BY SUZY STUMP for WEEKLY VOLCANO 2/6/26 |
Every February, a peculiar fever takes hold of Tacoma. People who usually avoid the damp are suddenly seen scouring the city’s nooks and crannies with flashlights. They are hunting for Monkeyshines, a sprawling urban treasure hunt. This annual tradition is a celebration of the Lunar New Year. This year marks the Year of the Fire Horse, so if you have been waiting for wild horses to drag you away from your couch, this is your year.
While the tradition originally centered on hand-blown glass orbs and medallions produced by the anonymous Ms. Monkey and her team, it has grown into a massive, community-led movement. There exists a secondary category of creators known as rogue artists, who hide their own unique works. These pieces range from 3D-printed toys to screen prints and clay sculptures, hidden by local residents who want to add to the magic.
Jesse Holder is one of these rogue artists, though he is remarkably humble about his contributions to the tradition. “I have never considered myself an artist or even remotely artistic,” Jesse says. “Compared to the talented artists in the community who put out such amazing work, I do not know if I qualify. What I do is an offshoot of what I occasionally do for work, making maps.” He first learned about Monkeyshines years ago, but he did not truly engage with it until the COVID lockdowns. His son found a clay medallion at a park while the family was trying to escape cabin fever. That single rogue medallion now sits in a place of honor at the center of their favorite finds.
This year, Jesse is featuring a design that blends his love for cartography with the zodiac theme. His latest creation is featured on the cover of this issue of Weekly Volcano. It is a graphic of a horse composed of different neighborhood boundaries, reminiscent of a butcher’s diagram showing different cuts of meat. For Jesse, the event is deeply personal because it helped his family connect to the place they call home during a lonely time. He believes the hunt highlights the city’s ties to a unique artistic spirit and satisfies a natural love for treasure hunting. He says, “This is 100 percent a hobby. Between my job and family stuff, it makes it difficult to do anything consistently, let alone doing it full time or making it into a side gig. I set up a site for prints, hoodies, and shirts, but honestly, after the initial launch, I have not done anything with it.”
The city’s public spaces are the primary stage for this event, and the staff at Parks Tacoma are some of its biggest supporters. Daniel Mero, the visitor engagement manager for Parks Tacoma, says he has a great deal of admiration for what Ms. Monkey and the rogue artists have built. He admits that getting people into the parks on their own time can be a struggle during the winter months, so the fact that this group has built such a sustainable and exciting culture is incredible to him. Park Guide Alex Holmes agrees with this sentiment, stating that Monkeyshine season is his favorite time of year in the parks. He enjoys seeing people out and about, exploring their neighborhoods and sharing art with strangers. Holmes is a seeker himself and has even been known to create rogue Monkeyshines of his own, such as linocut prints hidden around town.
For those who are new to the event, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure the tradition remains positive for everyone. Safety is the top priority. Parks Tacoma asks all participants to follow posted safety guidelines and use common sense. This means staying on the correct side of fences and avoiding the urge to climb objects or structures that were not designed for that purpose. It is also vital to avoid planted areas and flower beds. Monkeyshines should not require a seeker to step into or through sensitive habitats to be reached. By staying on pathways, participants help preserve the parks and keep planting beds in good shape for spring.
Jesse Holder offers practical advice for finders, noting that while many people look at the ground, it is important not to forget to look up or check places in plain sight. He believes that everything about the event is a gift, whether it is the time spent outside or the unique art discovered along the way. His advice is, “Do not lose sight of the fact that everything about this event is a gift. Whether that is the time you spend outside enjoying areas you normally would not go, or a unique piece of art you find, or if you find the mother of all orbs. It is all a gift, so bask in this time. Know it is about community, not just the cool stuff you find.”
Although many rogues are already out there waiting for discovery, the tradition officially culminates on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, which marks the Lunar New Year. On this day, Parks Tacoma hosts a litter cleanup event from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Since hunters are already peering under bushes and walking the trails, they are encouraged to bring a trash bag and leave the parks prettier than they found them. This effort, called Make Your Parks Shine, allows the community to give back to the spaces that host the hunt. Beyond the search for glass and prints, the event also encourages people to visit community centers and participate in guided hikes led by park guides.
Whether you are hiding a handmade gift or searching for a Year of the Fire Horse medallion, the experience is meant to be a way to bask in local culture. By following the guidelines and respecting the work of the artists, Tacoma residents can help ensure that this unique tradition continues to thrive for many years to come. There are several Facebook groups where people share their creations and their finds.
Monkeyshines Tacoma: Facebook.com/MonkeyshinesTacoma/
Shine 253: Facebook.com/share/g/1CStPpczNM/
Rogue 253:Facebook.com/share/g/1DBr7wPN4C/
There is also a Monkeyshines Museum at Manic Mermaid in the Lincoln District. More information is available at manicmermaid.com.
