Happy Friday Newsletter 6.19.26

Neighborhood News

• Puyallup Tribal Council Swears In Two New Members
  • Tim Reynon and Amber Hayward were sworn in to three-year terms as Puyallup Tribal Council members on June 11, with the ceremony taking place in the events tent in front of Tribal Administration. Both new members shared remarks, as did each sitting council member. Chairman Bill Sterud was voted to continue in his role, and Anna Bean was voted to serve as vice chairwoman.

• Wild Waves Is Having Its Last Summer: Final Day November 1
  • Wild Waves Theme Park in Federal Way is closing for good at the end of this season, with November 1 as the last day. Fright Fest is still on the schedule before the doors close permanently. If you’ve been meaning to take the kids and keep putting it off, this is the summer.

• Museum of Glass Renovation on Schedule for Fall Opening
  • Seven weeks into a $25 million renovation, the Museum of Glass reports construction is on track for a fall opening of its new gallery spaces, including the Lino Tagliapietra Legacy Gallery. BNBuilders has been reinforcing the theater’s foundation with micropiles 50 feet below the parking garage, gutting the theater, including the seats, stage, screen, and sound system, and opening up gallery ceilings for new HVAC and lighting. The Hot Shop is fully operational in the meantime, and the NCN Collective is in residence through June 21, with a public Night Blow event Saturday. Follow the build at museumofglass.org/2026.

• The Wave Car Wash Opens in University Place with Free Washes & Mary Bridge Fundraiser | June 20-26
  • The Wave Car Wash, a locally owned express car wash with locations across Western Washington, is opening its newest location at Creek Corner in University Place with a weeklong grand opening event June 20-26. The week includes free car washes, daily giveaways, and a fundraiser benefiting the Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital NICU and PICU funds. Details at thewavecarwash.com.

• DuPont Fire Department Gets Its Long-Awaited Ambulance
  • After months of planning, meetings, inspections, and, per the department, a fair amount of anxious tracking-number refreshing, a brand-new Braun Northwest ambulance has officially arrived at DuPont Fire Department. It’s not Tacoma, but it’s Pierce County, and the kind of news that matters when you’re the one calling 911.

• SEA Airport Unveils Major Concourse C Expansion Ahead of Busy Summer Travel Season
  • Travelers passing through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will find a dramatically transformed Concourse C this summer as airport officials unveil a major expansion designed to showcase the Pacific Northwest while accommodating growing passenger traffic. The redesigned concourse emphasizes Pacific Northwest themes, featuring local artwork, regional design elements, and a centerpiece installation known as “Tree at C,” intended to evoke the feeling of walking beneath a forest canopy. Travelers will also find several new dining and retail options. Port of Seattle officials say the project was completed on time and on budget, arriving just as the region prepares for a busy summer travel season and increased international visitors tied to major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expanded Concourse C officially opened to travelers on June 11.

• Point Defiance Zoo Welcomes Rare California Sea Lion Pup
  • There’s a new pup making waves at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The zoo announced the birth of a male California sea lion pup on June 1, making him just the second California sea lion born in the zoo’s 121-year history. The pup is the second offspring of sea lions Eloise and Boomer, who both arrived at the zoo in 2019 after being rescued as stranded pups along the California coast. For now, the youngster is spending his days nursing, growing, and exploring his behind-the-scenes habitat while bonding with his mother. Weighing approximately 26 pounds, he has already undergone his first veterinary exam and is reportedly healthy, active, and more than a little feisty. Guests can expect to see him make his public debut at Rocky Shores later this summer.

• UW Tacoma Campus Vision Presentation | 7/14 from 4:00-6:00 PM
  • Curious about what the future of downtown Tacoma might look like? The University of Washington Tacoma is inviting the community to an in-depth presentation on its recently updated Campus Master Plan, a 20-year roadmap designed to guide growth, development, and student success on the university’s 46-acre campus. Attendees will get a closer look at planned projects, future expansion opportunities, and the university’s vision for creating a modern campus that supports learning, innovation, and community engagement. With several new development initiatives already in the planning stages, the event offers a chance to see how UW Tacoma expects to evolve over the coming years and what that could mean for downtown Tacoma. The event will be held at William W. Philip Hall, 1915 Commerce St., Tacoma.

• Find Your Financial Footing @ KeyBank Oakbrook Plaza | 6/29 from 12:30-3:00 PM
  • Money questions have a way of getting very adult, very fast. This financial planning event at KeyBank Oakbrook Plaza in Lakewood is designed to help attendees take the next step toward protecting their families, planning for the future, and understanding the financial decisions that tend to linger on the “I’ll deal with that later” list. Topics include whether you need a trust, a will, or both; how to create a legacy; how to protect children from mismanaging an inheritance; who should serve as executor; and whether recent changes, such as Washington Saves or new tax considerations, may affect you. The event runs from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and offers a chance to ask practical questions in a low-pressure setting.

Local Governance

• TDLE Survey Closes June 21, and the Project Still Has Full Funding
  • The Tacoma Dome Link Extension’s station planning survey closes this Sunday, June 21. The survey, now available in Spanish, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and Khmer, covers early station designs and access improvements. The Sound Transit Board’s May 28 update to the ST3 System Plan confirmed full funding for both the TDLE and the Tacoma Dome Access Improvements. Parking investments associated with the extension were deferred pending additional funding from other parties, but the project itself is intact. The final EIS is expected in 2027; the Board selects the project to build after that. Take the survey before Sunday at soundtransit.org/tdlink.

• Two Miles of SR 167 Near Fife Opening This Fall
  • Two miles of SR 167 near Fife are expected to open in fall 2026, including a diverging-diamond interchange over I-5 designed to reduce backups and cut travel time between Puyallup and the Port of Tacoma. If you’ve sat in that crawl on a weekday, you know what this is worth.

• Pierce County Child Care Zoning Expansion Takes Effect July 1
  • Pierce County Council approved zoning changes to expand child care access, streamlining permitting and broadening what home daycares can do. The overhaul takes effect July 1 with the stated goal of lowering costs and adding available slots in a county that has chronically underserved working parents looking for care.

• Washington Launches Blue Envelope Program to Support Neurodivergent Drivers
  • A new statewide program aims to make traffic stops safer and less stressful for neurodivergent individuals and others who may have difficulty communicating during high-pressure situations. Known as the Blue Envelope Program, the initiative provides specially designed blue envelopes that can hold a driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance information, and other important documents. Drivers can keep the envelope in an easily accessible location and present it during a traffic stop to help communicate that they may need additional patience, clarity, or accommodations. The envelopes also include guidance for drivers, law enforcement officers, and first responders to help reduce misunderstandings and improve communication during interactions. Blue envelopes are now available free of charge at all Washington driver and vehicle licensing offices. For more information or to obtain a blue envelope, visit any Washington driver or vehicle licensing office.

• Free Good To Go! Passes Available Ahead of New SR 167 Expressway Opening
  • Washington drivers can now get a free Good To Go! sticker pass as the state prepares to open the new SR 167 Expressway later this year. The new expressway will connect Interstate 5 in Fife to the SR 509 Expressway near the Port of Tacoma, creating a new toll route through one of the region’s busiest freight and commuter corridors. Drivers with a Good To Go! pass will pay $1 per trip on the new roadway, while those without a pass could pay up to $2 more each time they use it. Beginning June 10, drivers can obtain a promotional code at GoodToGo167.com and redeem it online through MyGoodToGo.com or by calling customer service. The offer is limited to one free sticker pass per household or account. The sticker pass works on all toll facilities throughout Washington, including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and existing express toll lanes. One exception: Commuters who use the I-405 or SR 167 express toll lanes as part of a qualifying carpool must continue using a Flex Pass, which is the only pass that allows toll-free carpool travel in those lanes. Drivers who already have a Good To Go! pass do not need a new one.

• New Washington Law Clarifies Rules for E-Bikes and High-Speed Electric Cycles
  • A new Washington law that took effect June 11 aims to clear up confusion surrounding electric-assisted bicycles and faster electric motorcycles. Under the updated regulations, an electric-assisted bicycle must have two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes stop providing assistance at 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes may assist while the rider is pedaling up to 28 mph and must be equipped with a speedometer. Vehicles capable of exceeding 20 mph solely under electric motor power, or designed to be easily configured not to meet the state’s e-bike requirements, are excluded from the electric-assisted bicycle definition. The new classifications are also expected to help address concerns about high-speed electric vehicles being operated on shared-use trails and pathways designed for traditional bicycles and pedestrians. For consumers, bicycle retailers recommend researching electric bike purchases carefully and ensuring any vehicle meets Washington’s legal definition of an e-bike before buying, particularly when purchasing models online.

Opportunities

• Last Call: Tacoma Studio Tour & Arts at the Armory | Deadline June 22
  • The Tacoma Arts Commission deadline for the Studio Tour, October 17-18, open your working space to the public for a free self-guided tour, and Arts at the Armory, November 14-15, a curated market inside the historic Tacoma Armory, is Monday, June 22. One application covers both events. No application fee. tacomaarts.submittable.com.

• Museum of Glass Members: Hard Hat Tours of the Renovation | Friday 6/26
  • Museum of Glass members get a look inside the construction zone on June 26, with two hard hat tours of the renovation at noon and 1 PM, capped at 15 guests each. Members also get 25% off at the Museum Store all day. Reserve a tour spot by calling 253.284.4719. First come, first served.

• Plan Ahead for the WA BizFair 2026 @ Pierce College Puyallup | 9/19
  • Billed as Washington’s largest free business resource fair, the event offers opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, meet representatives from local, state, and federal agencies, explore business banking programs, and discover a wide range of free resources designed to support business owners at every stage. Attendees can also participate in expert-led workshops covering topics from startup basics and financing to marketing, operations, and business growth strategies. The free event takes place at Pierce College’s Puyallup campus and is open to current and aspiring business owners alike. If your to-do list includes “figure out how to grow this thing,” this is a good place to start. Registration is free at bizfair.wa.gov.

• Seeking a Tacoma Filming Location
  • A team in Tacoma is producing a small narrative short film on behalf of Synaptic Dream LLC and is currently searching for an apartment or condo that can double as a modest apartment setting with a strong view of downtown Tacoma or a wide cityscape view. They’re planning to film in August, with target dates of August 15-16 or August 21-23. They would likely need daytime access for set dressing and prep, followed by overnight filming on the same dates.
    This will be a professional, low-impact production with a small crew. There are no stunts, special effects, or anything that would create unusual wear and tear on the property. Any set dressing brought in would be temporary, and the location would be returned to its original condition after filming.
    Synaptic Dream LLC is fully insured under an annual entertainment production policy, and we’re happy to provide a certificate of insurance and discuss any questions or concerns. If you have a location that might be a fit, or know someone who does, let’s connect. Micahel@synapticdream.studio

Arts & Entertainment

• Juneteenth Celebrations Across Tacoma This Friday
  • Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today it is celebrated as a day of freedom, reflection, culture, and community. Tacoma Hosts Washington’s Largest Juneteenth Celebration: The biggest event in the region returns to Tacoma on Friday, June 19, with Juneteenth WA’s “A Road to Economic Freedom” celebration. Organizers describe it as the largest Juneteenth celebration in Washington State. The free, family-friendly festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. at the LeMay campus near the Tacoma Dome and will feature live entertainment, food vendors, community organizations, cultural activities, and Black-owned businesses. LeMay – America’s Car Museum will serve as the host venue for the event, which centers on the theme of economic empowerment and community connection. For event details and updates, visit Juneteenth WA

• Point Defiance Pride Parade @ Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium | 6/20–6/21
  • Parks Tacoma is inviting the community to celebrate Pride weekend at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, June 20–21. Bring a decorated stroller or wagon to join the parade, make your own flag, and show up for the animals who will be enjoying rainbow-themed enrichments of their own. Details at pdza.org.

• NCN Collective Night Blow + Hot Shop Party @ Museum of Glass | 6/20, 5:30–8 PM
  • The NCN Collective, built around glass makers Preston Singletary, Martin Janecky, Raven Skyriver, Kelly O’Dell, and Charles Parriott alongside Nuu-chah-nulth artist Joe David, wraps up its two-week Hot Shop residency with a Saturday night blow. The artists will create one of Skyriver’s signature whale forms, with design work by Joe David and sandblasting by Singletary. Sliced Sandwiches is open for dinner; first drink is on the house. Tickets at museumofglass.org/ncn-collective.

• Free Craft Night @ Craftopia | 6/20 at 3:00 PM
  • Craftopia’s monthly Free Craft Night returns this Saturday with a rotating lineup of all-ages projects ranging from delightfully simple to “wait, I made that?” Drop in anytime, sample a few crafts, snack on light refreshments, and spend an afternoon creating instead of scrolling. No experience required, no pressure to be Pinterest-perfect, and no obligation to finish what you start. The event is free, though donations are appreciated.

• Stadium High School Tour 6/20 at 4:00 PM
  • You may have driven past Stadium High a hundred times, but have you ever explored what’s behind those castle-like walls? This exclusive 90-minute tour takes visitors from the sub-basement to the attic, uncovering the fascinating history of one of Tacoma’s most iconic landmarks. Originally designed as a luxury hotel, the building survived a devastating fire before being transformed into the stunning French Chateau-style high school that opened in 1906. History, architecture, and Tacoma pride all rolled into one tour. Best of all, there’s absolutely no homework at the end.

• Kevin Smith: The Director’s Cut – After Hours Edition @ Washington Summer Con | 6/20 at 7:30 PM
  • Filmmaker, podcaster, and pop-culture legend Kevin Smith takes the stage for an after-hours conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and the kind of unfiltered commentary that has made him a fan favorite for decades. Expect tales from the making of cult classics like Clerks, Mallrats, and more as Smith dives into filmmaking, fandom, and whatever else comes to mind. The evening opens with remarks from Honorary Mayor of Puyallup Ming Chen. The event is free with a Saturday Washington Summer Con badge and is recommended for audiences 18 and older due to mature language and subject matter. Festival-style seating will be available on the turf surrounding the Showplex stage and beer garden, with a limited number of reserved front-row seats available for purchase.

• Music on the Square: T-Town Aces @ The Village at Chambers Bay | 7/8 at 6:00 PM
  • Music on the Square is back at The Village at Chambers Bay with a free concert series running every Wednesday from July 8 through August 26. Kicking off the season are the T-Town Aces, a Tacoma blues powerhouse whose veteran musicians have been fixtures on the Northwest music scene for decades. Fronted by Mark Dufresne, former lead vocalist for the Grammy-winning band Roomful of Blues, the group delivers traditional blues with the kind of authenticity that comes from years spent sharing stages with legends like Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Lazy Lester, and Jimmy McCracklin. Concerts are free, family-friendly, and begin at 6 p.m. A food truck will be on site, making it an easy excuse to spend a summer evening overlooking Chambers Bay with great music and good company.

Recreation

• Tacoma Trails Challenge: Two Weeks Left
  • Parks Tacoma’s June Trails Challenge runs through June 30. Get outside, find a trail you haven’t been on, and close the month with your legs tired and your lungs happy. Outdoor pools and spraygrounds are open; low-tide walks are on the calendar. parkstacoma.gov.

• Fan Zone Express: Free World Cup Shuttles Still Running
  • Pierce Transit’s Fan Zone Express is still running fare-free buses between Tacoma Dome Station, Zone F, and the Puyallup Tribe’s Fan Zone on World Cup watch party days, looping every 15 minutes. For Seattle match days, Sound Transit and King County Metro have their own soccer service: soundtransit.org/SoccerTournament. Full Fan Zone Express schedule at piercetransit.org/SEA26.

• 55th Tacoma Highland Games @ Frontier Park, Graham | 6/27, 8 AM
  • The 55th Tacoma Highland Games returns to Frontier Park in Graham on Saturday, June 27, with a Celtic Concert the night before, Friday, June 26. Doors open at 8 AM, the program kicks off at 9, and opening ceremonies are at noon. The day runs through closing ceremonies at 5 PM and a ceilidh at 5:15. Piping, drumming, dancing, and athletics from start to finish. Kids 3 and under are free. Tickets and info at the Tacoma Highland Games Association on Eventbrite.

• Wetland Restoration Volunteer Event @ Adriana Hess Wetland Park | Saturday 7/11
  • Looking for a way to spend a couple of hours doing something good for the community and the environment? Join the Pierce Conservation District for a volunteer work party at Adriana Hess Wetland Park in University Place. Volunteers will help care for demonstration gardens, spread mulch, and remove invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry, English ivy, and nonnative trees. The work directly supports local water quality, wildlife habitat, and pollinator populations while helping restore one of the area’s important wetland ecosystems. No specialized experience is required. Just bring clothes that can get dirty, sturdy closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate layers, and a full water bottle. The event takes place rain or shine because, well, this is Western Washington. Volunteers under 14 are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Tacoma’s Outdoor Pools & Spraygrounds Are Open for the Season
  • Parks Tacoma’s nine spraygrounds and five outdoor pools are open through Labor Day weekend, May 23-September 7, running daily 10 AM-7 PM. Active locations: Franklin, Jefferson, Kandle, Norpoint, SERA Campus, Titlow, Verlo, Wapato Hills, and Wright. Two to note: the SERA sprayground outside the STAR Center is temporarily closed, and South Park Sprayground is closed until further notice due to needed repairs. Outdoor pools are open at Kandle, 5302 N. 26th St.; Stewart Heights, 5715 Reginald Gutierrez Ln.; Eastside, 1721 E. 56th St.; Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave. NE; and People’s Pool, 1602 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Report a sprayground malfunction during business hours at 253-305-1022, or after hours at 253-305-1035. Full info at parkstacoma.gov/staycool253.

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