🤘 Good morning, Tacoma. It's Friday, April 3rd.
Spring is in full bloom this Saturday, April 4, as the Grand Floral Parade makes its historic journey through Pierce County. You can catch the flowers and floats in Tacoma (10:15 a.m.), Puyallup (12:45 p.m.), Sumner (2:30 p.m.), and finally Orting (5:00 p.m.), rain or shine.
Once the parade wraps up, keep the momentum going at the Tacoma Night Market from 5–10 p.m. to celebrate the city’s creative scene with local vendors and community vibes. It’s the perfect way to kick off a month of festivities, including the upcoming Sunday Drag Markets!
93rd Annual Daffodil Parade Returns April 4
The Grand Floral Parade returns this Saturday, April 4, traveling through four cities in one day. Catch the flowers and floats in Tacoma (10:15 a.m.), Puyallup (12:45 p.m.), Sumner (2:30 p.m.), and Orting (5:00 p.m.). The historic Pierce County tradition will march on rain or shine!
Tacoma Night Market
Kick off April at the Tacoma Night Market this Saturday from 5–10 p.m. Enjoy local artists, vendors, and community vibes. The month-long series also features Sunday Drag Markets. All are welcome to shop local and celebrate Tacoma’s bold creative scene!
🎭 Events
Fri
Gritty City Sirens Burlesque | 7:00 pm (Tickets)
Location: Tacoma Armory (Roosevelt Room) – 1001 S Yakima Ave
Description: Tacoma’s premier burlesque troupe returns for a high-energy "Spring Fling" performance. Expect a mix of classic tease, vaudeville-style comedy, and theatrical storytelling. Doors open at 7:00 pm; tickets are $23.75.
Sat
The Temple of Medusa | 5:00 pm (Tickets)
Location: McMenamins Elks Temple Spanish Ballroom – 565 Broadway
Description: An immersive, 21+ cabaret and burlesque production that reinterprets the myth of Medusa. The show features live vocals, sensual dance, and storytelling focused on empowerment. Doors open one hour before each performance.
Family Nature Walk: Lister Uplands | 10:00 am
Location: Swan Creek Park (Lister Uplands Parking Lot) – 4402 E Roosevelt Ave
Description: A naturalist-led walk through the park to spot local plants and animals as they adapt to spring. The route covers up to a mile of unpaved, uneven trails. Dress for the weather; the walk happens rain or shine. No pets allowed.
Khmer New Year | 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Location: STAR Center – 3873 S 66th St
Description: A free, family-friendly celebration of Cambodian culture and the new year. The event features traditional blessings, live performances, and hands-on activities for all ages. You can also browse various retail vendors and enjoy a wide selection of authentic food booths.
Sun
Donnie Darko & Egg Hunt | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: The Grand Cinema | 606 Fawcett Ave
Description: Celebrate Easter Sunday with a themed egg hunt inside the theater followed by a screening of Donnie Darko at 5:00 pm. Arrive early between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to hunt for eggs and browse Weird Cabal poster prints for sale in the lobby.
Coffee with the Birds: Oology | 9:00 am – 11:00 am (Register)
Location: Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter – 5400 N Pearl St
Description: Explore the fascinating world of bird eggs followed by a guided nature walk. Complimentary coffee is provided; just bring your own thermos and binoculars. This is a free event.
🍔 Restaurants
Balloon Roof Baking Co. Now Open
Tacoma’s sourdough specialist, Balloon Roof, has officially opened its first storefront on 1702 6th Avenue. The new full-service bakery offers fresh croissants, focaccia, and coffee, along with cozy indoor seating. Stop by to enjoy their signature artisanal breads and pastries in the heart of the city.
🎸 Music
Events marked with ($) are paid events
Fri
I Want It That Way: 90s/2000s Dance Party | McMenamins Spanish Ballroom | 8:00 pm ($)
The Fucking Eagles, Char-Man, Emi Pop | Jazzbones | 8:00 pm ($)
Sat
Nevermind - Seattle's Tribute To Nirvana | Jazzbones | 7:00 pm ($)
😆 Comedy
Sat
Anthony Fuentes | 6:30 pm (tickets)
Location: Tacoma Comedy Club - 3829 6th Ave
Description: Chicago-based comedian and veteran Anthony Fuentes brings his sharp storytelling and "My Way" energy to Tacoma. Expect a set rooted in nostalgia and fatherhood.
☀ Weather
🫡 Before we go
If you need some inspiration for breaking barriers this weekend, check out the trailer for Queen of Chess. It follows the incredible 15-year journey of Hungarian prodigy Judit Polgár as she takes on her controlling father and world champion Garry Kasparov to become the greatest female player in history.
Thank you for reading, and I'll see you on Thursday.