Spring is here and we couldn't be happier! This month we found ways to get outside and explore Tacoma, experience light in new ways, maybe find a new job and my personal favorite, attend a yearly event celebrating Tacoma's print art scene. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll let you take it from here!
April 3rd
Walk Tacoma will be kicking off their 10th year on National Walking Day! Once a month (twice in June!) between April and August, Downtown: On the Go! hosts a short 1 – 2 mile walking tour focusing on unique areas of Tacoma. Each tour is led by one or two Tacoma locals with a knack for our fair city. This month’s walk will be led by historian Melissa McGinnis and former Mayor Bill Baarsma, where they will guide you through Wright Park and Stadium Highschool. Children’s activities will be provided by the Children’s Museum of Tacoma and ASL interpretation is available as well.
You can find the complete list of walks, including a brewery walk in May and an architecture walk in June here. Register for one walk or the whole series.
April 6th
Fed and Fueled Nutrition, in partnership with Figures 247, will be providing fuel for your soul, mind, and body at their kick-off fundraiser for the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA). Join them for brunch and yoga while you learn how to better respect and show love to yourself and other women. Discussions on protecting yourself from disordered eating and compulsive exercise will be led with the intention of helping to build supportive relationships as well as bring awareness to the work of NEDA. While the support of male colleagues and friends is appreciated, this is a Womxn’s empowerment event and will open to women only.
April 9th
Our sweet city is again ready to say, “Take me out to the ball game!” The beloved Tacoma Rainiers will be taking to the field for their home opener against the El Paso Chihuahuas at 6:05pm. Reserve tickets now as it’s sure to be a well-attended game. Carpooling is recommended but if you choose to Uber or Lyft they will drop you directly at the gate. It’s all worth is for some home town cheers and local beers! Let's play ball!
April 12th & 13th
Canvases are typically flat, cloth and wooden structures meant to be hung on walls. What happens when that canvas comes to life? Better yet, what if the canvas itself a living thing? Lusio Lights in partnership with Metro Parks will be doing just that. This after-hours light display will feature several local light artists showcasing their skill using the plant life of W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory as an earthy canvas.
April 12th is a 21+ event that includes a DJ and libations. April 13th will be a family friendly version with snacks and glow in the dark face painting.
Either way, come dance your way through this lit botanical scene. Your admission will provide funds to the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory Foundation, ensuring more beautiful events in the future.
April 20th
Candy, fun and FREE! Families with kiddos, I highly recommend checking out this event, especially if you are traveling for Easter or if the budget is a little tight this month. Salishan Association in partnership with Northwest Church will be playing East Bunny and hiding 12,000 eggs outside of Lister Elementary school in the south end of Tacoma. Show up with a basket and your kids will have a heyday searching for their egg treasures. Everyone is welcome!
April 21st
Have you or someone you know just graduated college and are now looking for a career? Or maybe you have a teenager looking for their first part-time or seasonal job? Job Fest is the largest youth hiring event in Washington state. Over 100 exhibitors will be accepting applications, resume’s, and answering questions. This event is targeted at individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 and will be full of employers looking to hire right away!
April 24th
Join South Sound Running for a Ruston Way run followed by delicious deals at The Ram Brewery. After four miles along the beautiful Ruston waterfront, The Ram will be offering runner deals on drinks and food. Raffle tickets will be available for several prizes including the chance to win any pair of shoes from South Sound Running!
April 27th
Tacoma has been booming and “blooming” with new businesses, and the Proctor area is no exception! The Fernseed will be celebrating their grand opening at 10am, serving drinks and treats (cupcakes!) as well as raffling off some great deals and free products! Specializing in modern plants, you will find planters, plant hanger, vases, potting soil and a myriad of other adorable greenery options. They also offer a variety of stationary and other home goods. So if you’re out for a stroll in the Proctor area or are looking for a way to get spring going, check out this new local business.
April 28th & 29th
(Favorite event this month!)
The Tacoma art scene is truly unmatched and Wayzgoose plays a wonderful part in that. Kings Books will be packed with print artists and their fares for two days to celebrate Tacoma’s art scene. Print your own poster, pick up gifts for yourself or others and certainly do NOT miss the steam roller print. You read that right! Steam roller! Being huge fans of Beautiful Angle, John and I made sure to arrive in time to watch Beautiful Angle artists, Lance and Tom, roll our their 6th Ave creation last year. This is such a sweet part of what makes Tacoma… Tacoma. You won’t want to miss it. Families are welcome!
BONUS:
Pierce County's only four-season farmers market is now open for regular hours! Every Saturday from 10am – 1pm vendors, farmers, musicians and families will be crowding down North 27th and Proctor to gather their fresh veggies, local treats and spring flowers for the week. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit this spring, summer and fall, but remember some items are seasonal. All that to say, you should probably go as much as possible 😉