Pierce County Events Calendar

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.

Dec
22
Fri
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 22 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Dec
23
Sat
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 23 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Dec
26
Tue
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Dec
27
Wed
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Dec
28
Thu
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 28 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Dec
29
Fri
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 29 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Dec
30
Sat
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Dec
31
Sun
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Dec 31 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Jan
1
Mon
THE 27TH ANNUAL MODEL TRAIN FESTIVAL @ Washington State History Museum
Jan 1 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take your family and friends on a magical journey through the marvelously detailed world of model railroads at the Washington State History Museum!
Friday, December 22, 2023 – Monday, January 1, 2024
Closed Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25.
Included with admission.

The Model Train Festival brings railroad clubs from around Puget Sound to share their incredible, room-sized layouts in the History Museum! Every floor of the museum comes alive with trains, from the Kitsap Live Steamers 7.5-inch gauge railroad engines to the Mount Rainier N-Scale layout featuring miniature scenery of Western Washington and so many more.

Plus, the largest permanent model train layout in Washington is always on display at the museum on the fifth floor, operated by Puget Sound Model Railroad Engineers. Train operators will be on hand for questions and conversations.

Take a break from the live layouts to relax and enjoy trains on the big screen in our auditorium. We’ll feature footage from I Love Toy Trains and I Love Big Trains, from filmmaker Tom McComas with delightful songs by James Coffey. Learn about freight train signals, railroad history and what it’s like to be an engineer. Great for kids and train lovers of all ages!

The Model Train Festival wouldn’t be complete without a memorable photo opportunity! Step into our seasonal backdrop for free selfies.

Remember to pick up your collectible train button at the Admissions desk, too!

Jan
12
Fri
Ice Adventures! Frosty Fables @ Hands On Children's Museum
Jan 12 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ice Adventures! Frosty Fables @ Hands On Children's Museum

Celebrate winter at Hands On with three days of frozen fun at Ice Adventures Frosty Fables, Jan. 12-14! Explore Yeti and Bigfoot lore, meet costumed characters, use real tools to shave ice, skate in your socks, learn how to snowshoe with Olympia Mountaineers, investigate an ice cave hideout, and see exciting Dr. Science experiments with ice and fire.

Plus, special activities honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jan. 15.

Online reservations recommended. Get your tickets online and save!

Special Guests & Activities
• Melt Arctic ice to see what’s inside
• Use real tools to shave ice
• Investigate Yeti versus Bigfoot lore and discover the differences between these large legends
• Skate indoors in your socks
• Meet and take a photo with costumed characters the Winter Queen, Summer Queen, and Ice Master from Emerald Kingdom Parties (Jan. 13-14, 10:00am-3:30pm)
• Learn how to snowshoe with Olympia Mountaineers (Jan. 13-14, 11:00am-3:00pm)
• Explore Puget Sound sea creatures and look at specimens who can tolerate the ice-cold waters with the Estuarium
• See Dr. Science experiment with setting Ice on Fire (Jan. 13-14)
• Craft your own Bigfoot or Yeti slippers
• Explore an ice cave hideout and find a Yeti
• Create an Abominable Snowman to race (Jan. 13-14)
• Silkscreen a print or special keepsake (Jan. 13-14, print a free poster or purchase and make a tote bag, apron, onesie, or t-shirt for $12.)
• Go on a scavenger hunt
• Take a picture at the photo booth (Jan. 13-14)

Winter Queen, Summer Queen, & Ice Master Costumed Characters presented by Emerald Kingdom Parties.
Snowshoeing activity presented by The Olympia Mountaineers.