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
14
Sat
Experience an 1861 Christmas @ Historic Fort Steilacoom
Dec 14 @ 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm

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

Jan
9
Thu
HistoryTalks! The Evergreen Ballroom @ Lacey City Hall, Council Chambers
Jan 9 @ 6:30 pm
HistoryTalks! The Evergreen Ballroom @ Lacey City Hall, Council Chambers

The Evergreen Ballroom story is an immigrant story, a local community story, and a music lovers’ story. From the time it was constructed to the last day that music played, the dance hall saw a number of people cross its stage who would go on to musical fame. In this presentation, Rebecca Sanchez will cover her research from a series of local history articles published on Thurston Talk.

Hybrid Format: Come in person or join online.

Registration required for online attendance only https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lS3QWnAcTpmwaTU6tf5sVQ#/registration

Mar
8
Sat
Event Irish Fest @ Freighthouse Square in the Rainier Room
Mar 8 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Event Irish Fest @ Freighthouse Square in the Rainier Room

Join us for the 4th Annual Irish Festival at Freighthouse Square

Over 40 Vendors, Beer Gardens, Leprechaun Photo Booth, Sweet Treats,

Food Trucks & Entertainment.

Joining us on the main stage are Celtic Treble, Clan Gordon Bagpipers & Jeweled Scarab Belly Dancers.

Free Parking in the parking garage across the street. Enter by the Escape Room/Defiant Fox Games entrance. Food trucks will be out front on the street!

Apr
5
Sat
Golden Gala @ Rust Mansion
Apr 5 @ 7:00 pm
Golden Gala @ Rust Mansion

Join Tacoma Historical Society for our Golden Gala at the Rust Mansion. Enjoy a magical night at the historic residence, complete with live music, drinks and a curated selection of local foods.

Special guest Peter Altmann will speak about his great aunt, Adele Bloch-Bauer, who was Gustav Klimt’s Woman in Gold. Learn about the person, the painting, the artist, the movie and its journey through time. He will talk about his mother, Maria Altmann, who escaped the Nazis and then had to fight for the return of her painting.

Peter graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a minor in Art History and has spoken at museums, schools and organizations around the globe.

Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire. Thematic gold is admired, but not required.

The evening will also include a silent auction. All proceeds from this event support Tacoma Historical Society’s mission to preserve, present, and promote Tacoma’s history by connecting generations to the many stories of our city’s past.

May
2
Fri
Breaking Barriers | Building Futures 2025 Tacoma Community House Annual Luncheon @ Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion
May 2 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Breaking Barriers | Building Futures 2025 Tacoma Community House Annual Luncheon @ Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion

Surround yourself with 650 like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. This event is a perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of transformative programs. 

This event will feature:

Engaging Speakers: Listen to influential voices share their insights and experiences.

Heartfelt Stories: Be moved by stories of resilience and hope from community members.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow attendees and community advocates.

Call to Action: We hope that you will commit to support our programs that promote transformative, life-altering growth for community members.

Collaboration throughout the community is pivotal in fostering inclusivity and driving positive change. When we work together, we create a synergy that amplifies our individual efforts, leading to more substantial and sustainable impacts.

May
3
Sat
Hunger Walk @ Fort Steilacoom Park
May 3 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Hunger Walk @ Fort Steilacoom Park

SHORT description of the event; The Hunger Walk is a great way to get involved with Hunger Awareness Month, help your neighbors in need, and have some fun! Enjoy a scenic walk around Waughop Lake, live music, and local vendors. This event is pet and family friendly.

Proceeds from the Hunger Walk will help Emergency Food Network (EFN) provide Pierce County with a consistent, diverse, and nutritious food supply so that no person goes hungry. Each month, EFN provides our network of more than 75 partner food pantries, meal sites, and shelters with more than one million pounds of food, at no cost to them.

May
17
Sat
Lacey Spring Fun Fair @ Saint Martin’s University
May 17 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lacey Spring Fun Fair @ Saint Martin’s University

Enjoy 2 days of free rides, kids’ world activities and live entertainment plus shop from over 70 artisan and commercial vendors and food vendors!  Don’t miss the S.T.E.A.M. Fair on Saturday and Car Show on Sunday.  Free parking and admission. For over 35 years families have enjoyed this springtime tradition.

May
18
Sun
Lacey Spring Fun Fair @ Saint Martin’s University
May 18 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lacey Spring Fun Fair @ Saint Martin’s University

Enjoy 2 days of free rides, kids’ world activities and live entertainment plus shop from over 70 artisan and commercial vendors and food vendors!  Don’t miss the S.T.E.A.M. Fair on Saturday and Car Show on Sunday.  Free parking and admission. For over 35 years families have enjoyed this springtime tradition.

Jul
11
Fri
Shoestring Circus @ Orting Lions Community Park
Jul 11 @ 11:46 pm – Jul 12 @ 12:01 am
Shoestring Circus @ Orting Lions Community Park

The circus is coming to Orting! Join us under the big top tent for high-flying aerial dance, Guinness World Record holders, and jaw dropping and absurd stunts! Shoestring Circus is an artist owned circus company touring Washington state bringing spectacle, skill, and enough twists to tie a shoestring!