Neighborhood News
- Sometimes You Just Need to Scream
- The Wheelock Library has the place and time for you. Whether you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need to get it all out loudly, you can join this one-of-a-kind event series where everyone is invited to come together and scream. Whether releasing stress or just curious, this is your chance to be loud, proud and part of something unforgettable. The event takes place weekly on Fridays at 5:30pm through the end of February.
- Adopt a Tree for Curran Apple Orchard
- To encourage a bountiful harvest later in the year, the Curran Apple Orchard is hosting a series of Pruning Parties on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm from Jan. 31 through March 28. Pruning will not occur Feb. 14, Feb. 28 or March 14. Volunteers are needed, as there are more than 200 trees to prune before the growing season. Learn more about Curran Orchard Resource Enthusiasts (CORE) at their monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm in City Hall’s second-floor conference room.
- Developer Visits Point Ruston
- At the Jan. 20 Ruston City Council meeting, TerraCotta presented to a standing-room-only crowd about its goals for Point Ruston. The development group is seeking to build out the remaining portions of Point Ruston and shared its views on soil contamination, building heights and views, traffic mitigation, support for local businesses and more. This meeting served as an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the company’s early concepts. The presentation is available at rustonwa.org/documents/regular-city-council-meeting-january-20-2026.
- Mercy Housing Project Breaks Ground
- Mercy Housing Northwest broke ground on a project that will bring 80 new affordable apartment units to the area near South 35th Street and Pacific Avenue. The five-story building will include one-, two- and three-bedroom units designed to serve families facing limited housing options due to rising rent costs. Plans also include street-level market space for small businesses and community use. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026. Lane closures and temporary detours may occur during construction.
- Tacoma Dome Station Updates
- Over the next few months, extensive maintenance work will take place at Tacoma Dome Station. Bus service will not be disrupted; however, parking stalls will be temporarily blocked as needed on a rolling basis to allow work to proceed safely. Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time for parking. Drivers and pedestrians should use extra caution around work zones. The project will add upgraded signage, more accurate navigational cues, and color coding to improve wayfinding within and around the garage. Completion is expected at the end of May.
- City Events and Recognition Committee Approves Festival Funding
- The City of Tacoma Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) approved its annual funding to 28 organizations producing free public festivals and events in 2026. $90,000 in awards are helping to cover costs to produce these events. You can see a full list of all of the events you have to look forward to this year here.
Local Governance
- OMWBE Workshop Feb 12
- The City of Tacoma’s Equity in Contracting Program, in partnership with the Washington State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, will host an OMWBE Certification 201 workshop on Thursday February 12 from 9 to 11am. The workshop will offer minority-, women-, and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners an opportunity to start, or complete the state certification process. The event will be held in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance encouraged at the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St, Room 243, and a virtual option available. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop and relevant financial documents. Additional details are available at makeittacoma.com/events.
- Survey for Juvenile Justice Task Force
- Back in August 2025, Executive Ryan Mello launched the Juvenile Justice Task Force to address the aging Remann Hall juvenile justice facility. The task force has created an online open house to share information about the project and gathering community input. You can learn more and share your thoughts in their short survey at PierceCountyWA.gov/juvenilejustice
- Six Miles of Toll Lanes Open on SR167
- WSDOT announced that six miles of express toll lanes are now open in the Northbound direction of SR167 from Pierce County to King County. To use the lanes for free, you must have a Good To Go! Flex Pass set to HOV mode and 2+ people in your vehicle. Motorcyclists need the Good to Go! Motorcycle Pass. Without a pass, you will be billed in the mail for $2 more than the posted rate at the time of travel.
- City Launches Online Resource Hub for Immigrant and Refugee Community
- To support the diverse needs of our community, the City of Tacoma has launched an Immigration Resources webpage. The hub provides centralized access to information and resources in one accessible location. Features include links to resources from local, state and national organizations, background on City Council legislation supporting the immigrant community, direct contact information for State and Federal legislative delegation members and updates on legislative activity. You can find the resources at tacoma.gov/immigrationresources
Arts & Entertainment
- Black History Celebration Luncheon
- The Black History Celebration Luncheon will take place at People’s Community Center on Saturday Feb 7, from noon to 3pm. The free community luncheon invites attendees to enjoy a meal while celebrating Black History Month through fellowship, music, performances and inspiring words. Guests can expect a buffet-style lunch, music from DJ Don Gee, performances by Vision Step, Hearts for Kids, and Fearless Dance, as well as guest speakers, games, table discussions and time to connect. RSVP at campaignlp.constantcontact.com.
- The Normal Heart Opens in Lakewood
- Larry Kramer’s landmark play The Normal Heart chronicles the rise of the AIDS crisis in New York City, drawing from the playwright’s own experiences founding the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in the 1980s. The story follows Ned Weeks, a reluctant leader and fierce activist, as he battles a society unwilling to confront the truth of the epidemic. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm from Feb 20 through March 8. Tickets are available at lakewoodplayhouse.csstix.com.
- There is a Monkeyshine Museum!
- The Monkeyshine Museum is open at the Manic Mermaid, 5020 Main St., Suite M, in Point Ruston. Each year, the museum displays a collection of glass and other treasures found during Monkeyshining season. The exhibit offers an opportunity to introduce out-of-area visitors to the tradition and to see pieces you may not have encountered before. The museum is open daily from 11am to 6pm.
- Peppa Pig Live at the Pantages
- Don’t miss Peppa Pig live at the Pantages Theater with a chamber orchestra performing favorite music from the show. This is an interactive concert for ages 18 months and up. You can become a Peppa Pig VIP by adding a post-show meet and greet including a photo op, plush toy and other surprises. Catch the show Saturday, February 7 at 4pm. Buy tickets here.
Opportunities
- Tacoma Farmers Market Vendors
- Vendor applications for the 2026 Broadway Farmer’s Market are now open. Organizers invite vendors to help create a vibrant market featuring fresh produce, artisan food, and handmade goods. Opening day is April 2 from 10am to 2pm on Broadway between Ninth and Eleventh streets in downtown Tacoma. Applications are available at tacomafarmersmarket.com/application.
- University Place Commission Positions
- University Place is seeking volunteers to fill positions on the Planning Commission and the Park Advisory Commission. Commissioners play an integral role in city development by serving as community-based advisors and assisting the City Council with legislative policy decisions. Applications are available at cityofup.com/287/committees-commissions.
- Freighthouse Square Opportunities
- Freighthouse Square has three remaining years of operation and will offer relocation assistance to business operating there at the time of closure. Dazed and Reused Artworks & Boutique is seeking a partner to share space, host classes, and split rent. Interested parties can learn more at facebook.com/dazedandreusedshop.
- Tacoma Creates 2026-2027 Applications are Open
- Tacoma Creates is accepting applications for funding supporting cultural organizations’ programs and events to be presented between July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Tacoma Creates supports local non-profit organizations whose primary purpose is to advance and/or preserve arts, culture, heritage and/or science through funding for Comprehensive Organizational Support and Impact Funding. This will be the seventh year of Tacoma Creates funding. Look for information and apply here.
Screenshots
