https://tacomairl.com/Things to do in Tacoma: new events and outing guides.en-usSat, 07 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMThttps://tacomairl.com/events/breakfast-with-santa-spanish-ballroom-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/breakfast-with-santa-spanish-ballroom-2026/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA sit-down breakfast with Santa at the Elks Temple, two seatings, one price for a table of four.https://tacomairl.com/events/elks-holiday-brewfest-nov-21/https://tacomairl.com/events/elks-holiday-brewfest-nov-21/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsHoliday ales and ciders on 20 taps, a photo booth, Santa from 4 to 6, and Christmas surf music from Dancer and Prancer at the Elks Temple.https://tacomairl.com/guides/gig-harbor-turkey-trot-morning/https://tacomairl.com/guides/gig-harbor-turkey-trot-morning/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesFifteen runners in 2002, thousands now, and two cans of food at the start line. How Thanksgiving morning works on the Gig Harbor waterfront.https://tacomairl.com/events/jeremy-mccomb-christmas-cowboy-spanish-ballroom-dec-3/https://tacomairl.com/events/jeremy-mccomb-christmas-cowboy-spanish-ballroom-dec-3/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA western Christmas show in the Spanish Ballroom: Jeremy McComb's holiday tour stops at the Elks Temple for one all-ages night.https://tacomairl.com/events/julnisse-pannekaker-normanna-hall-dec-13/https://tacomairl.com/events/julnisse-pannekaker-normanna-hall-dec-13/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA Nordic Christmas pancake breakfast at the Sons of Norway hall on South 15th: pancakes, scrambled eggs and ham, three seatings.https://tacomairl.com/events/let-your-heart-be-light-plu-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/let-your-heart-be-light-plu-2026/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsPLU's University Singers, Knights Chorus and PLU Ringers share one Christmas program in Lagerquist Concert Hall.https://tacomairl.com/events/medieval-womens-choir-birth-and-rebirth-dec-6/https://tacomairl.com/events/medieval-womens-choir-birth-and-rebirth-dec-6/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA Christmas and turn-of-the-year program of seasonal music from across Europe and England, sung at Christ Episcopal Church.https://tacomairl.com/events/navidad-con-el-vez-spanish-ballroom-dec-4/https://tacomairl.com/events/navidad-con-el-vez-spanish-ballroom-dec-4/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsEl Vez's Christmas show, a tradition since the early '90s: Elvis jumpsuits, Chicano rock, punk satire and holiday songs in the Spanish Ballroom.https://tacomairl.com/events/nite-wave-80s-christmas-party-dec-12/https://tacomairl.com/events/nite-wave-80s-christmas-party-dec-12/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsSynth-pop, ugly sweaters and a Last Christmas singalong: Nite Wave's 80s holiday party takes over the Spanish Ballroom.https://tacomairl.com/guides/norpoint-turkey-trot-morning/https://tacomairl.com/guides/norpoint-turkey-trot-morning/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesTacoma has run this race since 1995: a 9am start, two courses, the Northeast Tacoma hills, and a food drive for five schools.https://tacomairl.com/events/scc-jul-banquet-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/scc-jul-banquet-2026/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsPLU's Scandinavian Cultural Center holds its annual Nordic Christmas banquet, with dinner in the center's hall and an early-bird seat at $50.https://tacomairl.com/events/south-sound-blues-holiday-party-dec-6/https://tacomairl.com/events/south-sound-blues-holiday-party-dec-6/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsThe blues society's annual December party in the Spanish Ballroom, with Ben Rice and the PDX Hustle and Mark Dufresne with Billy Stapleton.https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-city-turkey-trot-morning/https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-city-turkey-trot-morning/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesA certified 5K through Proctor at 9am, a kids race at 10:15, and ribbons down to the 90-and-over age group. How Thanksgiving morning goes at the Tacoma City Turkey Trot.https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-youth-chorus-candlelight-concert-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-youth-chorus-candlelight-concert-2026/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsThe youth chorus's high school Chorale sings carols by candlelight at Mason United Methodist, with a choir of alumni joining in.https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-youth-chorus-gift-of-song-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-youth-chorus-gift-of-song-2026/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsAll of the youth chorus's choirs in Lagerquist Concert Hall at PLU, with two identical performances at 2 and 4pm.https://tacomairl.com/events/fantasy-lights-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/fantasy-lights-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsPierce County's two-mile drive-through light show at Spanaway Park, nightly Nov 27–Jan 3, 5:30–9pm. Priced per vehicle.https://tacomairl.com/events/fantasy-lights-walk-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/fantasy-lights-walk-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA two-night walking preview of Fantasy Lights: two miles of displays on foot at Spanaway Park on November 21 and 22, before the cars take over. Advance timed tickets only.https://tacomairl.com/events/gig-harbor-lighted-boat-parade-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/gig-harbor-lighted-boat-parade-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsDecorated boats circle Gig Harbor after dark, hosted by the Gig Harbor Yacht Club, with viewing from the downtown waterfront parks and docks.https://tacomairl.com/events/ice-lights-sprinker-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/ice-lights-sprinker-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsHoliday skating at Sprinker's rink under a curtain of lights, with a 20-foot light-show tree, indoor snowfall and ice bumper cars, from November 27 to January 2.https://tacomairl.com/events/puget-sound-winterfest-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/puget-sound-winterfest-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsThe Adelphian Concert Choir and Voci d'Amici perform music and poetry from many traditions in Kilworth Memorial Chapel. Saturday 7:30pm, with a Sunday matinee.https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-city-turkey-trot-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-city-turkey-trot-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA Thanksgiving morning 5K run or walk starting at Fleet Feet Tacoma in Proctor, with a kids 1K and a pumpkin pie for finishers.https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-lighted-boat-parade-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-lighted-boat-parade-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsTacoma Yacht Club leads a parade of decorated boats along the Tacoma waterfront and down the Foss Waterway to Dock Street Marina. Saturday from 5:30pm.https://tacomairl.com/events/winter-glow-lakewold-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/winter-glow-lakewold-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsLakewold Gardens lights its grounds Friday to Sunday, December 11–13, 5–9pm, with hot cocoa or cider inside the decorated Wagner House. A second weekend follows December 18–20.https://tacomairl.com/events/winter-glow-lakewold-dec-18-2026/https://tacomairl.com/events/winter-glow-lakewold-dec-18-2026/Tue, 03 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsLakewold Gardens' second Winter Glow weekend, Friday to Sunday, December 18–20, 5–9pm, with hot cocoa or cider inside the decorated Wagner House.https://tacomairl.com/guides/downtown-tacoma-one-day/https://tacomairl.com/guides/downtown-tacoma-one-day/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesA first-visit Tacoma route from Pacific Avenue across the Bridge of Glass to the Foss Waterway, with one paid museum and time for lunch.https://tacomairl.com/guides/free-things-to-do-tacoma/https://tacomairl.com/guides/free-things-to-do-tacoma/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesFree Tacoma outings for an ordinary day: Wright Park's trees, Foss Waterway Seaport and Tacoma Art Museum's free Thursday evenings, plus two pay-what-you-like options.https://tacomairl.com/guides/holiday-light-houses-tacoma/https://tacomairl.com/guides/holiday-light-houses-tacoma/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesFifteen houses and one foundry smokestack around Tacoma, University Place and Fircrest that went big on holiday lights, grouped into four free evening drives. Starts from Grit City Magazine's 2025 list.https://tacomairl.com/guides/point-defiance-things-to-do/https://tacomairl.com/guides/point-defiance-things-to-do/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesPoint Defiance is several outings inside one park. Choose the beach, the car-free forest roads or the zoo, with the time and ticket costs kept separate.https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-date-night-ideas/https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-date-night-ideas/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesA free Thursday art date, a film with time to talk afterward, or a ballroom show and an optional drink: three Tacoma evenings with the budget spelled out.https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-farmers-markets/https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-farmers-markets/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesProctor Saturdays, Broadway’s summer Thursdays and the exact winter dates: a Tacoma market guide that helps you avoid an empty street.https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-live-music-venues/https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-live-music-venues/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesBallroom shows, downtown theater seats or a South Tacoma music hall: pick a Tacoma music night by room, ticket and age rule.https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-museums/https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-museums/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesGlassblowing, art, cars or maritime history: compare four Tacoma museums by what you do there, opening days and admission before buying tickets.https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-public-art-walks/https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-public-art-walks/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesThree short Tacoma art outings: the Bridge of Glass, Dune Peninsula’s installations and Wright Park’s statues. Pick one area and look properly.https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-waterfront-walks/https://tacomairl.com/guides/tacoma-waterfront-walks/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesRuston Way, Chinese Reconciliation Park and Dune Peninsula offer different Tacoma waterfront walks. Pick a distance and a starting point before you go.https://tacomairl.com/guides/things-to-do-tacoma-with-kids/https://tacomairl.com/guides/things-to-do-tacoma-with-kids/Mon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesHands-on play, a nature playground, glassblowing or the zoo: four Tacoma family outings with the hours, age choices and ticket math that matter.https://tacomairl.com/guides/circuit-breakers-glendale/https://tacomairl.com/guides/circuit-breakers-glendale/Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesBefore Halloween was about miniature candy bars, it was an excuse for Tacoma youth to wage localized guerrilla warfare.https://tacomairl.com/events/planes-trains-and-automobiles-nov-19/https://tacomairl.com/events/planes-trains-and-automobiles-nov-19/Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsTacoma City Theaters screens the R-rated Thanksgiving comedy with holiday trivia at Theatre on the Square on November 19.https://tacomairl.com/events/that-arena-rock-show-nov-20/https://tacomairl.com/events/that-arena-rock-show-nov-20/Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA '70s and '80s arena-rock tribute at the Rialto, with songs by Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi and Guns N' Roses.https://tacomairl.com/events/the-santa-clause-theatre-square-dec-10/https://tacomairl.com/events/the-santa-clause-theatre-square-dec-10/Sat, 31 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA holiday-night screening of The Santa Clause, with a Santa look-alike contest, at Tacoma's Theatre on the Square.https://tacomairl.com/events/excision-thunderdome-2027/https://tacomairl.com/events/excision-thunderdome-2027/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsExcision's Thunderdome takes over the Tacoma Dome for three nights, February 5 through 7.https://tacomairl.com/events/hot-wheels-stunt-show-2027/https://tacomairl.com/events/hot-wheels-stunt-show-2027/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsThe Hot Wheels Stunt Show's first U.S. tour reaches the Tacoma Dome for two shows, Saturday, June 19 at noon and Sunday, June 20 at 2pm.https://tacomairl.com/events/iron-maiden-tacoma-2027/https://tacomairl.com/events/iron-maiden-tacoma-2027/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsIron Maiden's Run For Your Lives tour stops at the Tacoma Dome on Wednesday, April 14, 2027.https://tacomairl.com/events/st-paddys-day-run-tacoma-2027/https://tacomairl.com/events/st-paddys-day-run-tacoma-2027/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsA half marathon, 10K and 5K out of downtown Tacoma on Saturday, March 13, 2027, with the longer routes running the waterfront to Ruston.https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-city-marathon-2027/https://tacomairl.com/events/tacoma-city-marathon-2027/Thu, 29 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsTwo days of racing on May 1 and 2, 2027: 5K, 10K, the Ghost of Tacoma and a kids 1K at Dune Peninsula, then a marathon and half over the Narrows Bridge.https://tacomairl.com/events/dwight-yoakam-emerald-queen-nov-14/https://tacomairl.com/events/dwight-yoakam-emerald-queen-nov-14/Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsDwight Yoakam plays the Emerald Queen Casino's event center in Tacoma, which seats more than 1,800. Shows here are 21 and over.https://tacomairl.com/events/internet-speed-tam-nov-20/https://tacomairl.com/events/internet-speed-tam-nov-20/Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsOpening reception for Internet Speed, part of TAM's The Current, An Artist Award. Curators and artists speak from 7 to 8pm in the galleries.https://tacomairl.com/events/joe-pug-spanish-ballroom-nov-15/https://tacomairl.com/events/joe-pug-spanish-ballroom-nov-15/Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsSinger-songwriter Joe Pug plays Spanish Ballroom on Sunday, November 15. Doors 7pm, show 8pm, all ages.https://tacomairl.com/guides/park-once-proctor-saturday/https://tacomairl.com/guides/park-once-proctor-saturday/Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesA Saturday in Proctor with the farmers market, coffee, shops, lunch, and an optional library, bowling alley, or movie—all on foot.https://tacomairl.com/events/patti-labelle-emerald-queen-nov-7/https://tacomairl.com/events/patti-labelle-emerald-queen-nov-7/Tue, 27 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTEventsPatti LaBelle plays the Emerald Queen Casino's event center in Tacoma, which seats more than 1,800. Shows here are 21 and over.https://tacomairl.com/guides/holiday-lights-tacoma-2026/https://tacomairl.com/guides/holiday-lights-tacoma-2026/Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTGuidesZoolights and Fantasy Lights open November 27 and run through January 3; Ice Lights runs through January 2, and Winter Glow has six December nights. Dates, hours, prices and who each suits.