✨ Tacoma Brief #2 | Feb 9 - 16

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:

• Game day parties 📣

• 28 days of stout 🖤

• Job & funding ops 📢

• 30+ things going on 📅

Let’s get to it.

This week’s highlights

🍻 No one puts stout in the corner

February is Stout Month at Peaks and Pints, and they’re celebrating in the most dramatic way possible: with six rotating taps of stouts, imperial stouts, and barrel-aged beauties all month long. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and it’s the kind of lineup that even Patrick Swayze himself would approve of. Stop in any day this month to see what’s pouring →

💼 Hiring & internship opportunities

All Ways Caring HomeCare is hiring both certified and non-certified caregivers. The starting rate is $21.44/hour with daily pay options, tuition reimbursement, and benefits. Bring your ID and apply on the spot →

If an internship is more your speed, the Internship Fair at Tacoma Community College is where you’ll want to be. Meet employers and explore opportunities in business, paralegal studies, and tech →

💡 Creative funding alert

If your nonprofit is all about preserving arts, culture, heritage, or science, Tacoma Creates wants to fund you. Applications are now open for 2025-2026 funding, with two categories: Comprehensive Organizational Support (up to $400K) and Impact Funding (up to $60K). Whether you're running public programs, youth education, or expanding creative partnerships, there’s a grant for that.

Not sure where to start? Attend a free workshop to learn the ropes and boost your application. Deadlines are March 10 (Comprehensive Support) and March 24 (Impact Funding), so mark your calendar and start planning →

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

Today - February 9th

🏈 Game day parties

Bigfoot Pizza & Bar is serving up happy hour prices all game long—because pizza (you gotta try their crust) and football are a perfect match.

Jazzbones is going big with 50% off beer, wings, and buckets until kickoff, plus fun games throughout the day. Doors open at 2:30.

🌸 Start the week off right

Stephanie of Raven Wisdom is leading Community Yoga at Crescent Moon Gifts from noon to 1:30 today. This beginner-friendly session includes breath work, restorative meditation, and a whole lot of grounding energy →

🎨 Discover handmade treasures

Tacoma Is for Lovers is back with the final day of their annual Valentine’s event at King Books, featuring over 20 artists selling everything from hand-quilted clothing to ceramics and crocheted goods.

Check out their FB page to see the full lineup… or just show up and be surprised.

Tomorrow - February 10th

🐶 A hero with a tail (literally)

It's the last day to catch Dog Man at Blue Mouse Theatre! This animated adventure, based on Dav Pilkey’s hit graphic novels, follows a police dog-human hybrid as he fights crime, bonds with a tiny clone, and tries to outsmart a villainous cat.

Showtimes are 4:15 and 7 PM | Tickets are just $6 →

✍️ Tiny poems, big impact

The Haiku Group is meeting at the Center for Spiritual Living, and if you’ve ever wanted to dive into the art of 5-7-5 syllable magic, now’s your chance.

Whether you're a seasoned poet or just curious, come for the inspiration, stay for the meditative vibes →

💪 Not just for the gym rats

Dr. Angie’s Bone Health & Strength Training Workouts are designed to improve bone density, boost muscle strength, and help with balance—especially for those with osteopenia or osteoporosis. It’s low impact, high reward, and happens every Monday at 11:15 AM →

Tuesday - February 11th

🌮 Tacos + tequila + open mic

Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade. Head to Nate Jackson’s Super Funny Comedy Club for a fiesta of flavors and laughter—$10 gets you three tacos and a tequila shot. If you’re feeling bold, the mic is open for you to take the stage.

Come for the tacos (and tequila), stay for the unexpected comedy gold →

✂️ Valentine’s Day DIY style

Skip the store-bought gifts and make something from the heart at Cupid’s Craft Night at Doyle’s Public House.

You’ll stamp paint onto fabric (canvas tote or tea towel—your choice) while kicking things off with a Conversation Starter Hearts activity. Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a date, or crafting with friends, it’s a fun way to celebrate the season of love →

🍻 Network, unwind, and level up

The Level Up Lounge at 7 Seas Brewing is all about casual connections over craft drinks—it’s perfect for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone looking to meet interesting people without the awkwardness →

💙 Helping hands: Learn about Raising Girls

Tacoma Sunset Rotary is hosting a special program meeting featuring Sharon Chambers-Gordon, Founder & CEO of Raising Girls, a nonprofit tackling hygiene insecurity and period poverty in local schools. Learn how they’re supporting 136 schools in 14 districts across Puget Sound and how you can help. First-time guests attend for free →

Wednesday - February 12th

🍓 A medieval feast

February’s Culinary Night is diving into foods that were historically believed to spark passion—think strawberries (Venus approved), spicy wine, and questionable Tudor-era fertility boosters like parsnips and beans.

If you’re into history, food, or just like eating (and making) things with a story, this is for you. You don’t have to bring a dish, but bonus points if you do →

Thursday - February 13th

🍕 Trivia night 2 ways

Valentine’s Eve calls for heart-shaped pizzas and love-themed trivia at Incline Cider. Think romantic music, chocolate, and "LOVE" movies—plus prizes for the top teams →

At Puget Sound Pizza, Disney fans can put their knowledge to the test with four rounds of family-friendly trivia, cocktail specials, and house-baked cookies for second and third place winners →

📚 Are you a romance novel enthusiast?

This is THE event for you. Edison Square is hosting A Novel Affair, the ultimate bookish Galentine’s event. Expect romance trivia, themed food and drinks, local vendors, and a "Blind Date with a Book" exchange. Bonus points if you show up dressed as your favorite romance genre—historical corsets or vampire capes encouraged →

💝 One-stop Valentine’s shopping

Haven’t prepped for Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day? CM PW Creations at South Hill Mall (between JCPenney and Jack in the Box) has you covered with fresh flowers, candy, gift baskets, jewelry, and more—all in one spot.

It’s open Feb 13 & 14, perfect for procrastinators →

🎸 A night of live tunes

Kenny Callahan brings his signature mix of originals and popular covers to Odd Fellas Pub, setting the stage for a laid-back, intimate evening →

Meanwhile, Slice of Life Pizzeria is hosting a stacked lineup featuring The Buckin’ Cowboys, Pigeon Town Hoochers, Alexander E.P., and a mystery guest. Pizza and live music? Say less →

Friday - February 14th

💃🔥 Valentine’s dance night

Want to learn how to dance? Tacoma’s bringing the heat with beginner’s classes for two different styles on Valentine’s Day. You can either… learn the art of tango with Steven Chith at Tacoma Dance Studios →

Or get into the rhythm with a salsa and bachata lesson before dancing the night away at Avelon →

🎁 Who doesn’t love free stuff?

The Egg and I Resale is putting out a fresh batch of freebies this Friday morning. Swing by, score some free finds, and treat yourself to some budget-friendly baby and maternity gear inside →

🛸 The force is strong

Calling all Star Wars fans: if tabletop skirmish games sound like your kind of fun, Shatterpoint is waiting for you. Command an elite strike force led by Anakin and Ahsoka (or go full dark side with Maul and Asajj) as you battle for galactic dominance. No Jedi mind tricks required, just show up and play →

🎶 Tinsley’s album release + a stacked lineup

Seattle indie darling Tinsley is celebrating the release of her debut album at Spanish Ballroom and she’s bringing Stella Mar + Hot Stepmom along for the ride.

Expect dreamy vocals, raw lyrics, and a bit of edge—all for $15 at the door or $12 if you buy in advance →

Saturday - February 15th

❤️ Still feeling the love?

If Valentine’s Day went by too fast (or you were stuck working), don’t worry—The Still in LOVE Market is keeping the romance going.

Expect a fully decked-out Ropa Thrift Store, a photo backdrop, build-your-own bouquets, and a solid lineup of local vendors selling sweets, ceramics, jackets, and more. Valentine’s Day might be over but spreading the love should never stop →

🎨 Craft your heart out

Get hands-on with two creative events this Saturday! Magnolia Signs is hosting a Date Night Workshop where you and your favorite person can design a personalized wall collage while enjoying a taco bar—talk about the perfect combo →

Looking for something more cost-effective? Craftopia is offering a Free Craft Night with a mix of projects for all ages—bring the fam and let your inner artist go wild →

🎶 Flannel vs speakeasy vibes

If you’re into grunge, The SandBAR has you covered with Two Zero Six playing an entire set of PNW classics—think Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and all the flannel vibes →

More of a jazz fan? The Kareem Kandi World Orchestra is hosting an intimate speakeasy night with wine, light bites, and smooth saxophone sounds downtown →

🧀 A plant-based pop-up with serious flavor

Soulberry Coffee House is hosting a delicious takeover featuring Rebel Cheese, The Uncreamery, Vtopian Artisan Cheeses, and Renegade Foods salamis. If you’ve been hunting for plant-based bacon, smoked drumsticks, or that poached egg alternative, you’re in luck. Come for the samples, stay for the “wait, this is vegan?!” reactions →

Sneak peek at next Sunday

🧶 Get crafty with Craftopia

Craftopia is serving up a full lineup of hands-on workshops and gatherings. Learn to knit from scratch, weave a basket (patience required), or dive into a plaster class where eco-resin is the star of the show.

If you're a crochet pro, the Hooker Happy Hour is your time to swap stitches, show off projects, and chat with fellow yarn enthusiasts. See their full lineup →

🎷 Smooth Soulful Sundays at Jazzy’s

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. The music kicks off at 4 PM, and 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

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 →

PNW retreats

💎 Kitchen goals in the North Slope district

Like those before and after home reno shows we know and love, this North Slope Craftsman is the perfect blend of old and new from someone who clearly knew what they were doing.

They kept the good kind of character while adding modern touches like quartz counters, a wine-fridge and a wet bar upstairs, a WFH retreat, and an owner’s suite that takes up the entire third floor. At $670k, it’s practically a steal for such a beautiful house nestled between two amazing (and very walkable) districts.

Whether you’re daydreaming or in the market, this one’s work a peek →

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: Who coined the term “Galentine’s Day”?

🤔 Hint: "I am big enough to admit that I am often inspired by myself."

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: A luxury hotel—construction began in 1891.

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.