Neighborhood News
- Tacoma’s Beloved Almond Roca Maker Releases First New Candy in 50+ Years
- Tacoma’s own Brown & Haley, the candy company behind the Pacific Northwest staple Almond Roca, is releasing its first new candy in more than 50 years. Debuting this summer, the company is launching a Hazelnut Mountain Bar for widespread distribution as a limited-time offering expected to last approximately one year. And if that’s not enough, a pistachio Roca is also in the works for a limited holiday release in winter 2026. The last full retail rollout of a new candy was the Peanut Butter Mountain Bar back in 1972. Brown & Haley has been making candy in Tacoma since 1918, and apparently, they’ve still got new tricks up their sleeve.
- City of Tacoma Invites Community to Shape Neighborhood Codes, May 9
- The City of Tacoma’s Planning & Development Services Department is hosting a family-friendly community information session on Saturday, May 9 from 1–3pm at STAR Center (3873 S. 66th St.) to gather input on proposed zoning and land use code updates. Topics include housing and neighborhood growth, parking code updates, tree protections, and critical areas regulations. Translation services in Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese will be available, refreshments will be provided, and families will receive free entry to the Treetops children’s play area at STAR Center. Community members unable to attend in person can participate via an online survey. Questions can be directed to planning@tacoma.gov.
- University Place Historical Society Garden Tour, June 13
- Spend a morning among the blooms at the University Place Historical Society’s Annual Garden Tour on Saturday, June 13 from 9am–3pm. Early bird tickets are $20 each through May 20, after which prices go up to $25. Tickets are available now at Brown’s Flowers & Gifts, Chirp & Company, Gardensphere, and Harbor Greens-Tacoma, or at the Curran House starting at 8:30am the day of the tour. Visit uphistoricalsociety.org after May 1 for a downloadable ticket form.
- Chair Affair: NW Furniture Bank Fundraiser, May 8
- NW Furniture Bank is celebrating a big year, in 2025, over 2,000 families received furnishings that helped turn empty spaces into real homes, with Chair Affair, an evening fundraiser on Friday, May 8. Doors open at 6pm and the night includes an oyster bar, live auction, and buffet dinner by Snuffin’s Catering. Every ticket directly supports keeping families stably and comfortably housed. Sponsorship opportunities and auction item donations are also welcome. Tickets are on sale now at nwfurniturebank.org.
Local Governance
- Pierce County: Speak Up for Light Rail Before May 21
- Sound Transit is facing a serious budget crisis, and Pierce County projects, including Link to Tacoma Dome, the T-Line extension, and Sounder South, are at risk. Community advocates are urging residents to make their voices heard before the Sound Transit Board makes its proposal at the May 21st board meeting. You can submit an action letter, complete Sound Transit’s community survey, or provide public comment at the April 23rd board meeting (virtual sign-up available April 23 from 8am–1:25pm). An in-person Sound Transit Town Hall is also scheduled for April 27 with board members Executive Mello and Council Member Walker, focused specifically on Pierce County projects. The window is short, now is the time to act.
- Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks Heading to August Ballot
- Tacoma City Council has approved placing the Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks replacement levy on the August 4, 2026 Primary Election ballot. If passed, the levy is expected to generate approximately $20 million annually, with matching grants and partnerships projected to bring the total to $320 million over 10 years. Funding would be divided across three areas: Safe Streets for Everyone ($159 million, 50%), Better Neighborhood Streets ($85 million, 26%), and Improved Connections ($76 million, 24%) covering everything from arterial corridors and pothole repair to expanded sidewalks, ADA access, and multimodal transportation improvements. More information will be available at tacoma.gov/connecttacoma.
- Take Root: Tacoma Tree Foundation Annual Fundraiser, May 30
- Tacoma Tree Foundation’s annual fundraiser Take Root is back and it’s a real party. Join them Saturday, May 30 at 5pm for food stations, bars (21+), games for all ages, raffles, a DJ, dancing, and all the good energy of a community that genuinely loves its trees. Tickets are available at tacomatreefoundation.org/calendar/takeroot26 and if you want to donate instead of attend, that link has you covered too.
Arts & Entertainment
- Peaks & Pints Tournament of Beer Championship Party, April 25
- Ten years in and the Tournament of Beer is still Tacoma’s favorite spring argument. The 2026 Tournament of Beer: Best Northwest Breweries wraps up its 10th annual bracket competition with a Championship Party on Friday, April 25 at Peaks & Pints in Tacoma’s Proctor District. The final two breweries, one from Washington and one from Oregon, will pour live from the iconic western red cedar tap log, and the crowd will be there to witness which one gets crowned Best Northwest Brewery. The champion earns a permanent handle at Peaks & Pints through spring and summer 2026. Stop by, raise a glass, and settle the debate once and for all.
- Hilltop Artists Spring Glass Sale, May 2
- Hilltop Artists is hosting their annual Spring Glass Sale on Saturday, May 2 from 10am–1pm at their studio, and complimentary tickets are still available. Browse handcrafted glass accessories, vases, and sculptures made by their young artists, and watch the creative process live as students, instructors, and alumni collaborate in the Hot Shop. Free timed tickets are required for entry until 11:30am and can be reserved in advance; a limited number will also be available in person starting at 9am on the day of the sale. All proceeds support tuition-free glass arts instruction for 700+ students annually. Contact info@hilltopartists.org with questions.
- Tacoma Arts Commission Seeks Community Input on 10-Year Strategic Plan
- The City of Tacoma’s Arts & Cultural Vitality Division is updating its strategic plan for the next decade and wants to hear from the arts community. After a milestone year that included the reauthorization of Tacoma Creates, the 25th anniversary of the 1% for Art Program, and the 24th anniversary of Tacoma Arts Month, the division is now gathering input on how to deepen equity and access, improve communication, and prioritize what comes next. A short, anonymous survey is available now — share your perspective and pass it along to others in your network.
Opportunities
- Mural Artist Applications Open for Wright Avenue Jersey Barrier Wall
- Eight artists are needed for a brand-new mural installation on the Wright Avenue Jersey Barrier Wall, funded by a grant from the Tacoma Arts Commission. Each selected artist will receive $500 to create one panel mural measuring approximately 2 feet by 10–12 feet. SENco Creates welcomes all styles, all backgrounds, and all languages, artists may apply individually or as a team. Apply at forms.gle/vgExKDUNwC9Emk6r6.
- Edison Live Launches at Historic Edison Square, Third Thursdays Starting May 21
- A brand new live music series is coming to South Tacoma Way. Edison Live launches May 21 at the historic Edison Square, running Third Thursdays from 6–9pm with no cover charge in a 200-capacity room. Built for the community and focused on showcasing the soul and sound of the PNW, the series is also actively seeking bands, musicians, and performers to take the stage. If you’re an artist interested in being part of what’s building on South Tacoma Way, apply via their Instagram @gothiccurios.
- Real Art Tacoma 2026 Artist Market Series: Call for Vendors
- Real Art Tacoma is launching a 2026 Artist Market Series and is looking for artists, makers, and vendors of all kinds to join them on select Sundays from 10am–4pm. Indoor and outdoor spots are available for art, handmade goods, oddities, and everything in between. Spots are limited so check the application form via their Instagram @gothiccurios for full details and to apply.
- Happy Hour Business Expo at Foss Waterway Seaport, June 18
- The Happy Hour Business Expo returns to the Foss Waterway Seaport on Thursday, June 18 from 5:30–7:30pm for an evening of networking, local business showcases, and waterfront views. Expect 65+ local vendors and exhibitors, free food and beverages, interactive booths, and a casual atmosphere designed for making real connections. Whether you’re a small business owner, a rising professional, or just love supporting local, this one’s worth putting on the calendar. Tickets available now.
- Kiwanis Youth Law Enforcement Camp, Applications Open, Deadline May 15
- High school students interested in careers in law enforcement have a standout summer opportunity ahead. The Kiwanis Youth Law Enforcement Camp (KYLEC), presented by Kiwanis Clubs Division 34 of Pierce County, is a hands-on camp held at the Washington State Patrol Academy in Shelton. Open to students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year, the camp includes demonstrations, mentorship, and team-based leadership activities led by law enforcement professionals. Applications are due May 15, 2026. More info at kiwanislawenforcementcamp.com.
Recreation
- STAR Center Community Outing: Rainiers Game
- STAR Center members voted and the people have spoken: it’s a Rainiers game! Join the STAR Center crew for a community night out featuring picnic and bar-style seating at the Bull Pen Lounge and a 90-minute all-inclusive BBQ buffet with burgers, hot dogs, sides, dessert, and drinks. Tickets are $10 (valued at $65) and kids 3 and under are free. Transportation is not provided; parking is available at the stadium for an additional fee. Spots are limited, reserve your ticket by Monday, April 28 by calling STAR Center’s front desk to RSVP.
- 65th Junior Daffodil Parade in the Proctor District, April 25
- The cutest traffic jam in Tacoma is back. The 65th Junior Daffodil Parade rolls through the Proctor District on Saturday, April 25 at 10am, featuring kids in costumes, pets, non-motorized floats, marching music, and the Daffodil Princesses leading the way. Grab your coffee, stake out a good curb spot, and bring your best parade wave. Pure Tacoma wholesome.
- 15th Annual Pierce County Bike Swap at Tacoma Community College, April 25
- If your garage has more bikes than it knows what to do with, the 15th Annual Pierce County Bike Swap at Tacoma Community College is calling your name. On Saturday, April 25 starting at 10am, buy, sell, and test-ride your way through a packed lot of two-wheeled possibilities. Low-cost helmets, route talk, and food trucks round out the day.
- Healthy Kids Day at Pearl Street Family YMCA, April 25
- The Pearl Street Family YMCA is throwing open its doors for a free Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 25 at 10am is open to everyone. Expect a safari-themed day packed with crafts, sports, gaga ball, face painting, a haircut booth, a food drive, and letter-writing for military members. Bring the kids, bring the neighbors, and bring your energy.
- Point Defiance Marina Spring Swap Meet, May 9
- It’s time for the annual Point Defiance Marina Boathouse Spring Swap Meet on Saturday, May 9 from 9am–3pm. Buy, sell, and trade fishing, boating, and marine equipment and gear. Admission is free for the public.
- Spring Classic Pickleball Tournament at Stewart Heights Park, May 23
- Maybe sun, maybe rain and definitely pickleball. The Spring Classic Tournament comes to Stewart Heights Park on Saturday, May 23 at 11am. The 12-team pooled round-robin bracket feeds into single elimination playoffs, with the top 3 from each pool advancing. Come compete or come watch.
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