriptions, a registration form, and additional information are available at www.arkinst.org.
Please call 253-573-0311 if you would like information mailed to you. <<less

Free Music every Tuesday evening at Skansie Brother's Park on the Gig Harbor waterfront:
June 30th - Hannah Weeks
July 7th - 133rd Army Band
July 14th - Jug of Punch
July 21st - The Be ...more

Free Music every Tuesday evening at Skansie Brother's Park on the Gig Harbor waterfront:
June 30th - Hannah Weeks
July 7th - 133rd Army Band
July 14th - Jug of Punch
July 21st - The Beatniks
July 28th - Aurora String Quartet
August 4th - Seattle Women's Jazz Orchestra
August 11th - The High Rollers
August 18th - Dewgrass Bluegrass
August 25th - Big Hands Colvin <<less

Families can visit the Children's Museum of Tacoma for FREE every Thursday in June, July and August for the Columbia Bank Free Market Play Days. Hosted in conjunction with the Downtown Tacoma Farmer's ...more

Families can visit the Children's Museum of Tacoma for FREE every Thursday in June, July and August for the Columbia Bank Free Market Play Days. Hosted in conjunction with the Downtown Tacoma Farmer's Market, Market Play Days provides the perfect opportunity for indoor and outdoor exploration and play throughout the summer! <<less

Ornament as Art is the first major exhibition of contemporary jewelry to fully explore its impact as a global art form. Showcasing highlights from one of the largest and most comprehensive collections ...more

Ornament as Art is the first major exhibition of contemporary jewelry to fully explore its impact as a global art form. Showcasing highlights from one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of studio art jewelry in the world, the exhibition includes more than 175 artists from 18 different countries. In its only West Coast appearance, the exhibition, organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, explores the avant-garde nature of the works, the artists’ sometimes controversial use of scale and form, as well as the value placed on concepts and ideas rather than precious materials. Visitors have the opportunity to see hundreds of works made from a wide range of materials, including found objects such as pencils, books, and tin cans as well as more traditional materials such as metal, wood, and stone. <<less

This summer, the City of Tacoma is proud to present Metal-URGE, an event that will bring dozens of artists and more than twenty venues together to showcase some of the region's best metal art and arti ...more

This summer, the City of Tacoma is proud to present Metal-URGE, an event that will bring dozens of artists and more than twenty venues together to showcase some of the region's best metal art and artists. The event will coincide with two Tacoma Art Museum exhibitions, "Ornament as Art" and "Loud Bones". Join us all summer long for artist workshops, lectures, museum/gallery exhibitions, artist receptions, a free community festival on July 31st, and much, much more. <<less

The stories of our lives are often told through jewelry—it marks milestones, celebrations, rites of passage, and family history. For more than three decades, internationally renowned Northwest jewelry ...more

The stories of our lives are often told through jewelry—it marks milestones, celebrations, rites of passage, and family history. For more than three decades, internationally renowned Northwest jewelry artist Nancy Worden has created work that tells such stories, exploring social and political issues and the female experience in the United States.

Working from her vast knowledge of jewelry traditions and forms, she incorporates non-traditional materials such as eyeglass frames, seed pods, and plastic hair curlers to create jewelry that is characterized by impeccable technique, intellectual rigor, and an often wicked sense of humor.

Loud Bones: The Jewelry of Nancy Worden is the first scholarly examination of the career of Nancy Worden. It is part of Tacoma Art Museum’s Northwest Perspective Series, which celebrates the work of regional artists through an exhibition and accompanying catalogue. The exhibition includes more than 40 works spanning Worden’s career. <<less

A market offering fresh flowers, produce, food, wood crafts, jewelry, and other handcrafted arts from nearly 100 vendors. Located in the quaint and scenic fishing town of Gig Harbor, WA 
Ten minu ...more

A market offering fresh flowers, produce, food, wood crafts, jewelry, and other handcrafted arts from nearly 100 vendors. Located in the quaint and scenic fishing town of Gig Harbor, WA 
Ten minutes from Tacoma across the Narrows Bridge
Entertainment - Free Parking - Kids Activities - Hot Food <<less

Operating for its second year, Tacoma’s newest farmers market is set to open on Tuesday, June 2nd, in the heart of the city’s entertainment district—The 6th Avenue District.

Last year the ma ...more

Operating for its second year, Tacoma’s newest farmers market is set to open on Tuesday, June 2nd, in the heart of the city’s entertainment district—The 6th Avenue District.

Last year the market filled the streets from 6th Ave to 7th Ave, generating an enthusiasm and community spirit that was palpable, spilling over into neighborhood businesses. Reports from neighboring businesses showed a considerable jump in sales on market days. Local residents openly enjoyed the convenience of front door shopping and community gathering. <<less

For the fifth consecutive year, Tacoma Art Museum partners with the Behnke Foundation to host an exhibition of work by the Neddy Artist Fellowship finalists and winners. The Neddy Artist Fellowship wa ...more

For the fifth consecutive year, Tacoma Art Museum partners with the Behnke Foundation to host an exhibition of work by the Neddy Artist Fellowship finalists and winners. The Neddy Artist Fellowship was established in 1996 as a memorial to Robert E. (Ned) Behnke (1948–1989) by the Behnke Family and the Behnke Foundation, honoring Ned’s contributions to the Northwest artistic community. The Fellowship is awarded to Northwest artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, innovation, unique vision, and a passionate commitment to their art and community. Finalists for painting are Timothy Cross, Eric Elliott, Gary Faigin, and Lynda Lowe. Finalists for glass are Joey Kirkpatrick and Flora C. Mace; Jenny Knowles and Sabrina Pohlman; Benjamin Moore; and April Surgent. The two winners will be announced at the members’ opening on Saturday, June 6. <<less

Sarah is Research Fellow for Artists' Books at the Centre for Fine Print Research, where she runs projects investigating and promoting contemporary book arts. She is currently working with Tom Sowden ...more

Sarah is Research Fellow for Artists' Books at the Centre for Fine Print Research, where she runs projects investigating and promoting contemporary book arts. She is currently working with Tom Sowden on a two-year, Arts and Humanities Research Council funded project until February 2010: In an arena including digital and traditional artists' publishing formats - what will be the canon for the artist's book in the 21st Century? <<less

Join the BareFoot Collective for 8@8. Experience the latest works of: Luke Smiraldo, Allison Hankins, Cara Jennings, Sabine Foster, John Wise, Jeanne Douville, Carrie Goodnight and more!
Open to a ...more

Join the BareFoot Collective for 8@8. Experience the latest works of: Luke Smiraldo, Allison Hankins, Cara Jennings, Sabine Foster, John Wise, Jeanne Douville, Carrie Goodnight and more!
Open to all art forms, 8@8 is a platform for artists of any discipline to try out their work in an informal setting. Each artist gets a maximum of 8 minutes to show new material. This is an excellent opportunity to see what artists are doing in the Seattle-Tacoma area. After the show there is an opportunity to give and exchange constructive feedback to the participants. <<less

A captivating introduction to the medium of glass, Contrasts includes international, historically important and visually stunning works of art that are grouped to illustrate opposing ideas, techniques ...more

A captivating introduction to the medium of glass, Contrasts includes international, historically important and visually stunning works of art that are grouped to illustrate opposing ideas, techniques and styles. The exhibition provides a visual feast of 65 objects and challenges visitors to observe and describe the artwork before making value judgments. Contributing artists include René Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Frank Lloyd Wright, Stanislav Libenský, Jaroslava Brychtová, Harvey Littleton, Dale Chihuly, Richard Marquis, Ginny Ruffner, Dante Marioni, Sonja Blomdahl, Flora Mace, Joey Kirkpatrick, Susan Plum, and Robbie Miller, among others. A multi-sensory tour experience is available, which provides audio descriptions of the artwork along with glass elements that visitors can touch to illustrate specific attributes of the glass. <<less

Acclaimed nature photographer, Keith Lazelle, has captured the beauty of the Hoh River, one of only a few virtually intact rivers in the contiguous United States. Explore the rich history and cultural ...more

Acclaimed nature photographer, Keith Lazelle, has captured the beauty of the Hoh River, one of only a few virtually intact rivers in the contiguous United States. Explore the rich history and cultural significance of this ecosystem, including efforts to protect and preserve it. <<less

Every Thursday from June through October the Theatre District blossoms with an exciting array of sights, sounds and smells. Since 1990, freshly picked fruits and vegetables, handcrafted artisan breads ...more

Every Thursday from June through October the Theatre District blossoms with an exciting array of sights, sounds and smells. Since 1990, freshly picked fruits and vegetables, handcrafted artisan breads, quality hand-made gifts, toe tapping music and fresh flowers have beckoned shoppers from near and far. This festive community event has become a Thursday tradition in Tacoma, offering the best flavors, sights and smells that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Come join the fun, and visit with the people who grow the freshest produce offered in the South Sound. Parking - Ride the Tacoma Link! Park your car at the Tacoma Dome Park and Ride-located at 25th street and D street and take the latest in transportation… the Tacoma Link! It’s Free! <<less

Every Saturday, throughout the Market season, local farmers and food vendors offer a changing selection of fresh food and produce, including organic fruit and vegetables. You can also find plants and ...more

Every Saturday, throughout the Market season, local farmers and food vendors offer a changing selection of fresh food and produce, including organic fruit and vegetables. You can also find plants and cut flowers, grass-fed meat, fresh caught salmon, locally cultured cheeses, bakery items, hot food and select garden-related crafts and products. The Master Gardeners will even be on hand to answer your gardening queries.In addition, the Market showcases local musicians and performers. Look for our upcoming special events including Kid's Days and performances by Dance Theatre Northwest. <<less

Incoming! is the first in a series of exhibitions devoted to documenting the genesis and continuing evolution of the Museum of Glass’ permanent collection. It will showcase twelve signature works—sup ...more

Incoming! is the first in a series of exhibitions devoted to documenting the genesis and continuing evolution of the Museum of Glass’ permanent collection. It will showcase twelve signature works—superlative in form, execution and concept—by both emerging and established artists. The objects are organized into categories of landscape and portraiture and reference how humankind and nature endure as powerful, universal sources of inspiration. <<less

Joseph Rossano’s Mirrored Murrelets highlights the environmental impact of a changing environment on the Marbled Murrelet, a small sea bird that nests primarily in the old-growth forests of the Pacifi ...more

Joseph Rossano’s Mirrored Murrelets highlights the environmental impact of a changing environment on the Marbled Murrelet, a small sea bird that nests primarily in the old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest. The installation comprises 275 mirrored glass birds, created in the Museum of Glass Hot Shop in January, 2008, that “float” just above the surface of the Museum’s mid-level reflecting pool. <<less

All Bank of America bankcard holders and employees receive free admission to Tacoma Art Museum the first weekend of every month as part of Bank of America’s national Museums on Us program. Visit www.B ...more

All Bank of America bankcard holders and employees receive free admission to Tacoma Art Museum the first weekend of every month as part of Bank of America’s national Museums on Us program. Visit www.BankofAmerica.com/museums for details. <<less