Happy Friday Newsletter 10.2.26

Posted on by Ande Dunn

Neighborhood News

  • South Tacoma Way Goes All In
    • South Tacoma Way’s First Friday returns Friday, Oct. 2, with all-day specials and events along the corridor. The Business Passport runs from noon to 6 p.m., giving visitors another reason to make multiple stops between South 52nd and South 56th streets. Anaïs Coffee, already open inside Edison Square at 5415 S. Tacoma Way, is among the businesses taking part.
  • Tropical Sip Lands Downtown
    • Tropical Sip Café opened Sept. 4 at 901 Pacific Ave., Suite B, bringing smoothies, açai bowls, breakfast and lunch to downtown by day and frozen daiquiris, cocktails and beer later in the day. The Black-owned café is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday; it is closed Sunday. For more information, visit: Tropicalsipcafe.com.
  • Incline Closes Brewery Blocks Taproom
    • Incline Cider House poured its last pint at 2115 S. C St. on Sept. 26 after seven years in the Brewery Blocks. The taproom’s lease ended, but Incline’s retail and wholesale cider business continues, and the owners have said they are looking for a new taproom location. For more information, visit: Inclinecider.com.
  • Longshore Union Presses Cruise Line
    • ILWU members are protesting American Cruise Lines over line-handling work at Puget Sound ports. American Cruise Lines continues to operate cruises from Tacoma’s Foss Waterway. The dispute has already affected the company’s operations in Anacortes, where the Port stopped accepting new American Cruise Lines berthing reservations effective Sept. 7 after efforts to resolve a jurisdictional dispute with ILWU Local 25 failed. For more information, visit: Portofanacortes.com/news/port-of-anacortes-suspends-future-berthing-reservations-for-american-cruise-lines-amid-labor-jurisdiction-dispute.
  • M Agency Names First Partner
    • Tacoma marketing firm M Agency announced Sept. 22 that longtime team member Matt Hirsch has become a partner alongside founder and CEO Bobbie Bailey. Hirsch has spent nearly a decade with the agency and currently serves as account director. For more information, visit: Whatisyourm.com/matt-hirsch-partner-podcast.
  • Leopard Shark Pups Swim Free
    • Two endangered Indo-Pacific leopard shark pups with Tacoma roots were released in late August in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Jelly and Bestie hatched from eggs produced by Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium sharks Peanut and Butter and raised through the StAR Project. Bestie became the project’s 80th released pup and the final release of the 2026 season. Both sharks carry satellite tags. For more information, visit: Pdza.org/indo-pacific-leopard-shark-pups-swim-free-in-indonesia.
  • Final Names Return to Western State Cemetery
    • The Grave Concerns Association will mark completion of its 22-year grave-marker project at 1 p/m/ Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Western State Hospital cemetery in Fort Steilacoom Park. Between 1876 and 1953, 3,218 former patients were buried there with numbered graves. The approximately 45-minute ceremony will include longtime volunteers and state Rep. Mari Leavitt, followed by a reception at Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood. For more information, visit wshgraveconcerns.org.

Local Governance

  • Week Without Driving Returns
    • Week Without Driving runs Oct. 1 through 8. The national challenge asks people who have the option to drive to try transit, walking, rolling, biking, scooters or rides from others and reflect on the barriers faced by people who cannot drive. Organizers explicitly not that participants have not failed if a trip still requires driving. For more information, visit: weekwithoutdriving.org.
  • Tacoma Crews Train for Snow
    • Tacoma’s Street Operations crew will conduct its annual snow and ice training Oct. 12 through 14. Oct 12 is equipment setup day, followed by live field exercises on Oct. 13 and 14, when emergency snow vehicles will travel snow routes and operate around traffic. In an actual storm, crews prioritize primary arterials before secondary and auxillary routes. For more information, visit: tacoma.gov/news/street-operations-crew-scheduled-to-conduct-snow-and-ice-training-october-12-14.
  • Puyallup Trust Bill Gets House Hearing
    • A House Natural Resources subcommittee held a Sept. 17 hearing on H.R. 7269, the Helping Our People Act of 2026, introduced by Rep. Emily Randall and co-sponsored by Rep. Marilyn Strickland. The bill would amend the 1989 Puyallup Tribe of Indians Settlement Act to allow the Tribe to withdraw settlement trust funds under the Indian Trust Fund Management Reform Act pursuant to a management plan approved by the Interior secretary. Puyallup Tribal Councilwoman Annette Bryan testified at the hearing. For more, visit govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr7269ih.
  • 9th Circuit Denies Emergency Injunction
    • The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit denied an emergency injunction on Sept. 25 in Brown v. Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Stephanie Brown and her minor daughter, identified in the order as K.M.K., are challenging state and Puyallup School District policies that allow student athletes to compete on teams aligned with their gender identity and sought notice and an opt-out opportunity before K.M.K. competes against transgender athletes. The court said the plaintiffs had not shown an emergency requiring immediate relief and had not satisfied the factors for an injunction pending appeal. The underlying appeal remains pending. For more information, visit: cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2026/09/25/26-5488.pdf.
  • Tacoma Awards $90K for Community Events
    • Tacoma Events and Recognitions Committee announced Sept. 24 that 26 organizations will share $90,000 in Special Events Funding. Awards of $2,500 to $5,000 will help cover costs such as traffic control, performers and marketing for public-benefit events. The program is funded with a portion of revenue from the Tacoma Dome and Greater Tacoma Convention Center. For more, visit: tacoma.gov/news/community-event-funding-announced-for-2027/.

Arts & Entertainment

  • Fort Nisqually Goes By Candlelight
    • Candlelight Tour returns to Fort Nisqually Living History Museum on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3, beginning at 6 p.m. each night. More than 100 historical interpreters bring the Hudson’s Bay Company outpost of 1857 to life with conversations, songs, dances and games. Advance tickets are required, and the outdoor walking tour runs rain or shine. Visit parkstacoma.gov/event/candlelight-tour.
  • The 253 Opens Downtown
    • The 253, a juried group exhibition of Tacoma artists and groups, opens Oct. 3, in the Handforth Gallery at Tacoma Public Library’s Main Library as part of KALEIDOSCOPE. Artists include Beautiful Angle, Hilltop Artists, Jessica Spring and Chandler O’Leary, Teruko and Tamiko Nimura, Lynn DiNino, Mark Monlux, Saiyare Refaei and many more. The exhibition continues through late December. For more, visit tacomaartsmonth.org/kaleidoscope-lineup.
  • Frederick Carder Takes the Hot Shop
    • Museum of Glass continues its Forged in Fire series at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, with a lecture on Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass, followed by a 2 p.m. Hot Shop demonstration. The series traces American glassmaking history as part of the museum’s America 250 programming. Visit museumofglass.org/forgedinfire.
  • Pumpkins Meet Their Match at Northwest Trek
    • Pumpkin Chomp & Stomp runs Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3 and 4, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Native Northwest animals get pumpkins to eat, stomp, roll and play with, and keeper chats and animal enrichments are scheduled throughout the weekend. The event is included with park admission or membership. Visit nwtrek.org/event/chompnstomp.
  • Autumn Blooms Fill Seymour
    • The Autumn Flower Show opens Wednesday, Oct. 7, and runs through Nov. 29 at W.W. Seymour Conservatory in Wright Park. The display features sunflowers, exhibition and garden chrysanthemums, ornamental peppers, coleus and other plants grown by the Parks Tacoma greenhouse team. The conservatory’s regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit parkstacoma.org/place/w-w-seymour-conservatory.
  • Glass Pumpkins Take Over Museum of Glass
    • Museum of Glass holds its Pumpkin Patch Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, on the Grand Plaza. The free outdoor festival includes locally made glass pumpkins, live glassmaking, family activities and demonstrations; regular admission is required to enter the museum. museumofglass.org/pumpkin-patch-festival.
  • Holiday Festival Returns to Tacoma Dome
    • The Tacoma Holiday Festival runs Oct. 15 through 18 at the Tacoma Dome. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. The 44th annual show includes artisan vendors, workshops, Santa, Puppermint Lane and 25-foot living blue spruce. General admission is $19.50 at the box office; online pricing includes service fees. holidatgiftshows.com/attendee-info.
  • Creepy Creatures Take Over Lakewold
    • All Hallows returns to Lakewold Gardens from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25. This year’s Creepy Creatures theme turns the gardens into a mad-science-inspired landscape with creature displays, activities, vendors and prizes. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 6 to 17 and free for children 5 and younger. Lakewoldgardens.org/annual-festivals/all-hallows.
  • Find Out What Your Glass Is Worth
    • Museum of Glass hosts What’s My Glass Worth? from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Grand Hall. Visitors may bring glass pieces for information about value, collecting and authentication, with Sarah Tracer of Traver Gallery offering insights. Regular museum admission applies, and an RSVP is encouraged. For more information visit eventbrite.com/e/america-250-whats-my-glass-worth-tickets-1988503733195.
  • Victorian Christmas Returns to Puyallup
    • The Victorian Christmas Festival runs Dec. 3 through 6 at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday with an Early Bird shopping hour at 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday on Level 2 of the Merry Makers Pavilion. General admission is $17 online or $16 at the box office; children 12 and younger and military members with ID are free. victorianchristmasfestival.com/attendee-info/show-info.

Opportunities

  • Tacoma Opens Community Arts Grants
    • Applications for Tacoma’s Community Arts Projects funding are due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26. Eligible Tacoma-based organizations and groups may apply for $4,000 or $6,000 for publicly accessible arts projects taking place in 2027. A free virtual application workshop is scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 7. For more information visit: tacoma.gov/government/departments/arts-cultural-vitality/funding
  • Jobs 253 Puts Students to Work
    • Jobs 253 connects Tacoma Public Schools high school students with career-connected internships throughout the community. Students who successfully complete their experience and program requirements earn .5 CTE elective credit and a $500 stipend. Beginning with Session 2 recruitment in October, opportunities and applications are moving into SchoolLinks through students TPS accounts. Visit tacomaschools.org/departments/cte/internships/253.
  • Connecting Tacoma Raises Mobility Funds
    • Tacoma On the Go holds its annual Connecting Tacoma fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at William Philip Hall at UW Tacoma. The event supports the organization’s transportation advocacy and community programs and includes food, raffles, and activities. For more information: tacomaonthego.org/connecting-tacoma.
  • STAR Center Hosts Blood Drive
    • Parks Tacoma and Bloodworks Northwest hold a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at STAR Center, with a lunch closure from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Appointments are recommended for the best donation experience, and photo ID is required. For more information, visit: parkstacoma.gov/event/blood-drive-at-star-center-3.
  • UP for Arts Brings Back Its Gala
    • UP for Arts holds its annual gala Saturday, Oct. 10, in University Place. The fundraiser supports the nonprofit’s art, music and creative programs in the community. For more information: upforart.org.
  • Green Tacoma Day Needs Volunteers
    • Green Tacoma Day runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10, at multiple sites around Tacoma. Volunteers can join tree planting, habitat restoration, green-space exploration and family-friendly learning activities. All ages are welcome. Visit tacoma.gov/government/departments/environmental-services/stormwater/open-space-program/green-tacoma-day/.
  • Tacoma Seeks Police Advisory Members
    • Applications for five seats on Tacoma’s Community Police Advisory Committee are due by noon Monday, Oct. 12. Openings include Council Districts 1, 2 and 3, and Emerging Leader seat and one At-Large position. Applicants must live in Tacoma and may not hold another elected public office, serve on the Tacoma Police Department or be an immediate family member of a TPD employee. To apply: tacoma.gov/government/comittees-boards-and-commissions.
  • Build a Creepy Creature for Lakewold
    • Entries for Lakewold Gardens’ Creepy Creatures Contest are due Wednesday, Oct. 14, with drop-off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festival-goers will vote in adult, child and organization/group categories. Entrants receive All Hallows tickets and a family membership, and category winners receive Halloween prize baskets. Visit: lakewoldgardens.org/annual-festivals/all-hallows.
  • Volunteer for Orca Recovery Day
    • Parks Tacoma hosts Orca Recovery Day work parties from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, at Titlow Park and McKinley Park. Volunteers will work on habitat restoration; the McKinley Park crew will focus on clearing invasive weeds. parkstacoma.gov/activities-and-sports/category/annual-events-festivals/park-volunteer-events/work-parties.
  • Small Businesses Learn to Bid
    • The City of Tacoma and Washington APEX Accelerator host the free Preparing the Bid workshop for 10 a.m. to noon Monday Oct. 19. The virtual session covers solicitation documents, bid/no-bid decisions and assembling a compliant bid, and participants receive a customizable pre-bid checklist. Visit Makeittacoma.com/business-resources/events-and-training.
  • Reconciliation Walk Retraces Expulsion Route
    • The Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation’s Walk for Reconciliation Against Racism runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. The walk starts at Tollefson Plaza, 1548 Pacific Ave., and ends at Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park, 1742 N. Schuster Parkway, commemorating the 1885 expulsion of Tacoma’s Chinese residents. Tacomachinesepark.org/get-involved.
  • Museum of Glass Seeks Visiting Artists
    • Applications for the Museum of Glass 2027 Visiting Artists Residency are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Selected artists receive access to the museum’s Hot Shop and team, and one science-and-art project will receive the Sheldon Levin Memorial Visiting Artist Residency. museumofglass.org/visiting-artist-application.
  • Nominate Tacoma’s Next MLK Honorees
    • Nominations are open for Tacoma’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Awards. The Emerging Leader Award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations. Honorees will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 18, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center. For more information: Tacomavenues.org/mlk-celebration.
  • Parks Tacoma is Hiring Dance Instructors
    • Parks Tacoma is accepting applications for part-time dance instructors working 29 hours a week or less. The posted hourly range is $17.13 to $29.53 and applications close at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Apply at governmentjobs.com/careers/parkstacoma/jobs/newprint/5448357.

Recreation

  • Adult Specialized Recreation Returns to STAR
    • Parks Tacoma’s fall specialized recreation programs for adults are back at STAR Center. Adult Specialized Day Group runs Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; The Independent Chef runs Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.; and Young Adult Specialized Afternoon Club, for ages 18 to 35, runs Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. beginning Oct. 14. Programs continue in monthly sessions through December, and financial assistance is available. Visit parkstacoma.gov/activities-and-sports/category/as/specialized.
  • Snapology Brings STEM to October
    • Snapology’s Science Saturdays run from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at Stewart Heights for ages 5 to 12. Incredible Inventions runs Tuesdays from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Oct. 6 through 27 at Point Defiance Park for ages 6 to 10. Parent’s Night Out runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at People’s Community Center for ages 4 to 12. Learn more at parkstacoma.gov/activities-and-sports/camps/stem.
  • All-Day Camp Covers No-School Day
    • Parks Tacoma’s All-Day Sports and Play Camp runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at Wainwright Intermediate School in Fircrest, when Tacoma Public Schools students have no school. The $50 camp is open to children in kindergarten through sixth grade and includes multisport games, sport-themed crafts and active group play. Financial assistance is available. For more information parkstacoma.gov/event/all-day-sports-and-play-camp.
  • Pickleboo Brings Costumes to Pickleball
    • Pickleboo Pickleball Tournament starts at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at People’s Community Center. The gender-neutral indoor tournament is capped at 12 teams, with two pools of six feeding into single-elimination playoffs. Costumes are encouraged. Sign up at parkstacoma.gov/event/pickleboo.

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