Neighborhood News
- Tacoma Yacht Club Daffodil Marine Parades Past the Waterfront this Weekend
- April 19 the Tacoma Yacht Club brings a flotilla of decorated vessels across Commencement Bay to continue the celebration of the Daffodil Festival. At noon, you can watch and wave at the sailors from your favorite spot on Ruston Way.
- Record Store Day Returns with Exclusive Releases
- Music lovers and vinyl collectors are gearing up for one of the biggest days in the indie music calendar as Record Store Day returns April 18, bringing a slate of exclusive releases and likely long lines at local shops. In Tacoma, Hi-Voltage Records plans to open at 7 a.m., with staff anticipating crowds forming well before doors open. This year’s releases include new singles from Olivia Dean and Taylor Swift, acoustic recordings from The Cure, and a live album from Brandi Carlile recorded at Seattle’s Easy Street Records. Specialty items like Peter Gabriel’s zoetrope “Sledgehammer” picture disc and rare Talking Heads demos are also expected to draw collectors. With vinyl’s continued resurgence and even novelty items like Rolling Stones mini turntables in the mix, Record Store Day remains a major draw for music fans looking for limited releases and a shared in-store experience.
- Music lovers and vinyl collectors are gearing up for one of the biggest days in the indie music calendar as Record Store Day returns April 18, bringing a slate of exclusive releases and likely long lines at local shops. In Tacoma, Hi-Voltage Records plans to open at 7 a.m., with staff anticipating crowds forming well before doors open. This year’s releases include new singles from Olivia Dean and Taylor Swift, acoustic recordings from The Cure, and a live album from Brandi Carlile recorded at Seattle’s Easy Street Records. Specialty items like Peter Gabriel’s zoetrope “Sledgehammer” picture disc and rare Talking Heads demos are also expected to draw collectors. With vinyl’s continued resurgence and even novelty items like Rolling Stones mini turntables in the mix, Record Store Day remains a major draw for music fans looking for limited releases and a shared in-store experience.
- Another North Slope Tenant Union Forming
- Tenants across three Stadium District buildings have formed the North Slope Tenant Union (NSTU), the third such group organizing in response to landlords Candace Hoover, Robert Hoover and Ann Limbourne. The NSTU joins the New York Apartments and Newcastle tenant unions, creating a coalition that organizers say represents more than 70 percent of the landlords’ occupied units in Tacoma. Members are pushing for clearer lease terms, more affordable and standardized rent, expanded pet rights and improved property management, citing concerns over new leases that include what they describe as excessive fees and unfavorable conditions. The group will officially launch with a public press conference at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at the Marguerite Apartments, 3104 N. 8th St.
Local Governance
- Beyond the Bin Invests $30,000 into Community
- Tacoma is investing in sustainability with $30,000 in community grants awarded through the city’s Beyond the Bin program. This year’s recipients — 2nd Cycle Tacoma, Making A Difference Foundation, and the South End Neighborhood Council — will use the funding to support projects focused on reuse, repair, and waste reduction. The initiatives aim to keep usable materials out of landfills, expand access to affordable goods, and reduce food waste and emissions across the community. Learn more at tacoma.gov/beyondthebin.
- Sound Transit and Tacoma Butting Heads Over Lightrail Expansion
- Tacoma leaders are pushing back as Sound Transit weighs potential cuts to its long-planned light rail expansion amid a projected $35 billion budget shortfall. Officials are advocating strongly for completion of the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, currently slated for 2035, after proposals surfaced that could shorten the line to Fife instead. City leaders argue the South Sound must remain a priority, emphasizing the region’s growth, transit needs, and economic impact as the agency considers cost-saving options.
- Add Time to Your Travels on I-5 This Weekend
- Drivers heading south through Fife should plan for delays as Washington State Department of Transportation crews close all lanes of southbound I-5 at 54th Avenue East overnight April 17-18 to install a new overhead sign. Closures begin at 11 p.m. each night, with lanes reopening by early morning, though traffic will be detoured and reduced to a single lane approaching the work zone. Travelers are encouraged to use alternate routes like state Routes 18, 161, 167, and 512, and to allow extra time due to expected congestion.
- City of Tacoma Implements Hiring Freeze, Could Save Millions
- The City of Tacoma has implemented a hiring and promotions freeze through the end of the year as officials work to address a projected $15 million budget deficit in 2027. City leaders say the move will allow time to reassess staffing needs while aligning with long-term priorities, with a new review committee evaluating critical positions on a case-by-case basis. A similar freeze in 2024 saved the city nearly $4.8 million.
Arts & Entertainment
- A Weekend for the Booktokers
- Come for a weekend of magic, romance, and storytelling at Lore and Luster, the PNW’s premier romantasy festival! This immersive event blends the allure of fantasy with the passion of romance through a curated vendor market, author signings, themed panels and Romantasy Gala Ball. If you love ACOTAR, Fourth Wing or original indie romantasy worlds, here’s your chance to connect with fellow book lovers, cosplay your favorite characters, support small businesses, authors and artists who bring it all to life. Lore and Luster Romantasy BookCon at the Tacoma Armory, April 18-19. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/1238830854275604/
- Tacoma Creative Economy Gathering April 25
- Local creatives are invited to connect and get inspired at the Tacoma Creative Economy Gathering on April 25. The evening will feature a screening of an award-winning documentary about pursuing creative work with limited resources, followed by networking with writers and artists over food and conversation. Attendees can register online, and those who volunteer for Tacoma Lit Fest will receive a free entry along with additional perks. Learn more at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLV8S56CFGS52/checkout/DV2PVVJQ7JNYRM225WQTH426
- Hotel Murano’s Next Artist Residency Kicks Off with New Exhibition
- Hotel Murano is continuing its Artist in Residence program with a new exhibition and community event later this month. University Place artist Henry Caserotti has been selected as the 2026–2027 resident, following the program’s inaugural year featuring Tacoma abstract artist Lisa Daniel. The residency provides a dedicated studio space inside the downtown hotel, where the artist will create work and host public events throughout the year. The first event, an opening celebration for Water and Stone, takes place April 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. The exhibition features Caserotti’s large-format, nature-inspired pieces exploring themes of place, environment, and coexistence. The event is free and open to the public, with additional artist talks, demonstrations, and receptions planned during the residency.
Opportunities
- Turn Your Kitchen Skills into Cash
- Aspiring food entrepreneurs can take their first step from kitchen to commerce at a free orientation hosted by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce on April 23. The evening session will feature experts from the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the City of Lakewood sharing practical guidance on cottage food regulations, safety, labeling, and how to bring homemade products to market. Held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Chamber office, the event is open to the public with advance registration required. Learn more and reserve a spot at lakewood-chamber.org.
- Calling All Apple Artists
- Creatives of all ages are invited to submit designs for the Curran Apple Orchard Park T-shirt Design Contest, celebrating one of University Place’s favorite green spaces. Hosted by CORE, the volunteer group supporting the orchard, the contest seeks designs that capture the spirit of the park using up to three colors. The winning artist will receive $100, a free T-shirt, and recognition on the orchard’s website. Entries are due by May 29 at curranappleorchard.com.
- Make an Impact as a Trustee for the Pierce County Library System
- Community members looking to make an impact can apply to join the Board of Trustees for the Pierce County Library System, helping guide priorities like budgeting, policy, and long-term planning. Trustees serve five-year volunteer terms and play a key role in shaping library services for more than 680,000 residents across 19 locations. Applications are open through May 1, with details available at mypcls.org.
- Second Tacoma Rising Challenge April 24
- Students and community members will come together April 24 2:30 – 5:30pm for the Tacoma Rising Challenge, a fast-paced workshop at the University of Washington Tacoma where college teams tackle a real-world development project in just five hours. This year’s focus is reimagining Pacific Avenue near campus, with participants from multiple local colleges presenting solutions across business, design, and engineering. The public is invited to attend final presentations, with tickets available and sponsorship opportunities open to support Tacoma’s next generation of talent.
- Tacoma Little Theatre seeks Directors for Upcoming Season
- Tacoma Little Theatre is now accepting applications for stage directors for its 2026–2027 season, inviting artists interested in collaborative, community-driven storytelling to apply. The theater is looking for directors who lead with curiosity and empathy, foster inclusive and equitable rehearsal spaces, and bring a clear artistic vision while remaining open to creative exploration. TLT emphasized its commitment to producing bold, inclusive work that reflects the diverse voices of the region, and strongly encourages applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds. More information and application details are available at www.tacomalittletheatre.com/job-openings.
Recreation
- Parks Appreciation Day is Coming, Celebrate and Give Back
- Community members can roll up their sleeves and give back to local green spaces during the 25th annual Parks Appreciation Day on April 18. From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers can choose between two hands-on projects: habitat restoration at Wapato Hills Park, including planting care, weeding, and trail maintenance, or litter cleanup around the Point Defiance Marina, promenade, and Owen Beach. Sponsored by TAPCO Credit Union, the event highlights the importance of community stewardship while helping keep Tacoma’s parks healthy and welcoming for all.
- Klahowya Welcomes You Back to Fort Nisqually
- Step back in time at Klahowya, a family-friendly kickoff to the season at the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum on April 25. Beginning at 11 a.m., the free event for Pierce County residents and Tribal members features guided tours, historic trade demonstrations, hands-on activities, and Victorian-era games. Visitors can also plant seeds, sample period food, and learn about daily life at the 1850s trading post.
- Point Defiance Gears Up for Flower & Garden Festival
- Point Defiance will burst into bloom June 6-7 as the Flower & Garden Festival returns with free admission, more than 100 vendors, live music, garden talks, tastings, and festival-only floral displays. This year’s event also expands its family-friendly offerings with youth nature walks, Paint & Punch sessions, make-and-take crafts, a scavenger hunt, and activities in the Children’s Wonder & Grow Garden. Paid workshops and guided tours of the Japanese Garden and Native Plant Garden are open for registration now, while vendor applications are also available for this and Parks Tacoma’s other major summer festivals. More information is available at PtDefianceGardenFest.org and parkstacoma.gov/vendor-program.
- Time Again for the Spring Marina Swap Meet
- The Point Defiance Marina Boathouse Spring Swap Meet returns May 9, offering a one-stop shop for fishing, boating, and marine gear. Running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event invites the public to browse, buy, sell, and trade equipment while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere. Kids can cast a line at a free trout pond hosted by Gig Harbor Puget Sound Anglers, while vendors can reserve 10-by-10 spaces for $25 to join the action.
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