Pierce County Events Calendar
This calendar is the place to find fun events happening throughout Pierce County, including Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood and beyond.
Have an event that isn’t listed? Please email events@SouthSoundTalk.com with the following information:
- Name of Event
- Date, time and location (name of business if applicable and complete address)
- Organizer(s) name
- Cost
- URL to purchase tickets
- Website URL
- SHORT description of the event
- Photo
Our editors will review and post within a few business days.
Guest Speaker – Terry Rishel
Terry’s photography began in 1980, shooting abstracts in nature and soon progressed to medium and large format cameras, photographing commercial, architecture, nature, weddings, etc. He then opened a photo studio with friends in Tacoma, WA. Over the years, Terry has received multiple photographic awards with noted companies, such as Nikon, Polaroid, Hasselblad, Illford, etc. From 1991-2009, Terry became Dale Chihuly’s head photographer, as well as studio manager for Chihuly Studio One (TS-1). Traveling with Chihuly for many years, he photographed over fifty fine art books, as well as hundreds of thousands of photos from around the world. Terry and his crew mocked up and built many installations and complex lighting scenarios. With the onset of digital photography and an intense interest in florals, the work continues.
THE VIKINGS ARE COMING! We are happy to present our 2nd annual Viking Days. You’ll find Vikings, crafts, gifts, music, dancing, meatballs etc…! Did anyone say meatball sundaes? Aquavit, mead, wine & spirits tastings. Full lineup to be shared later. All Veterans enjoy a free food punch card on Sunday for your services. Show your ID. Two floors of fun for the whole family!
THE VIKINGS ARE COMING! We are happy to present our 2nd annual Viking Days. You’ll find Vikings, crafts, gifts, music, dancing, meatballs etc…! Did anyone say meatball sundaes? Aquavit, mead, wine & spirits tastings. Full lineup to be shared later. All Veterans enjoy a free food punch card on Sunday for your services. Show your ID. Two floors of fun for the whole family!
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set. Grab your family and friends and let the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take you on a journey that celebrates love, community, and the magic of the holiday season.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the magical spirit of the holidays as the ukulele virtuoso and beloved ambassador of aloha, Jake Shimabukuro, presents his highly anticipated seasonal extravaganza: Jake Shimabukuro, Holidays in Hawai’i! This festive show promises to be a sensational gift to music lovers worldwide, delivering an unforgettable experience filled with joy, warmth, and the infectious charm of the ukulele.
Jake Shimabukuro’s unparalleled talent on the ukulele has captivated audiences around the globe, and now he’s here to spread his unique brand of holiday cheer. Prepare to be enchanted as he strums his way through a dynamic repertoire that combines his signature show favorites with a vibrant collection of holiday classics. From the timeless melodies of “We Three Kings” and “O Holy Night” to the playful tunes of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” Jake will transport you to a musical wonderland, reimagining these beloved songs in his own inimitable style. But that’s not all! As a special treat, Jake will also showcase selections from his new album “Grateful,” which is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed duets album with artists from Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley and Bette Midler to Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson and Kenny Loggins. It was these collaborations that inspired him to go back to the beginning and play with the musicians who first inspired him as he was growing up in Hawai`i. Jake shares a connection with each and every artist on this album.
Joining Jake Shimabukuro on stage will be the talented bassist Jackson Waldhoff, whose rhythmic prowess will provide the perfect foundation for the melodic brilliance of the ukulele. Additionally, the show will feature the soulful and captivating voice of special guest singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young. Together, this exceptional ensemble will create an atmosphere of pure merriment, ensuring that spirits remain bright throughout the entire performance. Jake Shimabukuro, Holidays in Hawai’i is not just a concert; it’s a celebration of the holiday season, a fusion of musical excellence, and a testament to the power of harmonious unity. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the magic of the ukulele, and let Jake Shimabukuro transport you to a world where music and the spirit of aloha intertwine to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration – book your tickets now and prepare to embark on a musical journey like no other!
Celebrate the holiday season with ornament making, the harvesting of the Yule Log, parlor games, and a visit with Father Christmas.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern holidays and experience a real old-fashioned Christmas at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Throughout the day guests of all ages can join in parlor games, make ornaments, and create pomanders from clementines and cloves. Wonder the holiday market and pop into the kitchen for a treat. Arrive early line up to meet Father Christmas. Children are invited to participate in bringing the Yule Log into the Fort, and all parties may take a fresh cut of the Yule Log home.
Take home a FREE children’s activity kit to make a train ornament during the 12/14 Craft Saturday at Job Carr Cabin Museum. All ages welcome. Please bring a food donation for St Leo’s Food Connection.
The beloved Tacoma Santa Parade is back for its 11th year, bringing holiday cheer, community fun, and endless festive activities to historic South Tacoma Way on Saturday, December 14th. This year’s event promises an unforgettable experience for all ages, with the day’s festivities kicking off at noon and leading up to the exciting parade at 4:30 PM.
Event Highlights:
? Street Festival (Noon – 6:00 PM): South Tacoma Way between 50th and 56th will transform into a bustling holiday street festival, featuring a wide range of vendors selling handmade gifts, bath and body items, home goods, jewelry, including a Creepmas Market and more—perfect for holiday shopping!
? Food Vendors: Satisfy your seasonal cravings with comfort foods from local vendors, including Pacific Islander delicacies, soul food, pizza, kettlecorn, baked goods, hot cocoa, and more. Enjoy the tastes of the holidays while exploring all the festival has to offer.
? Stage Entertainment: A full lineup of live performances will celebrate the season with music and dance. Don’t miss the Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest at 4:00 PM on the main stage—bring your most outrageous festive attire and compete for prizes!
? Parade (4:30 PM): The grand Tacoma Santa Parade will step off in style with local cheer teams, dance clubs, marching bands, decorated floats, and, of course, Santa’s Elves. The parade will end with the arrival of Santa Claus himself, spreading holiday cheer to all in attendance.
Join Us as a Sponsor or Parade Participant:
To make this year’s event truly magical, we are still welcoming sponsors and parade participants who wish to join in spreading holiday joy. Interested businesses and community groups can visit our website at www.tacomasantaparade.org to complete an application and become part of this cherished Tacoma tradition.
Sponsors and Community Support:
This year’s event is proudly supported by local businesses and sponsors dedicated to making the holiday season brighter for the Tacoma community, including Pierce Transit, Stellar Soirees Event Creation, SEO2000, Partytime Parcels, Cascade Home Builders, Tapco Credit Union, Liz Ann Johnson Elder Law, Guild Mortgage and the Asian Pacific Cultural Center. Their support and commitment to community spirit help make this cherished event possible.
Join Us for the Magic of the Holiday Season:
The Tacoma Santa Parade & Street Festival has become a favorite annual tradition, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the holiday season with warmth, joy, and Tacoma’s signature community spirit. With fun for all ages and something for everyone, the 11th Annual Tacoma Santa Parade promises a day filled with festive cheer.
For more information, follow our event updates or reach out to Event Coordinator Jennifer Day at tacomasantaparade@gmail.com. We look forward to celebrating with you and ringing in the holiday season together in the heart of Tacoma!
An affordable event for families: Experience an 1861 Christmas at Historic Fort Steilacoom on Dec. 14
Step back in time and experience Christmas as it was celebrated in 1861! Join Historic Fort Steilacoom in Lakewood on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., as living historians bring the holiday season to life in the same buildings where it was celebrated 163 years ago.
Visitors will walk through candlelit scenes of re-enactors singing, dancing, dining, and exchanging gifts, just as the residents of Fort Steilacoom might have done in the first U.S. military post in Puget Sound. Visitors from 2024 will walk past and witness scenes as if the visitors are silent time travelers.
Though 1861 marked the beginning of the U.S. Civil War, Christmas at Fort Steilacoom was a time of celebration and social gathering, where soldiers, families, and friends came together in a festive spirit.
Ticket Information
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for youth. A family of up to two adults and four youth pays $12. Proceeds support the maintenance of Fort Steilacoom’s historic buildings. Tickets are available in advance through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christmas-at-historic-fort-steilacoom-1861-in-2024-tickets-1086615178249?aff=oddtdtcreator
This popular event often sells out, so advance purchase is highly recommended. You can check the Fort Steilacoom Facebook page for updates about tickets.
The final tour group departs at 7:10 p.m.
Fort Steilacoom is on the grounds of Western State Hospital, located at 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA 98498. Be sure to use this address to locate the fort, as GPS may direct you to nearby Fort Steilacoom Park. After entering Western State, turn right, and look for the cannon shelter and lights. Tours start at the building furthest right of the four.
About Fort Steilacoom
Fort Steilacoom was the first U.S. Army post in Puget Sound, operating from 1849 to 1868. Now managed entirely by volunteers, it holds an essential place in the settlement and early history of Washington Territory. The Historic Fort Steilacoom Association is dedicated to preserving this heritage, acknowledging the complex history of the Fort, and including diverse perspectives in its storytelling.
Learn more at www.historicfortsteilacoom.org
? Join Us for the 3rd Annual Hilltop Christmas Tree Lighting! ?
Celebrate the season with family and friends at the 3rd Annual Hilltop Christmas Tree Lighting! Kick off the holidays with dazzling lights, festive music, and plenty of holiday cheer. Enjoy delicious treats, festive activities, and the magic of the season as we light up the night and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss this heartwarming tradition – the perfect way to start your holiday season!