Mother’s Day tea, Symphony finales, and Taiko drumming

Location: Broadway (between 9th & 11th St) – Downtown Tacoma

Description: A seasonal weekly market featuring fresh, local produce, floral arrangements, and handmade goods. Running every Thursday through September.

Location: Ferry Park – 1400 S Sheridan Ave

Description: A pop-up celebration of Hilltop history featuring interactive art and activities. Drop by this Thursday, May 7, to explore the neighborhood's past through hands-on creative projects.

Location: The Grand Cinema – 606 Fawcett Ave

Description: A free speaker series featuring ILWU Local 23 members Zack Pattin and Brian Skiffington. They will discuss the history, culture, and vital contributions of longshore workers at the Port of Tacoma from the union's 1886 roots to the present day. Free registration is required; not recommended for children.

Location: Greater Tacoma Convention Center – 1500 Commerce St

Description: Watch top dancers compete in a high-production show with a fresh format and instant, transparent scoring. Expert judges evaluate performances across multiple categories.

Location: LeMay – America’s Car Museum – 2702 6th Ave

Description: Hop in a classic car from the museum's collection and take it for a spin around Haub Family Field! Included with museum admission and free for members.

Location: Tacoma Armory, Suite 15 – 1001 S Yakima Ave

Description: Creative's Cypher brings together women and girls for a soul-care workshop exploring art and craftsmanship over spring mocktails and sweet tea. Centered on the theme "Creator and Craftsmanship," this is a creative and restorative afternoon for ages 10 and up. Tickets are $25.

Location: Japanese Garden at Point Defiance Park – 5801 Trolley Ln

Description: Celebrate Japanese culture with taiko drumming, Yosakoi dancing, origami, and more, all free! Try your hand at ring toss, make a carp streamer, and soak in the fun. Dress up in cosplay or Matsuri attire and bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the garden.

Location: Immanuel Presbyterian Church – 901 N J St

Description: Join a lively Irish social with live music from Margaret Keefe and Patrick Andrews. Never danced before? No worries! Maldon Meehan leads a free lesson at 7:00 pm, with called dances kicking off at 7:30 pm. Free for all ages, with a suggested $10-$20 donation for the performers.

Location: Broadway (between S 9th & S 11th St) – Downtown Tacoma

Description: Browse crystals, metaphysical goods, and holistic wellness finds at this eclectic outdoor market across from Antique Row. A welcoming community gathering to explore spiritual interests and connect with local practitioners in the heart of downtown.

Location: Mission Thrift (2502 6th Ave) & Salon Di Stile (2202 6th Ave)

Description: Over 25 local artists and crafters set up shop along 6th Ave this Saturday, May 9. Find handmade jewelry, candles, books, plushies, costumes, and more, plus thrift finds benefiting the Tacoma Rescue Mission. Free to attend; bring clothing donations to support the ongoing drive. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Location: Pantages Theater – 901 Broadway

Description: Sarah Ioannides leads her farewell concert with Symphony Tacoma, featuring trombonist Scott Hartman and Symphony Tacoma Voices in works by Elgar, Peaslee, Still, and Bloch. Arrive at 6:00 pm for a pre-concert talk with composer Gregory Youtz.

Location: Rialto Theater – 310 S 9th St

Description: Cap off the season with the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association! The Tacoma Youth Brass Ensemble opens with fanfares, followed by the Junior Youth Symphony and Academy String Orchestra performing classical favorites and a student solo. Doors open at 3:00 pm.

Location: Artsi Creative Space – 2323 Tacoma Ave S

Description: Treat mom to a watercolor workshop with floral painting, tea, and finger foods. No experience needed and all supplies provided. Tickets are $75 per person; walk-ins are welcome if space allows.

Sessions:

Location: The Mountaineers – 2302 N 30th St

Description: Local writer Elena Anderson debuts her suspenseful new screenplay, a "tall tale" following a pioneer woman tracking a predator on Mt. Rainier. Stick around after for a Q&A with the cast and writer. Light refreshments provided. Tickets are $10.

Location: Tacoma Armory, Roosevelt Room – 1001 S Yakima Ave

Description: A woodwind quintet brings your favorite video game and anime themes to life, from Zelda and Pokémon to Kiki's Delivery Service. This Mother's Day matinee includes coloring pages for kids and gifts for moms. Free admission with donations encouraged; doors open at 2:00 pm.

Free Mechanics | Saturday 09 - 7:00 pm (free)

Mid-Nite Bourbon | Thursday 07 - 6:00 pm ($)

TLife During Wartime [Talking Heads Tribute] | Friday 08 - 7:00 pm ($)

2010s Recession Pop Dance Night | Saturday 09 - 8:00 pm ($)

The Profits | Saturday 09 - 7:00 pm ($)

Synergy R&B Vibearoke | Saturday 09 - 9:00 pm ($)

Boogie Down Broadway: A Singalong Dance Party | Friday 08 - 7:00 pm ($)

Joel Gibson | Saturday 09 - 7:00 pm ($)

Palettes, All Hype, Summer Stars, Everything's Fine | Thursday 07 - 7:00 pm ($)

Clear the Chaos, Absolutist, Ghosts of the Pacific, Tharsis Rise | Friday 08 - 6:30 pm ($)

Four dead seasons, Primoridal atrocity, Kriptoxik | Saturday 09 - 7:30 pm ($)

The Darts Album Release Tour | Friday 08 - 9:00 pm ($)

Damn Near with Ryan Penner | Saturday 09 - 8:00 pm ($)