7 Days Out: Your guide to fun in the South Sound
Saturday
Doggy lederhosen not required
It’s a four-legged tribute to the season at Dogtoberfest taking place at Kandle Park, 2323 N. Shirley, Tacoma. Sponsored by Soundview Veterinary Hospital, the community festival is full of fun for pet lovers and their pets. There will be live music, brats and refreshments, pet adoptions through local rescue organizations, and lots of activities to keep you busy. It is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets are welcome.
Saturday
Fife to celebrate the harvest
With a nod to its agricultural roots, the Fife Harvest Festival has grown to the largest community celebration in Fife. While performers take to the Dacca Park main stage, there’s a bevy of kids’ activities including hay rides, a hay maze, the Bubble Man and face painting. Kick off the day with the annual parade from Fife City Hall to Dacca Park on 54th Avenue East, where are the activities will be held. It will be a fun day of free activities for the whole family 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. For more information and event details, go to tinyurl.com/FifeHarvest2015.
Saturday
The south is where the sun shines
As part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour, the annual Thurston Solar Tour is 1- a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Take the opportunity to learn about solar power, tour installations, talk to homeowners and see solar energy creation in action. The free, self-guided tour features 10 sites around Thurston County. Learn about alternative energy choices, reducing energy costs and how to gain energy independence. The tour brochure and map can be downloaded from thurstonsolartour.com.
Sunday
Fun at the core of Apple Squeeze
Take a step back in time to the tradition of the Apple Squeeze when the Steilacoom Historical Museum hosts its annual community event. In its 42nd year, the festival features an old-fashioned hand-operated apple presses, pony rides, children’s activities and live music by Spot the Dog, Steve and Kristi Nebel, and Barleywine Revue. Taking over Lafayette Street in downtown Steilacoom, it is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 253-581-4133.
Thursday — Oct. 11
Hit the road to RV show
Find out what’s new in RVs at the 32nd annual Tacoma Fall RV Show this weekend. The event will showcase everything the industry has to offer, from hundreds of the latest makes and models to closeouts and preowned vehicles, there’s something for everyone to see in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. It’s all happening at the Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday Oct. 10 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 11. Tickets are $12, $6 with military ID. It is free to children 16 and younger, and parking is free. For more information, go to otshows.com/tfrv.
Friday — October 31
Leave for leafs
It’s the time of year when summer starts it turn to autumn and Leavenworth comes alive with Oktoberfest. Located in north central Washington, the small Bavarian town welcomes the change of seasons with many themed events for the month of October. There will be scheduled arts and music events at Icicle Creek Center for the Arts Thursdays—Saturdays most weekends and include films, live music and opera. Explore the more than 700 miles of trails to experience the deep red, orange and bright yellow changing of the colors. To take advantage of the season, go to leavenworth.org to plan an excursion.
Saturday — Monday
Hail, Death Cab for Cutie
Hailing originally from Bellingham, alternative rock band Death Cab for Cutie, released it debut album in 1998 and have since released seven albums and are known for hit singles “The Sound of Settling,” “Soul Meets Body,” “Crooked Teeth” and “Title and Registration.” To promote the release of this year’s album, “Kintsugi,” the group will come to the Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle for a three-night engagement. Tickets are $41.25 and currently are shown as sold out. Check online for any late release tickets; stgpresents.org.
Saturday — Sunday
Steep yourself in tea
Learn everything you would want to know about the multifaceted world of tea at the Northwest Tea Festival at Seattle Center this weekend. It’s a fun and educational festival covering all aspects of tea including cultural and historical aspects plus the sensory and scientific attributes. It’s being held at Fisher Pavilion from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 at the gate. For more information go to nwteafestival.com.
This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "7 Days Out: Your guide to fun in the South Sound."