BY SUZY STUMP for WEEKLY VOLCANO 11/7/25 |
Tacoma has its fair share of truly delightful annual traditions, and Tacoma Is for Lovers Gift Fair is one of them. It’s a great place to find unique, handcrafted gifts. There’s nothing like the feeling of finding something that’s exactly right for that person on your gift list who requires something especially thoughtful and unique. It’s also a great opportunity to meet people from Tacoma’s creative community in person. There’s something really special about being able to meet the person who created something you love and to learn what inspired them to make it. Inspiration is a big part of this event. Being in a room full of creative ideas brought to life is a recipe for inspiration for everyone who experiences it. This is quintessential Tacoma at its best.
One of the creatives who often participates as a vendor is Summer Briggs from Urban Squirrel. When told we were doing a story about Tacoma Is for Lovers, she said, “My favorite event of the season is Tacoma Is for Lovers. I love being nestled into a bookstore with so many local makers sharing in the festive season. It’s what community feels like: togetherness, art, and support. The people who show up for this market are Tacoma, the ones who support Tacoma creatives and makers year-round. It really is a hidden gem and magical event.”
Tacoma Is for Lovers and King’s Books present a special two-day artist craft fair with different artists each day. You’ll find arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, letterpress prints, and more. Now in its seventeenth year, the event continues to thrive under the thoughtful curation of Sweet Pea Flaherty, owner of King’s Books, and organizer Jennifer Adams. What began as a grassroots gathering of local makers has grown into a twice-a-year tradition that fills the aisles of King’s Books with art and love because, after all, Tacoma is for lovers, isn’t it?
Flaherty says one of the best-kept secrets of the fair is its variety. “We always work to choose artists of different disciplines, such as pottery, jewelry, letterpress, fabric arts, and illustration, to have a good mix at the event,” he explains. “Many are artists we’ve worked with for decades, while some are brand new.” Shoppers who come both days will find fresh discoveries since the artist lineup changes daily, creating two distinct experiences under one roof.
King’s Books has always been more than a bookstore. “King’s Books is a community center,” Flaherty says. “We work with many of the artists throughout the year, selling their products, hosting book releases, and supporting other creative projects.” With its cozy shelves and inviting atmosphere, the shop provides a perfect backdrop for the fair’s warm, homegrown energy.
To make the most of the experience, Flaherty recommends doing a little homework before arriving. “We have all the artists listed on kingsbookstore.com,” he says. “That way, you can plan which day your favorites will be vending. We also create a flow for the crowd so you can easily work your way through each table without bottlenecks.”
Affordability is another hallmark of Tacoma Is for Lovers. “Items range from stickers for a couple dollars to fine art for much more,” Flaherty notes. “We encourage artists to have a range of prices at their tables, so there should be gifts affordable for every buyer.”
Through the years, organizers have fine-tuned every detail to keep the fair accessible and joyful. “What keeps us doing this event is working with the artists,” Flaherty says. “Their feedback about how lovely the customers are keeps us wanting to do it.” More than a marketplace, Tacoma Is for Lovers has become a seasonal reunion for Tacoma’s creative community—a celebration of artistry, connection, and the people who make this city hum with heart.
Jennifer Adams added, “I just want to add that people can follow along and see who will be at the event by going to our Instagram (@tacomaisforlovers) or our Facebook page. Each artist will be highlighted.”
Tacoma Is for Lovers takes place November 22–23, 11AM–4PM, at King’s Books, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402.
