Oct 15, 2026
Ani, the Harvest of History: an evening of performances, exhibits, and labor-history panels with Yakima Valley guests. Free, all ages, 3–7pm.
Free. Events
Upcoming events around Tacoma that cost nothing to get into. Parking and snacks are on you.
20 events
Oct 15, 2026
Make a nicho for whoever inspires you — family, icon, or pet — with IndigeQueer artist Vaquero Azul. Free, all ages, no registration.
Oct 17, 2026
Drop-in Hikes at Point Defiance
outdoorsA free guided Saturday walk from the Fort Nisqually shelter: about 3 easy miles, no registration. Meet at 9am.
Oct 17, 2026
Proctor Farmers' Market
marketsTacoma's year-round Saturday market: fall produce, flowers, meats, cider, and live music, 9am–2pm. Free to browse; EBT welcome.
Oct 17, 2026
Family Nature Walk – Fall Colors
outdoorsA free, hour-long naturalist-led walk from the Fort Nisqually picnic shelter, aimed at kids ages 3 and up. Rain or shine.
Oct 17, 2026
Truck and Tractor Day
outdoorsClimb the big rigs, honk the horns, chuck a pumpkin from a giant slingshot: Lakewood's free fall festival for all ages. Noon–3pm.
Oct 17, 2026
Proctor shuts down for an afternoon: a costume parade plus a street fair of makers, food, and live music. Free, all ages, 3–8pm.
Oct 18, 2026
Step inside a working studio during Tacoma Arts Month: Vaquero Azul's Trans Mexican Euforia, plus nichos on view. Free, 10am–5pm.
Oct 18, 2026
An hour of live jazz from Tacoma saxophonist Kareem Kandi and company, free in the museum. Sunday 3–4pm.
Oct 22, 2026
A guided trick-or-treat tour through the Lakewood Y: gym games and candy for kids of all ages. Free, 4–7pm.
Oct 22, 2026
The Pearl Y goes Outer Space: tattoos, art projects, obstacle courses across five rooms. Free, 5–7pm.
Oct 24, 2026
Drop-in Hikes at Point Defiance
outdoorsA free guided Saturday walk from the Fort Nisqually shelter: about 3 easy miles, no registration. Meet at 9am.
Oct 24, 2026
Proctor Farmers' Market
marketsSaturday market run: fall produce, flowers, meats, cider, and live music, 9am–2pm. Free to browse; EBT welcome.
Oct 24, 2026
Halloween on the Hill
outdoorsTacoma Community House's annual Halloween party-plus-resource-fair: candy, activities, and community tables. Free, 2–4pm.
Oct 31, 2026
Halloween Bird Walk
outdoorsA free Park Guide walk on Halloween morning through Point Defiance, pairing local birds with the folklore and superstition that grew up around them.
Nov 1, 2026
Coffee with the Birds: Geese
outdoorsA talk on geese, then a walk at Titlow Park with a Park Guide. Free with pre-registration, coffee provided.
Nov 7, 2026
A free guided walk of the old-growth forest for ages 10 and up: mushroom identification, how fungi actually work, and the rules for harvesting. Registration required.
Nov 28, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026
Tacoma Holiday Tree Lighting
outdoorsThe city's official holiday tree lighting at the Pantages Theater, with live music and a visit from Santa. Traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Oct 1, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026
All of October, Fircrest front yards turn into a free self-guided scarecrow crawl, with maps, judging, and bragging rights.
Dec 31, 2026 – Jan 17, 2027
A free winter festival of light art across downtown Tacoma, running New Year's Eve through January 17.