Neighborhood News
- Don’t Forget to Sign Up for Trick or Streets
- Don’t forget about the new program launched this year from the City Council and Safe Streets, “Trick or Streets.” By signing up, you can close your street to vehicle traffic for free to host Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, or fall-themed celebrations during the weekend of October 31 – November 2. It’s easy to sign up at https://www.safest.org/events.
- Time for the Tacoma Holiday Festival This Weekend
- The Tacoma Holiday Festival (formerly the Holiday Food and Gift Festival) is in town once again at the Tacoma Dome October 23 – 26. Four days of holiday twinkle and spirit, sugar and shopping all under that big dome roof. 500+ vendors will be selling their wares from truffles to laser cut trees. There are even photo opportunities with that jolly ole’ red suit and a Hallmark movie heartthrob, Tyler Hynes. Festival hours are 10am – 7pm Thursday – Saturday and 10am – 6pm Sunday. Find tickets and more information at tacomaholidayfestival.com.
- Pierce County Dine & Donate Food Drive Returns November 1 – December 2
- The Pierce County Dine and Donate Food Drive is back, running November 1 – December 2. This year, the drive has partnered with Nourish Pierce County, amplifying the reach and impact across the community. Last year, over 3,500 pounds of food and $1,025 in donations were collected for those in need. Last year, creative initiatives like Side Piece Kitchen’s “Fill the Dining Room” challenge in Tacoma collected more than 700 lbs of food, while George’s BLT in Bonney Lake hosted a rally the night before Thanksgiving, gathering 400 lbs of food and over $1,000 in donations. This year’s drive promises to be even bigger. Restaurants, patrons, and local organizations are encouraged to participate, contribute, and support families across Pierce County. Learn how to donate, or participate here.
- 2025 Spotlight on Business Award Finalists Announced
- The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has announced its nominees for the 2025 Spotlight on Business Awards. The awards honor organizations that are exceling in business, but also make a lasting impact on the community. The winners will be announced at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting October 30, at the Silver Cloud Hotel at Point Ruston. The 2025 finalists range in industries and community efforts. In the Civic Leader category, CEIBA Redevelopment’s Rialto Collection, New Tacoma Neighborhood Council, and Northwest Medical Arts were recognized. In the Industrial Innovator category, The UPS Store Steilacoom, PABCO Roofing Products and Aquagga were highlighted. Creative Champion finalists include Mi Centro, Inclusive Imagination and Creative Colloquy. The Force Multiplier category honors Thrive Center International – Tacoma, IMPACTO Notary and Multi-Services and HOTWORX University Place. Environmental Steward finalists include Homoeostasis, The Chayah Movement and Pierce Transit. To learn more about these awards and finalists, visit the chamber website.
Local Governance
- Who Will be the First Pet Mayor of Tacoma?
- In partnership with the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County, the Tacoma City Council is hosting a competition for Tacoma’s first Pet Mayor! Your pet will campaign their way through the species-specific primary election, going against fellow dogs, cats and other critters. Then, the top three in each category will advance to the general election, where one extraordinary pet will rise to become Tacoma’s Pet Mayor. The winning pet will be honored with an official paw-clamation at a Tacoma City Council meeting and enjoy a photo op with the human Mayor and City Council and even take a tour of the Mayor’s office. All top finalists per category will receive a prize pack and exclusive behind the scenes tour of the shelter. Enter your pet at https://www.gogophotocontest.com/tacomahumane as voting began on October 20th.
- Now Searching for Tacoma’s Next City Manager
- Tacoma has launched a nationwide search for its next City Manager. They are looking to hear from Tacomans about what professional skills, leadership qualities and experience you’d like to see in the person selected to fill this role. The survey will be open through November 14 and your input will help the Council select a City Manager who reflects the values, priorities, and needs of the Tacoma community. Learn more at Tacoma.gov/cmrecruitment.
- Join THA for the 5th Annual Regional Housing Authority Symposium
- Join the Tacoma Housing Authority for the Fifth Annual Regional Housing Authority Symposium, a virtual event hosted by Seattle Housing Authority, King County Housing Authority and Tacoma Housing Authority. This symposium bring together property owners, managers, and housing professionals to explore the latest updates in housing policy, funding, and resources that support successful landlord-tenant relationships. Thursday October 30, 10:00am – 3:00pm. You can expect Federal Funding updates, inspection updates, legislative updates (Rental Housing Association of Washington), Landlord Mitigation Program updates (Department of Commerce) and more. Register here.
Arts & Entertainment
- Jurassic Quest Roaring into Puyallup
- Jurassic Quest is the largest and most realistic traveling dinosaur experience in North America and its roaring into Puyallup from December 12 – 14 at the Showplex at the WA State Fair. Don’t miss the life-size, sky scraping dinosaurs, one of a kind walking dino rides, a life size t-rex skull, and incredible fossils. Tickets here.
- The Birth of the American Supercar at LeMay Exhibit Opens October 24
- Experience an immersive journey through the past, present and future of American-made supercars – exploring their global influences, engineering breakthroughs and the powerful impact they’ve had on the world of performance vehicles. This landmark exhibition celebrates a century of American performance, honoring the speed, design, and innovation that defined generations of supercars and shaped automotive history. Curated by legendary designer Steve Saleen, this world-premiere display showcases some of the rarest examples of American supercars, including Shelby, Czinger, and the Oldsmobile Aerotech. The display will open October 24 and be on display for one year at LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA.
- Tacoma Art Museum Dia De Los Muertos November 2
- The Tacoma Art Museum will host its annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on Sunday November 2, 10am – 5pm in partnership with Mi Centro. It will be a day of vibrant traditions, guided art work workshops including printmaking, led by artist Eileen Jiminez, hands on crafts, take home kits, and a stunning community created tapete done by artist Rene Julio. There will also be performances by Tlalokan Mariachi Real de Seattle and Sirankhua Jimpani. This year they are encouraging time ticketed entry so visit their website to register for free tickets.
- A Love Letter to the 80’s: Joy Connection and Iconic Hits Come to the Armory
- Get ready to turn up the nostalgia and sing your heart out to Synthpop sweethearts Shannon Curtis and Jamie Hill. On tour again, they are bringing their mission of MAXIMUM JOY to life with 80’s kids, a high energy, synth-driven concert packed with the biggest hits from the 80s. Whether you grew up on these hits or are just discovering their magic, 80’s kids is a wildly fun and feel-good singalong experience for all generations. Grab your friends and come to the Tacoma Armory, Saturday November 8, 7:30pm and click here to purchase tickets online.
- Trunk or Treat at LeMay – America’s Car Museum
- Rev up for some fun at LeMay – America’s Car Museum annual Trunk-or-Treat! Bring your car, decorate your trunk and hand out candy to Tacoma’s little goblins and ghouls. Enjoy food trucks, live entertainment, raffles and extended museum hours for a perfectly family-friendly way to celebrate the spooky season. Event runs from 1:00 – 4:00pm and is free and open to all ages. Learn more here.
Click the link above to see the calendar!
Opportunities
- High School Apprentice Interpreter Program Applications Due December 1st
- The Apprentice Interpreter program begins in January of each year for youth ages 14 – 18. It is a hands-on learning program that incorporates living history skills and the introduction of trades as part of a comprehensive training program. The program gives high school students the opportunity to enhance their 19th century skills in order to share these with the public. This involves both learning and leading as part of the program and includes volunteering at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum as an integral part of the learning experience. The application can be found at fortnisqually.org under High School Apprentice Interpreters and are due December 1.
Recreation
- The Diaspora in Rhythm: Legacy in Soul Free Dance Classes
- Registration is now open for a FREE six-week dance workshop series and showcase celebrating African American dance traditions. All levels of experience welcome ages 8 and up. Classes begin November 1 and are held Fridays 5:00 – 6:45pm and Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00pm at the Eastside Community Center. The showcase event will be November 22 2:00 – 4:00pm. Register here.
- Ribbon Cutting for Prairie Line Trail Saturday October 25
- Tacoma on the Go and Tacoma Mobility invite you to a guided walk and ribbon cutting to celebrate the newest section of the Prairie Line trail from S 21st Street to S 25th Street. This section connects the waterfront to the Water Flume Line Trail and makes the connection to the Scott Pierson and Pipeline Trails even closer. The guided walk will take place 12pm at 17th Street & Pacific Ave, UW Tacoma corner. The ribbon cutting will be at 12:30pm on the Trail near S 21st Street and Hood Street. You can expect to hear from local leaders, get info and resources from community groups and have some snacks.
Screenshots
