👋 New bridge, who dis?

Good morning, Tacoma. Settle in, sip whatever gets you going, and let The Tacoma Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead ☕️

In today’s edition:

• Bridge the gap 🏗️

• Speed dating for jobs 💼 

• $14 cats and dogs 😸 

• 20+ things to do this week 📆 

Let’s get to it.

This week’s highlights

🌉 We’re getting a new bridge. Where? You decide

Parks & Rec is building a new foot and bicycle bridge in Swan Creek Park and you have the chance to vote on where it should go AND what it should look like. Cast your vote by February 23rd →

💼 Meet 20+ potential employers in one place

11 am - 2 pm: Ever wished you could speed-date your way to a new career? WorkSource Pierce's in-person job fair is basically that, minus the awkward small talk. You'll have the chance to connect with 20+ employers looking to fill over 1,000 positions across healthcare, government, transportation, and more.

Heavy hitters like MultiCare, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and the Washington State Patrol will be there ready to chat. Pro tip: Create your WorkSourceWA.com account beforehand to make the most of your time →

🐕️ Adopt your new bestie for $14

Today’s the last day of The Tacoma Humane Society’s Valentine’s Day adoption event where they’re lowering adoption fees for all of their animals to $14 →

*Pets are a life-long (and expensive) commitment. Please think on it and make sure it’s the right choice for you and your family.

🦭 Speaking of new best friends…

While answering business calls in a single-person racing boat is not something you hear about every day, that’s not the interesting part of this story. The man in question’s call was interrupted by a seal that popped a squat on his boat. After a 10-minute connection — including belly rubs with his oar — the little guy went on his way. Check out the video for your weekly dose of cuteness →

Here’s your weekly Tacoma brief, featuring (at least) 20 things worth checking out over the next seven days 👇

Today - February 16th

🎷 Soulful Sundays at Jazzy’s

4 pm: Live music, soulful vibes, and $5 jello shots? Jazzy’s Café is setting the mood with DJ Smooth spinning classics and Michael Hershman bringing the sax. If history is any indicator, the grooves will be smooth, the drinks will be flowing, and you’ll leave feeling at least 10% cooler.

⛳️ Up your golf game in five weeks

1 - 3 pm: If your game is more "happy accident" than "smooth swing," this five-week Get Ready Golf clinic at Meadow Park Golf Course might be just what you need.

Taught by Golf Pro Hagen, each week covers a different skill—grip, stance, driving, putting, short game, and finally, taking it all to the course. No more blaming the wind when your shot goes sideways →

Tomorrow - February 17th

Recurring events: Bone Health & Strength Training at Madrona PT - 11:15 am ($20) ✨ LGBTQIA+ Crafting Circle at Freighthouse Square - noon

👟 These deals are running away fast

All day: Tomorrow’s the last day to catch the Fleet Feet Tacoma's progressive Presidents’ Day sale. You can also check it out today if you’d like. While the selection has dwindled, you’ll get the biggest discount tomorrow on whatever’s left. Whether you're eyeing those cushy new running shoes or stocking up on winter essentials, your wallet will thank you.

🍻 Stout month continues

11 am to 10:30 pm: Every day in February from open to close at Peaks and Pints, you can catch a rotating selection of imperial stouts and barrel-aged stouts on their Western Redcedar Tap Log. What’s pouring today? You’ll have to stop by to find out.

Tuesday - February 18th

Recurring events: Taco Tequila Tuesday & Open Mic at Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club - 7:30 pm ✨ Trivia at Katie Downs - 7 to 10 pm ✨ Absolute Beginner’s Tango Class at Backstreet Tango - 6:30 pm (first class is free)

📚 Spring into something new at TCC

Tacoma Community College's spring quarter enrollment opens Tuesday, with classes kicking off March 31. Get started ASAP for the best selection of courses →

🎬 A chameleon comes to The Grand

1:30 pm & 7 pm: The Grand Cinema is bringing a restored slice of indie film history to Tacoma. "Chameleon Street," the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner that's been called everything from a masterpiece to criminally underseen, follows the wild-but-true story of a con man who shape-shifted his way through American society as a surgeon, lawyer, and more.

Catch this razor-sharp commentary on race, class, and identity – newly restored in 4K for its 35th anniversary – in a special double showing at The Grand. This isn't just another movie night; it's a chance to see why The New Yorker named it one of the greatest independent films of the twentieth century →

🎁 Not all heroes wear capes

5 pm: Craftopia is calling all helping hands for their monthly packing party where you’ll help them prepare 300+ craft kits that will be donated for free to the Tacoma Public Library. Their goal? Empower everyone in the community to learn something new and explore crafts they may not otherwise get a chance to.

Light refreshments will be provided, but you can bring your own fuel if you’d like.

Wednesday - February 19th

Recurring events: Baby Friendly Postpartum Circuit Training at Madrona PT - 1:15 pm ($20) ✨ Country bingo at Steel Creek - 9 pm ✨ Ultimate Karaoke at Vibe Dive - 8 pm ✨ Open woodworking shop at Foss Waterway Seaport - 5 to 8 pm (register) ✨ Middle school engineering club at FabLab Education - 5:30 (every other Wednesday - register)

👗 The hidden history of fashion

6 pm: Meet Gigi Coulson, the force behind Costumers of Color, as she unpacks the complex relationship between historical costuming and race at McMenamins' latest History Pub. Through her lens as a Black historical costumer, she'll explore how BIPOC communities are carving out space in a predominantly white hobby – all while celebrating the artistry of centuries past →

🎸 Blues royalty is taking over Old Town's favorite tavern

Also at 6 pm (FREE): The Bennett Matteo Band is bringing their electric chemistry to The Spar this Wednesday night. Fresh from touring with Sugaray Rayford, Gino Matteo's guitar wizardry and Jade Bennett's powerhouse vocals promise to shake up Old Town while you eat & sip – their beer battered Alaskan cod is our fave.

🎤 Three ways to tell a story

7 pm: Bar Stories is coming to E9 Brewing and opening up the floor for you to tell a story about literally whatever you want. You can sign up before the show for a 7 - 8 minute spot, share a 3-minute story in between, or tell a 1-minute story without leaving your seat. You don’t need a plot, characters, or anything like that (but it’s also cool if you do).

🎻 UPS orchestra takes center stage

7:30 pm (FREE): The Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Anna Jensen, invites you to an evening of classical masterworks at the University of Puget Sound. Take in the talents of these promising musicians as they fill Schneebeck Concert Hall with symphonic splendor.

Thursday - February 20th

Recurring events: Intro to T-Town Swing ✨ Magic the Gathering Commander Night at Terracrux Games - 6:30 to 10 pm ✨ Team trivia at Farrelli’s on 6th - 7 to 9 pm ✨ Taproom trivia at Incline Cider - 7 to 9 pm ✨ Family-friendly anime trivia at Puget Sound Pizza - 6 to 9 pm ✨ Fix it night at the Tacoma Library - 5:30 - 7:30 (learn more & RSVP) ✨ Neighborhood nights (free) at Tacoma Art Museum - 5 to 8 pm ✨

🗝️ Free entry to three museums (once a month)

Starting at 3 pm: The third Thursday of every month, you get free (or heavily discounted) admission to the Washington State History Museum (3 - 8 pm), Foss Waterway Seaport (4 - 8 pm), Tacoma Art Museum (5 - 8 pm), and the Museum of Glass (5 - 8 pm). There are often fun activities going on and you can visit other downtown galleries throughout the evening.

🍷 Mark Ryan pours into Proctor

5 - 9 pm: Pop by Bordeaux Wine Bar for a Thursday evening tasting with Kat from Mark Ryan Winery. Come for the tasty sips, stay for the vintage inspired decor.

☕️ The Hot Seat returns

6 pm: All Bets On Us is back at Campfire Coffee with their signature artist showcase, bringing local talent to your favorite Market Street coffee spot. With sounds by SLIM and a lineup of 14 local writers, musicians, and creatives, this community-powered evening promises to be as warm and full of love as your favorite campfire roast →

🎨 Paint and sip with a twist

7 pm: Poetry meets paint brushes at Kay's Paint Joint's latest creative mashup. While Kay guides you through a step-by-step masterpiece (supplies included!), the mic stays open for spoken word artists to share their flow at Buddy's Chicken & Waffles →

🎭 Stand-up's marathon man hits Tacoma

Also at 7 pm: Sammy Obeid brings his quick wit to Tacoma Comedy Club for one night only. Whether you’ve seen his Netflix special or appearance on Last Comic Standing, this is one you won't want to miss →

Friday - February 21st

Recurring events: Free stuff on Fridays at The Egg and I Resale - 10 to 11 am ✨ Live music at Soulberry - 7 to 9 pm

🔨 Discover your inner craftsperson

1 pm: Ready to level up your DIY game? Foss Waterway Seaport's Power Tool Basics class is your ticket to woodworking confidence. This hands-on, three-hour session covers everything from table saws to drills, perfect for both total beginners and aspiring workshop warriors. No project pressure - just pure skill-building in a supportive environment →

☕ Fresh beats meet fresh brews

7 pm: Soulberry Coffee House is stirring up something special with Cascade Music Alliance. Their new Friday night artist-in-residency series pairs local talent with zero-proof cocktails and signature coffee blends, creating the perfect vibe for winding down your work week.

🎬 Crooklyn at The Grand

7:15 pm: The Grand Cinema presents Spike Lee's "Crooklyn," a vibrant slice of 1970s Brooklyn life handpicked by Tacoma council member, Jamika Scott. This semi-autobiographical gem follows nine-year-old Troy navigating childhood amid her chaotic but loving family, backed by one of the '90s' most spectacular soundtracks →

💃 Your favorite decade is calling

9 pm: Break out those platform shoes and butterfly clips - McMenamins Spanish Ballroom is throwing it back to the era of boy bands and grunge. Their 90s Dance Flashback night promises all the best music videos from the decade that brought us "Macarena", “Barbie Girl”, “Semi-Charmed Life”, “What Is Love”, and "Baby Got Back." Your $14 ticket to nostalgia awaits →

Saturday - February 22nd

🎨 Get first look at TAM's newest exhibit

7 pm: The Tacoma Art Museum is unveiling "Echoes of the Floating World" with an exclusive opening party featuring gallery tours with the artists and curator. DJ Aki will be spinning tunes while you sip and mingle all evening. Members get in free, while non-member tickets are $25 at the door or $18 in advance →

🌱 Your favorite winter farmers market

10 am to 1 pm: The Proctor Winter Market just added three exciting new vendors to their already massive line up: Liberty Farm and Summit Acres (both offering fresh produce) and 11 Olives slinging small-batch olive oils. From pastured meats to craft cider, you'll find all your local favorites (and then some) →

🏰 Sneak inside the castle on the hill

Starting at 5 pm: Ever wondered what secrets lie within Stadium High School's majestic walls? Now you no longer have to guess. Pretty Gritty Tours is offering five different time slots to explore this French Chateau-turned-school. From the mysterious sub-basement to the hidden attic, you'll discover why this former luxury hotel project became Tacoma's most iconic learning institution →

🤘 Five local punk bands at once

7 pm: Not really all at once, that would be awful. However, they are all dropping by Real Art Tacoma to rock your entire night. From The Indicted's straight-up Oi to Lie Ability's fast melodic skate punk, this show promises to shake the foundations. Catch Potbelly, Me Grimlock, and Well Adjusted to complete the high-energy lineup →

🎭 More entertainment (because Tacoma never sleeps)

6 pm: GenX singles mingle at Dorky’s Arcade with classic arcade games and conversations that don’t feel like pulling teeth.

7 pm: Get your country rock fix with the Twang Junkies at The Spar Tavern on N 30th.

7:30 pm: Learn the art of Nordic dancing for the first hour followed by live music from Nordic Exposure until 10 at Normanna Hall. $10 for adults, $5 to watch, and kids/students get in free.

8 pm: Stonepony — a six-piece band covering all of Linda Ronstadt’s greatest hits at Jazzbones (tix) followed by PARDI Gras 2025 starting at 10:30. Feeling fancy? Reserve a table by texting (253) 861-3889 ahead of time — they come with a ticket + champagne starting at 10:30 (regular tix).

Midnight: Rocky Horror Picture Show (costumes encouraged) at The Blue Mouse Theatre. Doors open at 11, pre-show games start at 11:30. If you know, you know. If not, there’s only one way to find out →

Sneak peek at next Sunday

Recurring events: Namily Game Night at Round Table Clubhouse - 2 to 5 pm (2nd & 4th Sundays) ✨ Community yoga at Crescent Moon Gifts - 12 to 1:30 pm ($15 - register - 2nd & 4th Sundays)

🥋 Chuck E. Cheese self defense for the littles

Starting at 10 am: In what might be the most unexpected (but awesome) collab of 2025, Chuck E. Cheese is teaming up with Gig Harbor Self Defense for an essential child safety course at STAR Center where kids 4+ will learn crucial safety skills through fun, interactive activities. Not only will your little ones get potentially life-saving knowledge, but they'll also have a chance to meet Chuck E. himself and win some sweet prizes →

🧶 A crafting triple threat

1 pm: Kick off your creative journey with a macramé wall hanging workshop that'll have your friends wondering when you became so crafty.

3 pm: Dive into the science (and art) of cold-pressed soap making, where you'll learn the secrets behind those fancy artisanal bars you can more than likely pick up at The Black History Month Market (we’ll get to that in a second).

4 pm: Cap off your crafty Sunday with Adult Craft Night, where you can bring your WIPs and bond with fellow makers over snacks and creative chitchat.

Peep the full lineup and register for your faves at least 24 hours in advance →

🎨 The Black History Month Market is back

12 - 6 pm: Mount Tahoma High School's Commons Area is about to transform into a bustling marketplace featuring over 30 local vendors showcasing their finest wares. While you shop, you'll be treated to live performances from poets, musicians, and dancers that celebrate Black culture and creativity.

The best part? It doesn’t cost a dime to get in (even the parking is free).

👗 The runway show that changes lives

6 pm: Ebony Fashion Week isn't just serving looks this year – it's serving purpose. After you hit up the market, head to Foss Waterway Seaport for a groundbreaking showcase where every model is a foster youth or alumni, proving style and substance make the perfect pair →

PNW retreats

🗻 Rainier views from the couch

This Point Ruston condo serves up floor-to-ceiling views of Mt. Rainier on top of easy access to waterfront trails, shopping, and restaurants—everything you need is walkable.

Inside, it’s sleek and modern: an open-concept layout, a gourmet kitchen with quartz counters, and custom closets that make organization look good. Plus, it comes with two secured parking spots and a big storage unit, so you don’t have to Marie Kondo your life to move in.

At $1.24M, it’s a splurge… but those views? Priceless →

Tacoma fun & games

As always, this week’s Wordle features a 5-letter word hidden inside this edition. Let us know how many guesses it takes you!

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Trivia question of the week

❓Question: What two teams are tied for the most Super Bowl losses?

🤔 Hint: They both have plenty of Super Bowl experience, just not the kind they hoped for.

Reply and shoot us your best guess (no cheating!) - Same time, same place next week → we’ll share the answer and a fresh question to ponder.

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See ya next week!

P.S. Know of an event or business we should share, interested in certain types of events & stories, or want to ask a question? Feel free to reply (or email us) any time.