🤘 Good morning. It's Thursday May 14
The Rainier Dragon Boat Festival returns to the Foss this weekend alongside the grand opening of The Poet in the Stadium District. From David Sedaris at the Pantages and tide pooling at Owen Beach to the Haunted Farmers Market, there is plenty to explore. Grab a coffee and dive into this week’s top local picks and regional highlights.
🗞 News
Dragon Boats Return to Thea Foss Waterway
TACOMA - The Rainier Dragon Boat Festival takes over the Thea Foss Waterway this Saturday, May 16, featuring over 1,000 paddlers from across the Pacific Northwest. Competitive heats begin at 9 a.m. at Thea’s Park, punctuated by the traditional "Eye Dotting Ceremony" to awaken the ceremonial dragon heads.
Ahead of the races, the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association continues to offer free community practices at Johnny’s Dock Marina. Residents of all skill levels are encouraged to participate; no prior experience is required to join the crew.
The Poet Event Venue Opens in Stadium District
TACOMA — A new multi-use event space, The Poet, celebrates its grand opening this Sunday, May 17, from 2–5 p.m. Located in the back of the modern Italian restaurant Manuscript, the venue is designed for live music, photography, and private gatherings.
🎭 Events
Thu 14
The Puget Sounds Sing-Along | 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Location: STAR Center – 3873 S 66th St
Description: A group sing-along with a 400-song library spanning folk, country, and classic pop. Lyrics on the big screen, requests welcome, dancing encouraged. Expect The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, and more.
Fri 15
David Sedaris | 7:30 pm (tickets)
Location: Pantages Theater – 901 Broadway
Description: David Sedaris returns to Tacoma with all-new, unpublished stories and sharp social commentary. Expect the same incisive wit that's made him an NPR favorite and author of Happy-Go-Lucky. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with book signings before and after the show.
Sat 16
Explore the Shore | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Owen Beach – 5605 Owen Beach Rd
Description: A free guided beach walk led by naturalists exploring the tidal zone at low tide. Spot anemones, crabs, shellfish, and more. Meet at the parking lot event tent to register.
Family STEAM Days | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: LeMay – America’s Car Museum – 2702 East D St
Description: A monthly family event at the intersection of cars and STEAM. Held every third Saturday, with activities in the Education Studio and Family Zone. This week, kids 18 and under get in free.
Butterfly Fantasy: Northwest Sinfonietta | 7:30 pm (tickets)
Location: Asia Pacific Cultural Center – 4851 S Tacoma Way
Description: A season finale blending East and West, with Artistic Partner Mei-Ann Chen and violinist Melissa White performing the Butterfly Lovers' Concerto and Ravel's Mother Goose. Arrive early for the APCC's mini Taiwan Festival, with local food and cultural activities.
Sun 17
Haunted Farmers Market | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: S 54th St & S Tacoma Way
Description: An award-winning market for the strange and unusual, with 150+ vendors offering crystals, tarot readings, flash tattoos, macabre fashion, and horror collectibles.
⏭ Outside Tacoma
Gig Harbor
Pints, Myths, and Maritime Spirits | Thursday 14 - 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (tickets)
Location: Heritage Distilling Company – 3118 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor
Description: A scenic half-mile stroll through Gig Harbor's maritime history, with craft drinks at the start and finish. Check-in at 5:00 pm.
Gig Harbor Beer and Cider Festival | Saturday 16 - 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (tickets)
Location: Uptown Gig Harbor – 4701 Pt Fosdick Dr NW
Description: The 14th annual brew fest brings together 18 local breweries and cideries for five hours of tasting and live music. Tickets are around $45. Strictly 21+.
Puyallup
Live Music at Cockrell Cider | Friday 15 - 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Cockrell Cider – 6613 114th Ave Ct E
Description: Spend a Friday evening in the orchard with local cider, food trucks, and live music. This week, the TJ Stone Band takes the stage in Puyallup.
Tomato'Rama | Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 - 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Location: Watson's Greenhouse and Nursery – 6211 Pioneer Way E, Puyallup
Description: A tomato lover's dream — 70+ hand-selected varieties, from sweet cherries to rare heirlooms and beefsteak slicers, suited for containers and large gardens alike. Running daily May 16–24.
🎸 Music
Events marked with ($) are paid events
Spanish Ballroom (McMenamins Elks Temple)
Sam Miller | Thursday 14 - 7:00 pm ($)
Taken by the Sky - Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Friday 15 - 7:00 pm ($)
Pigs On The Wing Perform Animals - Saturday 16 - 7:00 pm ($)
Uncle Buzzy - 60s Music | Sunday 17 - 7:00 pm ($)
Jazzbones
Eel Salad with Ok Tiger and Stargazy Pie | Thursday 14 - 8:00 pm ($)
Dean Johnson | Friday 15 - 8:00 pm ($)
80s Dance Party | Saturday 16 - 10:00 pm ($)
Airport Tavern
GZA ft. Phunky Nomads | Thursday 14 - 7:00 pm ($)
This Party Sucks! Emo Night | Saturday 16 - 8:00 pm ($)
Real Art Tacoma
Grit City Punk | Friday 15 - 6:30 pm ($)
R.A.T. A Community Love Letter Premier and After Party | Saturday 16 - 6:00 pm ($)
New Frontier Lounge
Jupe / ManWoMan / Mechanical Plague | Saturday 16 - 8:00 pm ($)
⚾ Sports
Tacoma Rainiers
Thu 14: Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Tacoma Rainiers 7:05 pm
Fri 15: Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Tacoma Rainiers 7:05 pm
Sat 16: Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Tacoma Rainiers 6:05 pm
Sun 17: Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Tacoma Rainiers 1:35 pm
Roller Derby
Sun 17: Whizzbangs vs Rose City Petals @ Tacoma Armory 9:00 am
☀ Weather
🫡 Before we go
May is Bike Month, and two events are worth penciling in:
Bike Everywhere Day (May 17): Free tune-ups, low-cost helmets, and a scavenger hunt with raffle prizes at People's Park, 12–3 p.m.
Bike to the Market (May 21): Ride to the Broadway Farmers Market (10 a.m.–2 p.m.) and stop by the "Tacoma On the Go" booth for a $5 market token to spend on local goods.
For more cycling events all month, visit BikeMonth.
Thank you for reading, and I'll see you on Thursday.