Last November we got outside as much as we could when the skies cleared. Head to Tacoma’s beaches, visit Penrose Point State Park on the Key Peninsula, or take the ferry to Vashon or Whidbey if you get the chance some sunny afternoon.
It’s November. We’re not kidding. When I sit down with my journal I still sometimes find myself starting to write a “J” for July, but November it is. Since we don’t have any turn-back-the-clock powers (or turn-forward-the-clock powers either, which some of us might choose), we may as well stop and see what’s going on around us now, here, in this city we call home.
For me, November is a time for wool sweaters, for good books, pie baking, gray skies, candles at the table, maybe a hot buttered-rum for old-time’s sake. It’s a month for gatherings before another month of gatherings, for cozy times with family, cozy times with friends. If you’ve had enough of all this homey, comfy, coziness - solitary or otherwise - and you’re looking for a way out of the house and out of your head, take a look at our list. Find yourself out in the community of Tacoma.
Image from Tacoma Art Museum
1. 15th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival
Sunday, November 3rd
10 am - 4:30 pm
Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Ave, Tacoma
Free Admission - all galleries will be open
Activities, events, and performances scheduled throughout the day: Aztec Dance CeAtl Tonalli, Trio Guadalevin performance, and Youth Ballet Folklorico taught by Tacoma Arts Live staff
Try paper flower making and wooden skull decorating
Experience a traditional tapete (sand painting) created by artist Fulgencio Lazo and also get a close look at over 25 community created ofrendas (altars)
Mexican food at the TAM Café and from food trucks too
Hosted with Centro Latino and Proyecto MoLE
Image from Tacoma Buddhist Temple
2. Food & Craft Bazaar
Sunday, November 3rd
11 am - 3 pm
Tacoma Buddhist Temple
1717 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
Free entry
Food and goods for purchase to support the fundraiser
Self-serve food menu includes: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, Unagi Bowl, Tofu Bowl, Beef Curry, Pork Chow Mein, Spam Musubi, Mochi, and Pie
Also take some time to shop the bake sale, rummage sale, and handicrafts
This is a great way to visit the Tacoma Buddhist Temple for the first time!
Image from Tacoma Public Library
3. Tacoma Reads Writing Workshop: Exploring Identity & Sense of Place with Philip Red Eagle
Sunday, November 3rd
1 - 3 pm
Tacoma Public Library, Wheelock Branch
3722 N. 26th St, Tacoma
Free
Part of Tacoma Public Library’s Tacoma Reads 2019 program series - this year Tacoma read There There by Tommy Orange - this session will include a discussion of the content, history, and writing style of There There
Philip Red Eagle will also lead a discussion on ethnic identity and cultural practices - of native peoples and also of “average” Americans
Bring paper and a writing utensil!
Election Day - Don’t Forget to Vote
Tuesday, November 5th
Get information on Ballot Drop Boxes and Voting Centers here!
Need help with voting, registration, finding a voter’s pamphlet, getting a ballot, or need other voting related assistance? Pierce County Libraries are here to help! Read all about it in this article from the News Tribune.
Image from McMenamins Elks Temple
4. History pub at McMenamins Elks Temple: Storm Warning
Tuesday, November 5th
7 - 8:30 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm)
Spanish Ballroom at McMenamins Elks Temple
565 Broadway, Tacoma
Free - all ages
Explore the region’s most intense weather and infamous storms with local broadcaster and historian Feliks Banel
Banel will tell stories using archival photos, radio, and TV clips to share the experience of some of those who survived the worst weather in recorded history in the PNW
Banel will also consider how storms can bring people together and strengthen community
Get History Pub on your recurring calendar! It’s brought to you by The Washington State Historical Society partnered with McMenamins Elks Temple on the first Tuesday of every month (excluding December)
Images from Feed253
5. Feed253 10th Anniversary Benefit Auction
Friday, November 8th
6 - 8 pm
Alma Mater
1322 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
Admission $50 - find your ticket here
Dinner and an auction to help Feed253 continue their work of feeding folks with food insecurity in our community!
Dinner from Homesteady, drinks from Ninkasi Brewing
Music from Stephanie Anne Johnson and the Hidogs
Mix and mingle, eat and drink, enjoy music, and get in on the auction :)
Image from The Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop
6. The Curious Bear 1st Birthday Bash & National Neighborhood Toy Store Day
Saturday, November 9th
10 am - 8 pm
The Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop
Free admission
Support a locally owned, independent Tacoma toy and book shop on its 1st birthday!
Treats and surprises in store all day long
Twisty Dog Balloons from 2 - 4 pm!
10% off your entire purchase
Image from Job Carr Cabin Museum
7. Craft Saturday - Weaving
Saturday, November 9th
1 - 4 pm
Job Carr Cabin Museum
2350 N. 30th St, Tacoma
Pay as you can
Weaving activity aimed at kids ages 3-9 and their families
Drop in to learn about spinning and weaving and get some hands-on experience
Craft Saturdays happen once a month at the Job Carr Cabin, so add these to your calendar
Image from Tacoma City Ballet
8. Dracula the Romantic Ballet
Saturday, November 9th, 2 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 10th, 2 pm
Pantages Theater
901 Broadway, Tacoma
Admission $25, $45, $65, $85 - find your tickets here from Tacoma Arts Live
An original Tacoma City Ballet production, based on the classic story of Vlad the Impaler
Dancing, orchestral music, costumes, and scenery to transport you from the newly renovated Pantages Theater into the romantic tale
All ages welcome
Image from Tacoma Refugee Choir
9. Tacoma Refugee Choir Concert
Saturday, November 9th
7:30 - 9 pm
Schneebeck Concert Hall at UPS
1500 N. Warner St, Tacoma
Free
Featuring guest artist Rocky Sandoval, and Tacoma Refugee Choir original songs
You may find yourself singing along from your seat!
Look for more some upcoming community singalongs in 2020
Image from Tacoma Public Library
10. Family Day: Celebrate Indigenous Artists
Sunday, November 10th
11 am - 3 pm
Fab-5 HQ
1120 S. 11th St, Tacoma
Free
All ages fun, learning, and hands-on activities led by Native American artists
Celebrate Indigenous cultures and creativity - hear Lushootseed songs and stories, get to know books by Native authors, and make treasures to take with you
Organized and curated by Asia Tail and Kimberly Deriana of yəhaw̓, an Indigenous artist collective
This event is a continuation of Tacoma Reads 2019 - Tacoma read Tommy Orange's debut novel There There and it’s not too late for you to check it out from your local branch if you haven’t already!
Image from Tacoma Night Market
11. Tacoma Night Market: November Edition
Saturday, November 16th
5 - 10 pm
Alma Mater
1322 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
Free entry
Nearly 80 local artists and vendors, community, live music, and DJ
Eat and drink! Find food and beverages from the special food trucks and vendors as well as from Honey and Matriarch on site
You can plan on the Tacoma Night Market for 3rd Saturdays - go ahead and add it to your calendar!
If you love the Tacoma Night Market, make sure you’re following the Gig Harbor Night Market too, hosted by 7 Seas Brewing across the bridge, and keep an eye out for a 2nd Tacoma location (later in our list!)
Images from McMenamins Elks Temple
Saturday, November 16th
8 pm - 12 am
McMenamins Elks Temple/McMenamins High
$15 in advance, $20 at the door - get tickets here
21+ event
Come dressed in your best/worst ‘90s style
Student Council will hand out golden tickets for the 10 best dressed at the dance, and whether you win that contest or not, you’ll need to get over to the Elks photo booth
Audience will vote for the Homecoming King and Queen (with prizes like hotel stays and concert tickets!)
Drink specials and surprises are in store
Dance Party hosted by DJ Gregarious
Image from Creative Colloquy
13. Creative Colloquy - Readings & Open Mic
Monday, November 18th
7 pm
Honey at Alma Mater
1322 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
Free
Join other reading and writing enthusiasts for a night of literary sharing and appreciation
November Readers Include: Leah Mueller , Elizabeth Beck, Cindy Hutchings, and James Stuart
If you’d like to share a poem, story, excerpt, or essay of your own, be sure to come early and sign-up for the open mic session following the planned readings - 5 minute time slots!
Coffee, tea, wine, and other beverages and treats available for purchase
Images from L’Arche Tahoma Hope
14. L’Arche Thanksgiving Cooking Class
Wednesday, November 20th
1 - 3 pm
L’Arche Welcome Center
12302 Vickery Ave E, Tacoma
$15
Join the L’Arche Tahoma Hope Community for a cooking class to learn how to prepare some Thanksgiving side dishes
This class is one week before Thanksgiving, so you’ll have more time to plan and practice at home for the big day
Interested in other classes and social events at the L’Arche Welcome Center? Take a look at their calendar here
RSVP at least a couple of days prior to the event to: 253-535-3178 x 107, or welcomecenter@larchetahomahope.org
Image from Molly’s Tamales
15. Tamale Making Class
Wednesday, November 20th
6 - 8:30 pm
STINK - Cheese & Meat
628 St Helens Ave, Tacoma
$60 - purchase tickets here
Order drinks from the bar at Stink, then start with a delicious taste of tamales made by Molly to give you a preview of what you’re about to create
Make tamales start to finish from scratch with your chosen fillings (including chicken or pork) while hearing stories of how Molly learned this recipe and her cooking philosophy on a family trip to a ranch in Mexico over 25 years ago
Go home with a batch of tamales to enjoy now or later (they refrigerate and freeze really well)
Bring a friend, bring a date, bring an apron and your favorite knife
Get ready for a hands-on experience
Image from Tacoma Rainbow Center
16. LGBTQ+ Fall Family Weekend
Friday, November 22nd, 6 - 8 pm
STAR Center
3873 66th St, Tacoma
Saturday, November 23rd, 12 - 3 pm
Multicultural Child & Family Hope Center
2021 S. 19th St, Tacoma
Adult & One Child (both events): $20, add $5 for additional person
Adult & One Child (one event): $12, add $5 for additional person
Don’t let cost be a barrier! Email Bre at bre@rainbowcntr.org at least 5 days ahead for financial assistanceFriday: Feast & Fun at the STAR Center - dinner, crafts, indoor and outdoor play time on the Treetops Playground
Saturday: Family Carnival at the Multicultural Child & Family Hope Center - performances, games, raffles, photo booth, food and more
Events are for LBGTQ+ parents, their children, families, and friends!
Organized by Tacoma Rainbow Center and Family Equality
Image from Paper Luxe
17. Wreath Making Workshop
Friday, November 22nd
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Paper Luxe
2053 Mildred St, Fircrest
$75 - find your ticket here
Make a holiday wreath start to finish - design it yourself and be creative (with plenty of help and instructions, don’t worry!)
All wreath making supplies and refreshments provided
Choose from fresh greens like fir, noble, cedar, and eucalyptus, and finish with seasonal trim
Florist and event designer Jen Harthorn will teach the class, so benefit from her experience
Image from Tacoma is for Lovers
18. Tacoma is for Lovers Artist Craft Fair - Holiday Edition
Saturday, November 23rd
Sunday, November 24th
11 am - 4 pm
King’s Books/Destiny City Comics/Jankuland
218 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma
Free
Find handmade, local items from over 20 vendors spread through King’s Books, Destiny City Comics, and Jankuland (you may as well shop for books, comics, records, and vintage goods while you’re there)
Enjoy the search for something special and support small, local, person-to-person exchanges
Different artists are set up Saturday and Sunday, so come both days!
Image from Molly’s Tamales
19. Kids Cooking Class: Sweet Treats
Sunday, November 24th
10 am - 12 pm & 12 - 2 pm
STINK - Cheese & Meat
628 St Helens Ave, Tacoma
$22 - find tickets here (you’ll also see an opportunity to donate toward treat bundles for local people experiencing homelessness)
Ages 6 - 17 (parents can sign up too if they’d like to participate, or to accompany a child under 6 years old)
This is a Molly’s Tamales cooking class - learn to make festive sweet treats, taste samples of everything, and go home with treats to share
Sip hot chocolate and listen to holiday music while you prepare all the goodies
Image from Metro Park Tacoma
20. Tacoma Giants: Walk to Point Defiance Park's Tallest Tree
Sunday, November 24th
12 - 2 pm
Point Defiance Park - 5400 N. Pearl St, Tacoma
Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter
$8 - find your tickets here
Meet the instructor at the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter and be prepared to walk about 2 miles
A guided walk through Point Defiance Park trails to the tallest tree in the forest
Learn more about the natural history of the park and enjoy time in nature
Last year’s sweet potato pie and apple pie.
21. Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 28th
Okay, in this day and age we have some dubious feelings about the roots of this holiday. Maybe the best way forward is to be thankful for the knowledge we have, for the truth we can tell, gratitude for the Native Peoples who are still here, despite everything. We can have gratitude for our ability to change, gratitude for the work we can do to create a just society. And, with all of that in mind, gratitude for your mom or grandma, or uncle, or dad, or brother who cooked some beautiful potatoes and gravy for you today. Add some thanks for the pie bakers, for the farmers who planted and harvested the food, for the land for growing it.
I hope you have some food to eat today and someone to eat with you. If that’s something you need some help finding, take a look at this News Tribune article with a short list of places serving a free community Thanksgiving meal this year. The Tacoma Rescue Mission is serving a free Thanksgiving dinner to the public, and you can also donate now to help the Tacoma Rescue Mission feed a neighbor this season.
Image from Cocobolo - If you love women-owned businesses, local shops, vintage and custom-in-house fashion, visit Cocobolo in their new space at 626 St. Helens. But follow them on Instagram, that’s where you get the best information and all the story sales.
22. Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30th
It’s always a good idea to support small, locally owned businesses, businesses of, for, and by the people of our local community. It’s not the only good way to shop, but it is important in keeping a vibrant Tacoma community, and it’s a way for us to directly support our neighbors. So, get out there and drop-in on a few of your favorite Tacoma small businesses.
Even if you don’t buy something today, you can offer support, tell the business what you love about it, thank them for being open. Another way to support your favorite small businesses in Tacoma is telling people about them. Give the business a positive review, buy someone a gift certificate to the business as a way of introduction, mention them in a social post. There are lots of ways to support!
Image from the Nearsighted Narwhal
If you’re interested in official events, check-in on 6th Ave Tacoma’s event page for Small Business Saturday.
And don't miss the Nearsighted Narwhal if you find yourself on 6th Ave. This shop is not only a small, locally-owned business, it’s also stocked with goods make by local artists and craftspeople. It’s wonderful! You’ll find a huge array of pins, magnets, and stickers, as well as beautiful locally made jewelry, t-shirts printed in Tacoma, zines, prints, and pretty much a treasure trove of surprises.
Images from La Paloma Marketplace
Saturday, November 30th
10 am - 6 pm
Slavonia Hall
2306 N. 30th St, Tacoma
We’ve been to the first 2 years of the Striezelmarkt and we won’t miss the third!
Free entry
The Stiezelmarkt is a Christmas Market in the German tradition
Explore and shop a wide variety of handmade goods and festive wares from local PNW craftspeople
Join the raffle, get your face painted, and find a fresh evergreen wreath for your front door
Music, treats, and gifts galore
Don’t miss the Gingerbread House Contest! $25 entry fee - drop your gingerbread house off by 9 am so it can join the grand display
Proceeds from the Gingerbread House Contest will be donated to support our homeless community this winter season
Enter the Gingerbread House Contest here
This is a La Paloma Marketplace event, so make sure you’re following La Paloma to stay informed about their summer markets and other seasonal events
Image from Yoga Wild
24. Parents’ Night Out
Saturday, November 30th
5 - 8 pm
Yoga Wild
1102 A St, Suite 103, Tacoma
$15 for the first child, $10 per sibling - find your tickets here (check the FB event for restrictions and helpful instructions for registering)
Geared toward children ages 2 - 10, older kids are welcome, but activities are planned for the 2 - 10 age group
Yoga Wild is offering this once a month event so parents can go wild!
2 members of the Yoga Wild team will care for and entertain your kiddos while you go out (maybe to the event below - nice timing!)
Crafts, games, and yoga for kids
Drop off your kiddo for the full 3 hours, or just for part of the time, it’s up to you!
Image from Tacoma Night Market
25. Tacoma Night Market @ The Museum of Glass
Saturday, November 30th
5 - 10 pm
Museum of Glass
1801 Dock St, Tacoma
Free
You probably already know and love the Tacoma Night Market at Alma Mater, or at 7 Seas in Gig Harbor - now there’s a Tacoma Night Market at the Museum of Glass!
Live art, hands-on activities, local vendors, artists, and craftspeople, food and drinks, and of course music
It’s an all ages event, so bring your kids, or drop them off at Yoga Wild from 5-8 - it’s all coming together!
We’ll be back in December with a list of holiday markets, community gatherings, and special Tacoma events. Keep in touch about life in Tacoma.
