Fell in love with these paper flowers by Laurie Cinotto last February at a GRLS Studio makers market. Take a look at our list below for events featuring local makers.
Working on working! From listings to event lists to actually getting out to some January events, it was a busy month.
We’ve all been through a holiday season, followed by a season immersed in growth, revision, revitalization, renewal, regeneration, new habits, or new focus on old habits, less of something, more of another, less self focus, more self focus, less doing, more being, or more doing, less thinking about doing, new year, new you, new chance, new ways to be exhausted, new ways to feel like we still didn't quite get it right, or maybe you did get it right, or finally understood there wasn’t just one way to do that, maybe you’ve been doing something right all along.
Anyhow, this is all to say we’ve been through a shift in time together recently, and if you’ve landed in February without the energy to look at 30-some events, without the mind space to comprehend being interested, that’s fine; we’ll see you in March. But I guess if you’ve made it this far, if you clicked the link, and read these sentences maybe you have at least the faintest curiosity, the smallest inclination to get out into this city we call home. I hope there are a handful of you out there served by this list of opportunities, they’re various and diverse, they’re inside and out, they’re opportunities for motion, for air, for listening, for conversation, for food, for music, for story, for finding out where you and Tacoma meet, how you fit, or even what you’d like to change. Now for the list!
Image from Eastside Community Center
1. Resolution Reboot - Wellness & Resource Fair at the Eastside Community Center
Saturday, February 2nd
10 am - 2 pm
1721 E 56th St, Tacoma
Free
Pre-register here and be entered to win a free personal training session!
Fitness classes, open gym, new equipment, recipe tasting and ideas to take home, vendor booths
Free childcare for ages 6 weeks to 6 years, with craft, exercise, and game time for older kids ages 7 to 12 (reserve a 1 hour slot for your kids when you arrive!)
See the full schedule of events here
Some beauties from the January Gig Harbor Night Market: delectable macarons from Girl Loves Cake Desserts, block print Tacoma scene cards from Port City Printworks, and a summer-vibes candle from En Light Candle Co. - and there was so much more!
2. Gig Harbor Night Market at 7 Seas Brewing Co.
Saturday, February 2nd
5 - 10 pm
3006 Judson St, Ste 110, Gig Harbor
Free admission - all ages friendly
Local artists and vendors galore staged in the brewery and taproom of the beautiful 7 Seas original Gig Harbor location
Music, food, drink, and local brews!
Hosted by the outstandingly popular Tacoma Night Market, and Gig Harbor Night Market
Image from the Ranger-Led Nature Walk event hosted by Metro Parks Tacoma & Point Defiance Park
3. Ranger-Led Nature Walk at Point Defiance Park
Saturday, February 2nd
Sunday, February 3rd
1 - 2 pm
Rhododendron Garden Pavilion, Point Defiance Park, 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma
Free
Space is limited so please register here and be sure to choose the day you’d like
Explore and learn about the forest plants and animals in the old-growth at Point Defiance
Leashed dogs welcome, and kids are welcome, but these paths don’t work well for strollers, or wheelchairs
Image from Downtown: On the Go!
4. How to Speak Up for Walking, Biking, and Transit with Downtown: On the Go!
Tuesday, February 5th
4 - 5 pm
Anthem Coffee (Stadium), 102 N G St, Tacoma
Free
Find out who represents you and how you can use your own voice regarding transit (or other issues you care about)
Learn story telling and advocacy skills so you can effectively engage
Council Woman Lillian Hunter will be present to advise on how we the public can communicate with our Council
For walkers, cyclists, drivers, bus riders - everyone!
Tuesday, February 5th - Celebrate! It’s Chinese-Lunar New Year, 2019 Year of the Pig
Read on for how to celebrate in Tacoma’s Lincoln International District this coming weekend! We were born in the Year of the Pig, so this is our year and we’re feeling it! If you’ve been around Tacoma for a little while, you probably know about monkeyshines. If not, start keeping your eyes peeled for objects of surprise and wonder hiding in parks, next to sidewalks, and in all manner of unexpected places.
Image from City Club of Tacoma
5. STOP the Hate! hosted by City Club of Tacoma
Wednesday, February 6th
6 - 8:30 pm
University of Puget Sound, Wheelock Student Center, 1500 N Warner St, Tacoma
Tickets for $15 or $25: $25 tickets include dinner, or choose the $15 ticket option for wine and dessert rather than the full dinner
This event intends to create awareness and understanding of hate within our community and aims to help attendees know what can be done to stop it!
Panelists Rabbi Madden of Temple Bethel, Michele Ogden of Tacoma Urban League, J.Manny Santiago of Rainbow Center, and Sheriff Paul Pastor discuss reasons for hate and ways to stop its growth and continuation
6. February Gallery Hours: Mini Valentine’s Day Market by Hilltop Artists
Thursday, February 7th
5 - 7 pm
Jason Lee Middle School Gallery, 602 N Sprague Ave, Tacoma
Free
Take a look at the gallery to see what the Hilltop Artists have been creating and maybe even find a special gift for a loved one made by a local artist
Vendor booths including:
Go take a look!
7. History After Hours: Candy Bar at the Washington State History Museum
Thursday, February 7th
7 - 10 pm
1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
$15 for members, $20 ahead, or $25 at the door - get your tickets here
21 + event
Learn about WA State history by eating sweets and candies from some of the state’s favorite confectioners paired with Three Magnets Brewing and wine from Chateau Ste. Michelle - don’t argue!
Image from Honey at Alma Mater
8. Writers’ Workshop at Honey at Alma Mater
Thursday, February 7th
7 - 9 pm
1322 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
Free
This is the first Writers’ Workshop, but it will be a monthly event, so get it on your calendar
Bring written work to discuss with fellow writers and enthusiasts of the written word - don’t be shy
Charlotte Muzzi (poet, educator, writer!) will host the discussion
Image from the Valentine’s 5K event
9. Valentine’s 5k by Metro Parks Tacoma and Ruston Way Waterfront
Saturday, February 9th
8 am - 10 am
Cummings Park, 2201 Ruston Way, Tacoma
$20 - preregister to receive a red race beanie
Ages 8 and up
Meet at Cummings Park near the Lobster Shop, then run along beautiful Commencement Bay to Point Ruston and back!
Image from Tacoma is for Lovers
10. Tacoma is for Lovers Artist & Craft Fair: Valentine’s Day Theme at King’s Books
RESCHEDULED!!!
Due to snowy weather in the forecast for the original weekend dates, this market is reschedule to:
Saturday & Sunday, February 23rd & 24th
10 am - 4 pm
218 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma
Free
2 day local makers and artists market where you can find wonderfully unique and thoughtful gifts for someone special - like someone anyone!
Come both days for different vendors at 20 booths in our beloved King’s Books - who wouldn’t want to go there twice in one weekend, anyway?
Image from PowellsWood Garden
11. Pruning Workshop at Powells Wood
Saturday, February 9th
10 - 11:30 am
430 S Dash Point Rd, Federal Way
Free for members, $10 for visitors - find tickets here
Learn practical pruning techniques for your home and garden to keep trees and shrubs healthy and beautiful
Instruction and hands-on demonstration by Rich Hildner
Image from Pint Defiance Specialty Beers & Taproom
12. Beer & Chocolate Valentine’s Day Pre-funk at Pint Defiance
Saturday, February 9th & 10th
11 am - 11 pm
2049 Mildred St W, Tacoma
$ depends on what you choose :)
21 +
Special pairings of Dilettante Chocolates with two 6 oz pours of selected brews - delicious!
All weekend while supplies last
Image from Source Yoga
13. Writing Present: A Yoga and Writing Workshop by Source Yoga
Saturday, February 9th
2 - 5 pm
2712 N 21st St, A, Tacoma
Suggested donation $50 - all proceeds go to support Write253
Preregistration is required! Donations may be made directly to Write253, just bring your donation receipt to the event
3 hour workshop explores being present as a writer AND how writing can be a present to for someone else - word play already and this workshop hasn’t even started yet!
Gentle yoga practice
Pens and notebooks provided
Leave with readings for home, writing prompts, meditations and what a draft to start from to create a written gift
Image from 2nd Cycle Tacoma’s Community Cycle Center
14. GALentines Party at 2nd Cycle - Ovarian Pyscos Documentary Screening
Saturday, February 9th
6 - 9 pm
1205 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma
Free
All ages event, but the film is rated TV-MA, so if you want kids to join, but aren’t on board for the film, just enjoy the first 2 hours of the party
Bring a potluck item to share, or just bring yourself!
Celebrate the women of Tacoma, bikes, food, friends
At 8 pm 2nd Cycle will screen Ovarian Psycos - a documentary about the Ovarian Pyscos Cycle Brigade - a group of feminist women of color from the Eastside of Los Angeles
Image from Lincoln District Tacoma
15. Lunar New Year in Lincoln District
Sunday, February 10th
10 am - 4 pm
Lincoln District, S 38th & Yakima, Tacoma
Free
It’s the Year of the Pig! Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Lincoln community, firecrackers, Lion Dancers and more at this annual South End event
Lincoln District Businesses will be open and ready to celebrate and serve on this special day
Image from Urban Xchange
16. Galentine’s Day Pop-ups at Urban Xchange
Sunday, February 10th
11 am - 3 pm
1932 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
Free
Shop the eclectic supply of recycled fashion at Urban Xchange and support some local vendors making a special appearance for the day (including some tasty treat vendors)
There might even be some “Not Your Sweetheart” custom stitched vintage jean jackets in stock, but the supply is limited, and they’re super cool, so no promises
15% of all sales go to Washington Trafficking Prevention (one of our favorite local non-profits!)
Image from Allison Bishins Consulting
17. Slow Down to Catch Up a Workshop for Women in Business by Allison Bishins Consulting
Sunday, February 10th
6 - 8 pm
Tacoma Arts Community Center, 1102 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma
$25 before February 3rd, $30 after February 3rd, get tickets here
Ages 18+ or 14+ with an adult - for self-identifying women
Led by women for women - (business owners, entrepreneurs, moms)!
Guided mediation by Casey Hubbell of Yoga Wild
Values alignment exercise and discussion by Allison of Allison Bishins Consulting + Handmade PNW
Yoga by Ashley of Unique Holistic Happiness
Vegan snacks and tea included, but bring your own yoga mat and writing notebook/journal if you can
Image from Paper Luxe
18. Macaron Valentine’s Day Pop-up with Girl Loves Cake Desserts
Wednesday, February 13th
5 - 7 pm
Paper Luxe, 2053 Mildred St W, Fircrest
$2 each, 6 for $12, 12 for $22 (includes tax)
Want to pre-order to make sure your favorite flavors are available? E-mail Erin girllovescakedesserts@gmail.com by Friday February 8th at 8pm
12 flavors in the sweetest array of colors, and all are gluten free
While you’re there, you’ll be sure to enjoy the wide selection of fanciful, funny, and downright pretty stationary, as well as many local gifts on display at Paper Luxe.
Image from Tacoma Tenants Organizing Committee
19. Housing Justice Now, a Tacoma Tenants Citywide Meeting
Wednesday, February 13th
6 - 8 pm
First Methodist Church, 621 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma
Free
Join tenants to understand, exercise, know, and celebrate tenant rights, including new tenant protections as part of the Tacoma Rental Housing code effective this February 1st
Learn how to report violations to the City
Discuss statewide housing justice!
This is a meeting to gather tenants and tenant supporters
Image from Yoga Wild
20. Mindful Flow + Live Ambient Cello with Yoga Wild
Wednesday, February 13th
7:30 - 8:45 pm
Court House Square, 1102 A St, Tacoma
$20 Supporter, $15 Sustainer, $10 Community, choose your payment level and reserve your space here
All bodies and all levels of experience are welcome
Movement, healing, breath, community, expression, and live music!
10% of proceeds go to Tacoma Rainbow Center
Thursday, February 14th is Valentine’s Day
So what? No problem. “So what?” is a sound response. Do whatever you do on Thursdays. (Or skip ahead to the storytelling event below.) If you do want to acknowledge the day, maybe a little, just a bit, how about this:
Make a Valentine for yourself or a loved one
Say “I love you” to yourself or a loved one
Eat a sweet - maybe you bought a macaron at yesterday’s pop-up, or you could visit the historic Johnson Candy Co. on Martin Luther King Jr Way, or you could stop in at Tease Chocolates in Stadium, or you could bake cookies, or maybe pickles are your thing, so open up that jar and enjoy
Move on. It’s not such a big deal, right?
21. Something to Tell at Honey at Alma Mater
Thursday, February 14th
7 - 9 pm
1322 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
Free
Tell your story, polished, rough, and in-between. Tell a story whose end you know, or one whose ending you can’t see. Just make sure its your story, make sure its true. Expect flexibility as you figure out how your story goes.
This is an open mic - but isn’t a forum for stand-up or music
Image from Tacoma Rainbow Center
22. I Am Queer, Trans & Black 3 Events Celebrating History, Culture, and Diversity at the Rainbow Center
Friday, February 15th, 5:30 - 7 pm
Friday, February 22nd, 5:30 - 7 pm
Sunday, February 24th, 10 am - 12:30 pm
2215 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
All 3 events are FREE! Preregister here to let the Rainbow Center know you’re coming
Friday, February 15th - Soul food dinner and discussion of topics that relate to and affect the queer and trans black community
Friday, February 22nd - A showing of MAJOR! a documentary film about formerly incarcerated Black transgender activist Major Griffin-Gracy
Sunday, February 24th - Pride and wellness, Black Jeopardy, painting, and snacks
Image from Tacoma Night Market
23. Tacoma Night Market at Alma Mater
Saturday, February 16th
5 - 10 pm
1322 Fawcett Ave
Free
Art, vendors, community, live music, and DJ
Food and drink available from special vendors as well as from Honey and Matriarch on site
This is a monthly event, and it’s fun every month, and it’s a little different every month so even if you’ve been, in a way, you haven't been, so go. Either way, go.
Image from Adaptive Recreation (Metro Parks Tacoma)
24. Presidents Cup Tacoma Wheelchair Basketball Tournament with Adaptive Recreation (Metro Parks Tacoma)
Saturday, February 16th, 9 am - 6 pm
Sunday, February 17th, 9 am - 5 pm
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, 3875 S 66th St, Tacoma
Free
Spectators and. volunteers needed! If you’re interested in volunteering click here or call 253-404-3955
Annual event! We’re hosting adult and youth teams from all over the PNW
Support our local Tacoma Titans team!
25. 6th Annual Destiny City Film Festival at the Blue Mouse Theatre
Friday, February 22nd - Sunday, February 24th
Full weekend festival!
2611 N Proctor St, Tacoma
Prices vary from VIP weekend passes, to individual film tickets, to free! See more about tickets here
Opening Night Reception and Film at 6 pm on Friday
FREE Family Shorts at 11 am on Saturday
Closing Night Party, Sunday, 3:30 pm at Peaks & Pints
See the full schedule of films and events here
Plus, we wrote an entire blog post about the festival last year in case you’d like to know more about it!
Image from Jan Parker Cookery
26. Free Filipino Cooking Class with Jan Parker Cookery
Friday, February 22nd
6 - 8:30 pm
Asian Pacific Cultural Center, 4851 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma
Free - register here to reserve your spot!
Limited to 10 people, so if this is all booked up, be sure to follow Chef Jan for more opportunities
Children 11+ welcome if accompanied by a parent/guardian
Learn to cook some delicious Filipino dishes guided by local chef Jan Parker, then eat and enjoy together!
Image from King’s Books
27. Afro-Punk Documentary Screening & Mirrorgloss Show with King’s Books & Janku Land
Friday, February 22nd
7 - 10 pm
218 St Helens Ave, Tacoma
$8 admission, All Ages
View documentary Afro-Punk, screened at the back of King’s Books
Director James Spooner in attendance! - Q & A opporunity
Live performance by Mirrorgloss in Janku Land’s space following the film
Image from Yoga Wild
28. Sunday Slow Flow with Yoga Wild
Sunday, February 24th
5 - 6:15 pm
West of the Waterway, 1901 Dock St, Tacoma
$20 Supporter, $15 Sustainer, $10 Community, choose your payment level and reserve your space here
Yoga, community, slow down time
Beginners are welcome, active lifestyle recommended
75 minutes of yoga in dim lighting with hot tea following
Image from Tacoma Giants Part 1
29. Tacoma Giants Part 1: Intro to Point Defiance Trees with Metro Parks Tacoma
Sunday, February 24th
10 - 11 am
Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter, Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
$5 - reserve your spot here
Recommended for ages 3 and up
Mik, a certified arborist will share knowledge about the trees of Point Defiance, including “The Beanstalk” a 186 foot Douglas fir
Includes 1 mile of walking
Image from Metro Parks Tacoma
30. Tacoma Giants Part 2: Immersion Tree Walk with Metro Parks Tacoma
Sunday, February 24th
12 - 2 pm
Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter, Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
$8 - reserve your spot here
Recommended for ages 3 and up
Walk among the tallest trees in the Point Defiance forest with a certified arborist
Learn more about the history and biology of the park’s forest
Includes 1 mile of walking
Image from Blue Cactus Press
31. Blue Cactus Press Author Reading at Notes’ Coffee Company
Thursday, February 28th
6 pm
401 Garfield St S, Tacoma
Free
Celebrate 2 years of Blue Cactus Press publishing
Hear readings from Blue Cactus Press alumni and soon-to-be released authors
That’s it. Over 30 events and only 28 days. Don’t think about it too hard.
If you made it this far, if you read even a little bit of what we’ve shared here WE LOVE YOU!
Thank you for the honor of your attention in the swirl of your busy day. See you next month!
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