Fun for the fam, a shot at the Enchantments, and 20+ things to do

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:

• Enter the lottery 🗻 

• A new tasting room 🍷 

• Double dose of film 📽️ 

• 20+ things to do 📆 

Let’s get to it.

This week’s highlights

🥾 The ever-elusive Enchantments lottery

Want to backpack in the Enchantment area (AKA one of the most beautiful spots in Washington)? You’ll need a permit and there are two ways to get one: the advanced lottery or the daily lottery.

Just like the regular lottery, people spend years waiting for their chance. If you’d like to join them, you can apply until March 1st →

The early access lottery for overnight permits for Mt. Rainier is now open as well →

🍷 Love and magic in every glass

On Blended Knee Winery (OBK) is setting up shop in downtown Tacoma later this year, transforming a former music house into a “modern and moody” tasting room with dark walls, warm wood accents, and plenty of glam touches →

✌️Upcoming film festivals

On Thursday, the Tacoma Sister Cities International Film Festival kicks off at The Grand Cinema with Close Knit, a powerful coming-of-age story exploring love, identity, and family. Every Thursday until the end of March, you can dive into a film from one of nine different Sister Cities, each bringing a unique cultural perspective to the big screen →

Mid March, The Ground to Sound Film & Art Festival returns to Foss Waterway Seaport for a single night of creativity inspired by the Puget Sound. Expect documentary screenings, live performances, interactive art, poetry readings, and more →

Here’s your weekly Tacoma brief, featuring more than 25 things worth checking out over the next seven days 👇

Today - February 21st

Recurring events: Free stuff on Fridays at The Egg and I Resale - 10 to 11 am (info) ✨ Drop in Ukulele at Swasey Library - 3 pm (info) ✨ Teen time at Fern Hill Library - 3 pm (info) ✨ Up and Atom (STEAM activities) at Main Tacoma Library - 4 pm (info)

🔨 Power tools for beginners

1 pm: Foss Waterway Seaport's Power Tool Basics class is your ticket to woodworking mastery. This hands-on three-hour session covers everything from table saws to drills →

☕ 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 →

🎬 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 →

Sleepwalkers is also screening at Blue Mouse Theatre at 10 pm if you’re looking for something spookier. It’s past our bedtime, but power to ya →

🎉 Your favorite decade is calling

9 pm: 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 →

Tomorrow - February 22nd

🌱 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 →

🎨 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 — non-member tickets are $25 at the door or $18 in advance →

🤘 One night, five local punk bands

7 pm: From The Indicted's straight-up Oi to Lie Ability's fast melodic skate punk, this show at Real Art Tacoma promises to shake the foundations. Potbelly, Me Grimlock, and Well Adjusted complete the quintuple header high-energy lineup →

Sunday - February 23rd

Recurring events: Namily Game Night at Round Table Clubhouse - 2 to 5 pm (info) ✨ Community yoga at Crescent Moon Gifts - 12 to 1:30 pm (info)

🥋 Chuck E. Cheese self defense for the littles

10 am: In what might be the most unexpected 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 →

🧶 A crafty double header

1 pm: Kick off your creative journey with a macramé wall hanging workshop that'll walk you through creating your new favorite piece of decor only — 1 spot left →

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). 3 spots left →

🎨 4th Annual Black History Month Market

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 – it's serving purpose. After you hit up the market, head to Foss Waterway Seaport for a unique and creative show where every model is a foster youth or alumni →

Monday - February 24th

Recurring events: Bone Health & Strength Training at Madrona PT - 11:15 am (info) ✨ LGBTQIA+ Crafting Circle at Freighthouse Square - noon (info) ✨ CSL Choir open community rehearsals (for fun) at Center for Spiritual Living - 6 pm (info)

🧘‍♀️ Yoga crash course for beginners

7 pm: Source Yoga’s three-week intro series with Megan Tuche covers the basics — poses, breathing, and stress relief. It gives you all the tools you need so you can discover what works for your body. As a bonus, you’ll get a free two-week membership to test out other classes →

🏐 Got energetic littles?

7:30 pm: St. Patrick Catholic School’s volleyball program for 3rd - 5th graders kicks off March 3 and runs through June 8. Sign up now before the roster fills up →

Tuesday - February 25th

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

🎨 Watercolor winter magic

6 pm: Want to learn the art of watercolor? This hands-on workshop near the Tacoma Dome will guide you through creating four handmade notecards, perfect to keep or gift. All materials (and snacks!) are included, plus you'll get a free guide on printing your designs in bulk →

🏗️ Big changes ahead for Gault — have your say

6 pm: Tacoma Public Schools is revamping the former Gault Middle School site, and they want your input. This meeting at Blix Elementary will cover plans for the new IDEA school, community opportunities, and the project timeline. If you care about the future of the neighborhood, now’s your chance to be heard →

🎤 Watch brave souls tell jokes for the first time

7 pm: There’s nothing quite like seeing someone try stand-up comedy for the first (or almost first) time. The TCC Comedy Grad Show at Tacoma Comedy Club is your chance to witness the highs, the lows, and the unexpected hilarity of new comedians in action →

Wednesday - February 26th

Recurring events: Baby Friendly Postpartum Circuit Training at Madrona PT - 1:15 pm (info) ✨ Country bingo at Steel Creek - 9 pm (info) ✨ Ultimate Karaoke at Vibe Dive - 8 pm (info) ✨ Open woodworking shop at Foss Waterway Seaport - 5 to 8 pm (info)

🍸 A party for remote workers

5 pm: The “No Office” Office Party at Fusion Cafe & Lounge is a mixer for freelancers, solopreneurs, and remote workers who want to connect over food and drinks →

🎸 Metalheads, this one’s for you

6:30 pm: Four bands, one night. Dark Watch, Oathbound, Diseased and Depraved, and Gouged are taking over Real Art Tacoma for a heavy-hitting lineup. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 in advance →

🎤 Open mic, big stakes — who will get your vote?

7:30 pm: HOT MIC at Edison Square is not your average open mic. This monthly competition lets the audience decide who takes home the cash prize and a future showcase spot. Show up, vote for your favorite act, and witness first-hand Tacoma’s next big thing →

Thursday - February 27th

Recurring events: Magic the Gathering Commander Night at Terracrux Games - 6:30 to 9:30 pm (info) ✨ Team trivia at Farrelli’s on 6th - 7 to 9 pm (info) ✨ Taproom trivia at Incline Cider - 7 to 9 pm (info) ✨ Family-friendly Adam Sandler trivia at Puget Sound Pizza - 6 to 9 pm (info) ✨ Fix it night at the Tacoma Library - 5:30 - 7:30 (info) ✨ Neighborhood nights (free) at Tacoma Art Museum - 5 to 8 pm (info) ✨

🧪 A double dose of fun for the littles

3:30 pm: Science meets sorcery at Wheelock Library’s Friendship Potions event. As part of Up and Atom STEAM day, kids can get hands-on making their own potions with Wizards of Washington, no spellbooks required →

6 pm: The Puget Sound Museum of Natural History kicks off its 2025 Night at the Museum series with World of Change! From fascinating evolutionary adaptations to conservation stories, this free family-friendly event at University of Puget Sound is your chance to explore the wonders of life—past and present →

🎨 Something different for the adults

6 pm: Channel your inner artist at the Cliff House while painting a stunning Mt. Tahoma scene with yourself, your partner, or your besties. $30 covers everything →

9 pm: Think you've got what it takes to own the dance floor? Learn "The Wolf" line dance at 8 pm, then put your skills to the test in Steel Creek’s competition at 9. First place gets $200 →

Sneak peek at next Friday

Recurring events: Free stuff on Fridays at The Egg and I Resale - 10 to 11 am (info) ✨ Drop in Ukulele at Swasey Library - 3 pm (info) ✨ Teen time at Fern Hill Library - 3 pm (info) ✨ Up and Atom (STEAM activities) at Main Tacoma Library - 4 pm (info) ✨ Sparks workshops at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma - 3 pm (info)

🏡 Aging in place: The housing crisis we don’t talk about

12 pm: Rising housing costs are hitting Tacoma’s seniors hard. This Friday Forum panel at UW Tacoma tackles access, displacement, and what we can do to support aging in place. Attend in person or join virtually →

🎶 Your Friday night soundtrack

7 pm: Marina & The Moonbeams bring smooth jazz, charcuterie, and candlelit vibes to Ebony & Ivory. Select tickets include complimentary bottles of wine — treat yo’self →

Also at 7 pm: Deep Cuts at Edison Square lets you request your favorite throwback R&B jams, plus interactive games to test your music knowledge →

7:30 pm: University of Puget Sound’s Wind Ensemble, conducted by Gerard Morris, delivers a night of soaring symphonic sounds →

🎨 Midnight creativity

8 pm: Not ready for bed? Magnolia Signs’ Late Night Paint workshop lets you choose any project from their site and craft until midnight — snacks and coffee included →

PNW retreats

💎 Charm AND water views for under a mil?

This 1904 beauty in North Tacoma somehow balances vintage charm with modern comfort—and throws in some killer views for good measure. With four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and three floors of classic PNW scenery, it’s got plenty to offer. The kitchen? Updated. The floors? Classic hardwood. The primary suite? Private deck included.

Tucked away on a quiet dead-end alley, this home even comes with a dry basement (hello, storage) and covered parking. Plus, it’s minutes from Proctor, Ruston Way, and all the waterfront fun at Point Ruston →

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: Happy belated Presidents’ Day! What was George Washington’s biggest business venture?

🤔 Hint: It was one of the largest in America at the time.

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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Last week’s answer: Patriots and Broncos.

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.