February in Tacoma

We are now a whole month into 2021 and Tacoma has no plans of slowing down! This February we've found ways to explore outdoor art, show some love to your friends both human and furry, dive into Black History month, revel in some sweet blues, laugh in the midst of a live audience, and enjoy a beer festival to-go. We'll see you around, Tacoma!

Every Saturday through February and March

Museum of Glass + Thea Foss Walking Tour

Downtown Tacoma’s Museum of Glass is offering a way to learn and enjoy the art while out in the crisp fresh air. Take an outdoor tour with the museums education staff and learn about the art and architecture along the waterway. From the Museum of Glass, across the Chihuly Bridge, down to the Thea Foss Waterway, they’ll cover it all. Three time slots of 45minutes will be available every Saturday for parties of six or less for just $10 per person. This is an excellent way to learn more about the famous Tacoma art scene and get out of the house!

February 13th & 14th

(Ticket sales end February 4th)

Brew Five Three TO GO!

Thought the days of beer festivals were long behind us? Think again! Tacoma Arts Live has created a to-go version of Tacoma’s famous, Brew Five Three! Three custom beer and cider kits have been curated by local breweries and cideries, including Wingman Brewers, E9 Brewing Co., Grit City Ciderworks, Matchless Brewing, Top Rung Brewing and SO MANY more! All kits can be picked up on February 13th at LeMay, America’s Car Museum’s Haub Field from noon to 5pm. Then from the comfort of your own home, you can log on to your custom Zoom event for a highlight of what’s in your kit along with a brewer Q&A. Each kit will include a variety of cans and bottles, a pint glass, and some sweet swag, including discounts to some of Tacoma's best taphouses (We're looking at you Peaks & Pints and The Red Hot). What about the music? Each kits has been paired with their very own Spotify playlists for your listening pleasure! Sales conclude on February 4th, so get yours soon!

All February Long!

Sweet Notes at The Patio

Through February, Alma Mater will have all-ages arts & crafts on The Patio! Downtown Tacoma’s very own Tinkertopia has partnered with The Patio to create DIY make-and-take craft kits that will be available at every table. With covered and heated outdoor seating, this is a great way to get creative with date night or get the kids out of the house for an evening of fun. Make a gift for a loved one or even leave a love note for Tacoma to display at The Patio. All crafting tools will be sanitized and monitored, masks are required, and of course, creativity is encouraged!

Also at The Patio...

On February 3rd and 4th at 3:30pm, The Patio will be screening Tacoma’s own children’s show, The Peace Bus! Come check out the pilot episode and meet Kwabi, Simon, and Doug as they learn about friendship and compassion with Mr. Brown. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

February 13th & 14th

Assisted Living: The Musical Encore

Bummed about not being to see a show this Valentines’ Day? Don’t worry, Tacoma Musical Playhouse has you covered! Back by popular demand, TMP is reprising their earlier show, Assisted Living, for a one weekend virtual showing. This vaudeville-esque show will have you in stitches as you hear the stories that grandma and grandpa would never tell you about their latter years. What a way to celebrate growing old together! Tickets are available online for Saturday evening and a Sunday matinee.

Tacoma Rescue Mission

New Drop-off Location!

With the winter months here, TRM is working very hard to meet the needs of the community, especially in the midst of the pandemic. Thankfully, they were recently able to open up a new drop-off location on 6th Ave to accept much needed items for warmth and basic care. The biggest needs are currently cleaning and sanitizing supplies, including gloves and masks, hygiene items, clothing, blankets, socks, shoes, coats, underwear, and bedding for extra long twin size mattresses. They are also currently distributing meals differently, and are in need of napkins, sandwich bags, plastic utensils, and to-go boxes. All items except for food can be dropped off at their new 6th Ave location, or you can meet the needs online through the Urgent Needs Amazon Wish List or online donation page.

February 13th – 15th

Love at the Zoo

Come "feel the love" at the zoo! Over Valentine's Day weekend, pay a visit your favorite furry and scaly critters as they receive special treats and Valentine's enrichments. Make sure to take the full tour, as PDZA staff have hidden 12 hearts with QR codes that lead to fun facts and loveable stories about some of their most popular animal kingdom friends. If you wanted to share the love, be sure to check out their printable and electronic Valentines! Send one to a loved one or leave one at the zoo for your favorite gibbon, penguin, or wolf. Purchase tickets now, as the visits are still timed.

Black History Month in Tacoma

February 20th

Black Institutions

A Virtual History Tour for Tacoma

Virtually join Pretty Gritty Tours and the Tacoma Historic Preservation as they look back at the Black community's major institutions who made Tacoma what it is today. Hear the personal stories and history through the years of these institutions and how they forged the identity of our Emerald City. Educational resources and more will be provided to help you dive in and discover more!

Every Monday

Black History on the Hill

Take a moment each Monday to join in the conversation with Hilltop Action Coalition as they use their weekly update meeting to celebrate Black History Month. Every week, in partnership with Ever Green State College Tacoma, hear from Black History on The Hill authors, artists, professors, and students, as they dive into their work, history, and influence in the Hilltop Community. The first event is on February 1st and will feature Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean of Evergreen Tacoma and Author of "The Stolen Ones." Join through Facebook live each week, which is accessible with our without a Facebook account.

February 21st

Blues Vespers, Featuring Stephanie Anne Johnson and the Hi-Dogs

Blues Vespers is a special piece of Tacoma that we are so happy to see return. Pastor Dave Brown describes Blues Vespers as bringing, “traditional blues music into sacred spaces, celebrating and honoring the various ways we find beauty and meaning and love and life in the world” Normally, you would enjoy the show from the dimly lit pews of Immanuel Presbyterian Church on a Sunday evening. However, we know right now is anything but normal. Still, the show must go on. Virtually join Blues vespers this month as they welcome back local artist Stephanie Anne Johnson and the Hi-Dogs for some live music, along with poetry from local artists. We highly recommend spending an evening in this “quiet” time of reflection and relaxation while blues music plays over you. It is truly a soul touching experience.

Tacoma Comedy Club Re-Opening!

People, this is no laughing matter! Just kidding... it totally is. Don't you miss jokes? Tacoma Comedy Club is excited to announce they are re-opening with 25% capacity! Starting in February, you can finally sit back and enjoy a live show, including food, drinks, and unrestrained laughter. Find the complete schedule of events here which includes two Wayans brothers and a Wayans Jr, Drew Lynch, Craig Robinson, and more! Be sure to get your tickets in advance due to the capacity limits and be sure to take care of your servers.