Block party, beer and a bazaar: Here’s what you should do in Tacoma this weekend
Thank goodness the heat is coming down this weekend. That means we get to enjoy summer a bit longer.
If you’re looking for things to do this weekend in Tacoma, here are a couple things that caught our eye.
Friday: Drunk history and lantern tour
In honor of Tacoma Beer Week, local journalist, author and self-described beer snob Steve Dunkelberger will be covering “a topic dear to his heart as well as his liver” at the Rusty Goat starting at 8 p.m. This month’s installment of Steve’s Drunk/Local History includes a chat about Tacoma’s history of beer making, from the pioneer days to the present. Presentations are free and donations go to charity, but the concept is simple: “Buy beer, drink beer, buy him a beer, and he’ll tell you the history of beer making.” Must be 21+ to attend. Address: 712 Court C., Tacoma.
If drunk history isn’t your style but you still like history, check out an exclusive lantern tour of Fort Steilacoom Park, 9-10 p.m., hosted by Pretty Gritty Tours. Fort Steilacoom was an important site for the Coast Salish Peoples who stewarded the land for generations. The site was also home to one of the first farms in the area, as well as the grounds for the Washington State Hospital Asylum. Get exclusive access to the grounds at night and explore the graveyard, the barnyard and more as guides “uncover the stories that wove this land together.” Flashlights are encouraged and children are allowed. Adult tickets are $25 and children are $8.
Saturday: Fresh produce and Tacoma Bazaar
Stop by the weekly Puyallup Farmers’ Market at Pioneer Park, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to pick up some artisan crafts and local produce for a weekend dinner. (A tip: this weekend I’m making some homemade kale pesto pasta, with fresh tomatoes, red onion and basil!)
It’s the second year of the Tacoma Bazaar, a free community event that supports and highlights local women-owned businesses. Vendors will be set up at 3025 S. Union Ave. in Tacoma from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. selling a variety of mugs, jewelry, soaps, cupcakes and more. There will be music, a food truck, an espresso stand and activities for kids as well.
Sunday: Block party and yoga
It’s never too early to enjoy a cider, right? Locust Cider is hosting Katie Holbrook for a “cider and yoga” class at 10 a.m. Sunday. Expect a chill vinyasa flow style class and a pint at 2805 6th Ave., Tacoma. Cost is $30, and includes a drink.
Family-owned plant and book store Parable is holding its second-anniversary block party 1-5 p.m. at 3502 McKinley Ave. Enjoy food, vendors, music and other family fun. A note: Parable is partnering with Dusty’s Hideaway to get a 10% discount on a sandwich or a burger if you buy a book (and vise versa!) Dusty’s Hideaway will also be having a Yard Market 4-9 p.m. Sunday.
