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.
Enjoy a rainbow of colors and bushels of fun at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden’s Fall Foliage Festival and Plant Sale on October 26-27
Join us for this free event featuring garden tours and plant talks, kids’ scavenger hunt, a food truck, or search for the perfect spot to take that quintessential fall photo. Also shop RSBG’s biggest sale of the year! Discover an immersive wonderland of sights, sounds, and sensations – from cool breezes to rustling leaves and the quiet swaying of golden-brown maple trees.
The garden’s annual Fall Foliage Festival and Plant Sale is sure to please garden enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages. For plant hunters looking for something special, featured pop-up vendors will bring their cultivated collections to the Rutherford Conservatory terrace.
Dig into a savory dish from a food truck before heading to the Gift Shop for unique garden gifts or peruse the books in the Visitor Center to learn about the beloved Rhododendron species and the natural history of the Pacific Northwest. Our collection of Japanese maples, deciduous azaleas, and other deciduous species never fails to produce a large range of bright colors right before we head into the dark and grey of winter.
Tacoma Farmers Market creates vibrant marketplaces where local farms, small businesses, and organizations connect directly with the community.
Broadway on Thursdays May 2 – Oct. 31, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
We accept cash, credit cards, EBT/SNAP and WIC/SFMNP
Free Family Friendly Event
The City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools, and Korsmo Construction invite the local
media and the community to T-Town: City Services Expo & Job Fair at the Tacoma
Dome. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity for Tacoma
residents to interact with City departments, explore career opportunities, and engage
in hands-on activities. For the second year, T-Town will once again feature the Tacoma
Public Schools (TPS) and Korsmo Construction Trades & Hiring Fair.
The event introduces a new element, “Truck-Or-Treat,” a fun twist on a Touch-ATruck event, where attendees can enjoy trick-or-treating in the Tacoma Dome Arena. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged as participants explore vehicles from City departments, including Environmental Services Solid Waste, Tacoma Power, Tacoma Rail, Public Works, TV Tacoma, Tacoma Fire, and Tacoma Police, among others.
More than 2,000 students are expected to attend the Trades & Hiring Fair on Friday,
November 1. Attendees can “Try-A-Trade” which includes activities where students and
job seekers can test out various trades and interact with some heavy duty equipment
while exploring career pathways with more than 100 companies in industries like
maritime, transportation, logistics, and construction.
The City of Tacoma, Tacoma Public Schools, and Korsmo Construction invite the local
media and the community to T-Town: City Services Expo & Job Fair at the Tacoma
Dome. This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity for Tacoma
residents to interact with City departments, explore career opportunities, and engage
in hands-on activities. For the second year, T-Town will once again feature the Tacoma
Public Schools (TPS) and Korsmo Construction Trades & Hiring Fair.
The event introduces a new element, “Truck-Or-Treat,” a fun twist on a Touch-ATruck event, where attendees can enjoy trick-or-treating in the Tacoma Dome Arena. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged as participants explore vehicles from City departments, including Environmental Services Solid Waste, Tacoma Power, Tacoma Rail, Public Works, TV Tacoma, Tacoma Fire, and Tacoma Police, among others.
More than 2,000 students are expected to attend the Trades & Hiring Fair on Friday,
November 1. Attendees can “Try-A-Trade” which includes activities where students and
job seekers can test out various trades and interact with some heavy duty equipment
while exploring career pathways with more than 100 companies in industries like
maritime, transportation, logistics, and construction.
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.
Join us for the Family History Quilt Show featuring 150 beautiful quilts made by local Puget Sound quilters. We will be honoring Veterans with a special program at 11AM along with a Patriotic display of red, white, and blue quilts.
Unique to this Quilt Show is our Family History theme with volunteers dressed up sharing stories. Travel back in time to meet Oregon Trail pioneers, a WW I Fighter Pilot, American Civil War Union soldiers and more.
Come learn some new quilt making skills during our all-day demonstrations.
Help us tie charity quilts to be donated to a local women’s shelter.
If you would like to participate by displaying your quilts in the show or volunteering, please contact: Elizabeth Thomas at elizabethquilts@hotmail.com.
This is a one-day Quilt Show- you won’t want to miss!
Indulge, a Sip & Savor Experience, is the signature fundraiser to benefit the Gig Harbor Senior Center. Attendees will indulge in an evening of savory and sweet bites whipped up by local chefs, locally produced beverages, auctions, games, music and more! Join in making a difference for our community’s seniors.
Every year, Mary Bridge Children’s Festival of Trees raises funds for critical programs and services, improving the health and well-being of children throughout Washington state. This year’s Festival of Trees theme, Magic Lives Here, will ring in 38 years of championing world-class pediatric health care. Tinsel on the Town includes pre-event live entertainment and raffle, auction, and an after-party with the Northwest’s favorite party band. Tickets include valet parking, hosted bar, dinner and dancing and are available to those 21 or older. Proceeds raised during Festival of Trees will help build the new MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital campus.
Every year, Mary Bridge Children’s Festival of Trees raises funds for critical programs and services, improving the health and well-being of children throughout Washington state. This year’s Festival of Trees theme, Magic Lives Here, will ring in 38 years of championing world-class pediatric health care. The gala includes pre-event live entertainment and a raffles; Fund-A-Need and a live auction featuring 25 beautiful themed trees with unique experiences and items; and an after-party with with one of Western Washington’s premier Funk, R&B and Soul bands. Tickets include valet parking, hosted bar, dinner and dancing and are available to those 21 or older. Proceeds raised during Festival of Trees will help build the new MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital campus.
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!