🤘 Good morning, Tacoma. It's Thursday, April 16th.
This week is packed with local action! Kick things off Thursday by watercoloring your neighborhood at TAM, taking an adult hip-hop class, or exploring the future of business at the AI CEO summit. Looking ahead, get your sweat on at Saturday’s Fitness Sampler in Ruston, or wind down Sunday evening with the soulful tradition of Blues Vespers. There is something for everyone in Tacoma this weekend.
Free Third Thursday & Artwalk
Explore Tacoma’s Museum District with free admission and special activities during this monthly downtown celebration.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Various Downtown Museums & Galleries
Where to Visit:
Washington State History Museum: Free 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Foss Waterway Seaport: Free 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Tacoma Art Museum & Museum of Glass: Free 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Local Galleries: Open doors all evening to view new works and meet local artists.
🎭 Events
Thu 16
Watercolor Your Tacoma Neighborhood | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Register)
Location: Tacoma Art Museum – 1701 Pacific Ave
Description: Create a personalized "Art Map" of your neighborhood using watercolor to trace familiar streets and blocks. All skill levels are welcome to join this session on community and belonging; pre-registration is required.
Adult Hip Hop Class | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Register)
Location: Urban Grace Church – 902 Market St
Description: A high-energy, inclusive hip hop class for all skill levels led by the Pacific Northwest Dance Foundation. The session focuses on step-by-step urban dance moves in a non-competitive environment. Classes are available for a suggested $15 donation.
The AI CEO | 11:30 am – 8:00 pm (Tickets)
Location: Tacoma Armory – 1001 S Yakima Ave
Description: A one-day executive summit focused on scaling businesses using AI-powered virtual agents. Hosted by Marblism CEO Ulric Musset, the event features live demos of AI "employees" handling sales, marketing, and admin tasks. Tickets range from $35 to $150, with an after-party starting at 4:00 pm.
Fri 17
Spring Open House & Resource Fair | 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Cirque Park – 7250 Cirque Drive West, University Place
Description: A free morning for parents and families featuring a "Mommy and Me" stroller workout followed by a community resource fair. Connect with local businesses specializing in pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood support. All fitness levels are welcome; bring a stroller and water.
Sat 18
Tacoma Fitness Sampler | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (tickets)
Location: Waterfront Market at Ruston – 5101 Yacht Club Rd
Description: A high-energy wellness event featuring 25-minute "sampler" workouts, including Pilates, boxing, and dance. Between sessions, explore various spa and wellness stations at your own pace. Tickets are $35 for this inclusive, social fitness experience.
Sun 19
Blues Vespers | 5:00 pm
Location: University of Puget Sound (Kilworth Memorial Chapel) – 1500 N Warner St
Description: A Tacoma tradition blending live blues music with poetry and reflection. This month features local favorite Stephanie Anne Johnson performing alongside guitarist Jeff Fielder. Hosted by the University Chaplaincy, the event is a relaxed gathering for both the campus and the community.
🎸 Music
Events marked with ($) are paid events
Thu 16
The Isotones | McMenamis - Spanish Ballroom | 6:00 pm ($)
Fri 17
The Lowest Pair | McMenamis - Spanish Ballroom | 7:00 pm ($)
Legend Zeppelin | Jazzbones | 9:00 pm ($)
The Pharcyde | Airport Tavern | 7:00 pm ($)
Sat 18
Anthem - Rush Tribute | McMenamis - Spanish Ballroom | 7:00 pm ($)
Yambambo | Jazzbones | 6:00 pm ($)
Sun 19
Washington State Independent Music Awards | McMenamis - Spanish Ballroom | 4:00 pm ($)
Paul Thorn | Airport Tavern | 6:00 pm ($)
⚾ Sports
Tacoma Rainiers
Thu 16: Sacramento River Cats at Tacoma Rainiers 7:05 pm
Fri 17: Sacramento River Cats at Tacoma Rainiers 7:05 pm
Sat 18: Sacramento River Cats at Tacoma Rainiers 6:05 pm
Sun 19: Sacramento River Cats at Tacoma Rainiers 1:35 pm
☀ Weather
🫡 Before we go
After a five-year hiatus, the Tacoma Historic Homes Tour returns May 3–4 to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary. This rare event offers a look inside six historic Stadium District properties, including the iconic Rust Mansion, which will be open to the public for the first time ever.
Thank you for reading, and I'll see you on Thursday.