☕ Good morning! It's Thursday, May 21st.
Tacoma's got a new craft collective tucked inside an antique shop; a taproom that now pours coffee before it pours beer; and a cake shop landing at the Museum of Glass, plus a packed weekend of film screenings, live music, fashion, and baseball with "clowns." Here's what's happening.
📰 Community
New Craft Collective on Broadway!
Downtown Tacoma just gained a fresh creative hub. Natalye’s Nook is now open inside Sanford & Sons Antiques (743 Broadway, Unit 203). Located on the middle floor, this local collective features unique handmade art, gifts, and hands-on craft classes.
Opera Alley Taproom Expands into Morning Coffee Service
The Rusty Goat, located at 712 Opera Alley, has officially expanded its operations to include morning cafe hours Monday through Saturday. The downtown taproom now serves regional favorites, including Manifesto Coffee, Mimi’s teas, and baked goods from Maggie Magee’s.
Cult-Favorite Cake Shop Opens at Museum of Glass
Cat & Rabbitt Cake Shop has landed at the Museum of Glass, where pastry chefs Terryn Abbitt and Julia Brown are slinging massive six-layer slices for $12 a pop. May flavors include Cherry Chip Birthday, Hummingbird, and vegan chocolate.
🎭 Tacoma Events
Thu 21
Cultura & Corazón | 9:00 am – 10:00 am (tickets)
Location: Edison Square – 5415 S Tacoma Way
Description: A morning community celebration hosted by Mi Centro. The event highlights local culture through art, music, and community connections, bringing vibrant spirit and alegría to the South Tacoma neighborhood.
Third Thursday & Day of Remembrance | 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Washington State History Museum – 1911 Pacific Ave
Description: Free admission and extended hours for the 9th Annual South Sound Day of Remembrance (4–8 p.m.), honoring Japanese American history and the 84th anniversary of the May 1942 forced removal.
Elements: Film Screening | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Tacoma Art Museum – 1701 Pacific Ave
Description: Part of Free Third Thursday. A 93-minute screening of seven short international films exploring memory, labor, and everyday objects, shot across 16mm, Super 8, and digital formats.
Sat 23
Tipsy Portraits | 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (tickets)
Location: Steel Creek – 1114 Broadway
Description: A zero-pressure paint night where you and a partner or friend take turns painting each other. All supplies and two drinks (up to $10 each) are included with the ticket. No experience needed.
Sun 24
Fashion Show: Reimagine the Silhouette | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Tacoma Armory (Roosevelt Room) – 1001 S Yakima Ave
Description: A free interactive fashion showcase by Pacific Northwest artist Ruth Esther, featuring one-of-a-kind wearable art that blends vintage style with avant-garde structure. Stop by to meet the designer and share your thoughts on the collection.
⏭ Outside Tacoma
Waterfront Farmers Market | Thursday 21 - 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: Skansie Brothers Park – 3211 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor
Description: The waterfront market returns for its 2026 season this Thursday, May 21, with fresh produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live acoustic music.
Brews at the Barn | Thursday 21 - 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Dacca Barn – 2820 54th Ave E, Fife
Description: A free 21+ evening of live soul and funk-pop from Trevor Ras, with beer, wine, and cider for purchase and Dirtyz Burgers on-site.
Feast and Honor | Saturday 23 - 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (tickets)
Location: Gig Harbor Yacht Club – 8209 Stinson Ave, Gig Harbor
Description: An intimate five-course dinner pairing bold African flavors like Peri Peri Chicken and Suya Beef with curated Washington wines, hosted by Mvinyo Winery. Seating is very limited.
Pop-Up Plant Vendor Weekend | Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 - 10 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden – 2525 S 336th St, Federal Way
Description: A weekend market with specialty plant vendors from Washington and Oregon. Vendor shopping is free; garden admission applies to tour the blooming grounds ($12 general, $9 seniors/students, free for kids under 12 and military).
🎸 Music
Events marked with ($) are paid events
Thu 21
Tacoma School of the Arts Presents: Battle of the Bands | Spanish Ballroom (McMenamins Elks Temple) - 6:00 pm ($)
90s Vibe Bingo | Jazzbones - 6:00 pm ($)
Edison Live! | Edison Square - 6:00 pm (Free)
Fri 22
One Way Out (Allman Brothers tribute) | Spanish Ballroom (McMenamins Elks Temple) - 7:00 pm ($)
The Groove Colony X The Groove Lab | Jazzbones - 8:00 pm ($)
Just Another Gig Pre-Show | Real Art Tacoma - 5:00 pm ($)
The Mural Project, Wearing Hats, Goldwing | New Frontier Lounge - 1:00 pm ($)
Sat 23
Kool & the Gang | Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel - 7:00 pm ($)
Garcia Birthday Band | Spanish Ballroom (McMenamins Elks Temple) - 7:00 pm ($)
A Flock of 80s | Jazzbones - 8:00 pm ($)
Just Another Gig 2026 (Jag Fest) | Airport Tavern ($)
Kids on Fire, HiFi Murder, Lieability, Xena | New Frontier Lounge - 8:00 pm ($)
Sun 24
No Work All Play! | Jazzbones - 9:00 pm ($)
Just Another Gig 2026 (Jag Fest) | Airport Tavern ($)
Cody Bartels, Doyle Scott & the Lovesick Rodeo, Kirk Reese | New Frontier Lounge - 8:00 pm ($)
⚾ Sports
Banana Ball at Cheney Stadium
Fri 22: Party Animals vs Clowns
Sat 23: Party Animals vs Clowns
Sun 24: Party Animals vs Clowns
☀ Weather
🫡 Before we go
Free Live Music at Museum of Glass!
Catch a unique multi-sensory performance today, Thursday, May 21, as the Museum of Glass hosts "Concert in the Cone" featuring percussionist James Doyle. Held in the iconic Hot Shop from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, the show pairs live vibraphone and analog synth music with live glassblowing by Hilltop Artists.
The event is free for all ages as part of Third Thursday, with doors opening at 5:45 PM on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum members can enjoy a private lounge with refreshments starting at 5:00 PM. Attendees are advised to arrive early or seek alternative parking due to ongoing museum renovations.
James Doyle
Thank you for reading, and I'll see you on Thursday.