Events
Thursday, May 2
Pagoda History Talk
6:30 pm
Discover the Story Behind Tacoma’s Historic Point Defiance Park Pagoda.In honor of National Historic Preservation Month, Metro Parks in partnership with the City of Tacoma’s Historic Preservation Office will present an illustrated t...Saturday, May 4
Family Nature Walk
Explore Tacoma's Parks during this free naturalist-led walk. Discover amazing plants and animals and how they adapt to the seasons. Not recommended for strollers or children under 3. Free. Walks are organized and led by Tacoma Nature Center sta...
Turn Back the Clock Night at Tacoma Rainiers
Rainiers and Metro Parks Team Up for Scholarships Enjoy some good ol’ fashion fun at the Tacoma Rainiers Turn Back the Clock Night on Saturday, May 4. In commemoration of the team’s rich history in Tacoma, the Rainiers wil...
Crafts of the Past
Learn a different 19th century craft every weekend from a visiting artist.Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Each weekend an artist ...
Stingray Cove Grand Opening
Touch stingrays and learn about these interesting sea creatures in a brand new exhibit in the South Pacific Aquarium. Free with zoo admission. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium5400 N. Pearl St.591-5337pdza.org
Point Defiance Ling Cod Derby
5:00 am
Join us for our 5th annual Ling Cod Derby! Lucky anglers will catch a tasty fish and a chance to win cash and prizes. What a great way to kick off the bottom fishing season and have a chance to collect a good pay day.All Fish and Wildli...
Native Plant Sale
9:00 am
Landscape your yard with plants that are native to our area. Planting natives ensures the conservation of our precious water resources and provides habitat for local birds, mammals and insects. List of available plants: CLICK HERECome...Sunday, May 5
Crafts of the Past
Learn a different 19th century craft every weekend from a visiting artist.Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Each weekend an artist ...
South Tacoma Farmer's Market
11:00 am
This lively Sunday Market is held in the heart of South Tacoma at STAR Center. The market will get an early start this year inside the center, and will migrate outdoors as the season warms.Every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, through September, you...
Commune with Nature in the Conservatory
5:30 pm
Join us for 90 minutes of guided meditation & gentle movement. No experience necessary, accessible to all. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or pillow to sit on. Suggested donation $10. To reserve your spot call (253...Tuesday, May 7
Point Defiance Park Program Plan Charrette
You Can Have a Say in the Future of Point Defiance Park! We are updating our Program Plan for Point Defiance Park and are further developing your past suggestions for programs and activities. We want to hear what you think will ...Wednesday, May 8
Conservatory Story Hour
11:00 am
Join Bonnie Beaudoin among the Conservatory's beautiful flowers for monthly story telling sessions. May 8 - In the Children's GardenArt: Flower Collage Note HolderScience: Planting Seeds W.W. Seymour Conservatory316 S. G St., in Wright ...Friday, May 10
Bottom Fishing Derby
7:00 am
Join the Dock Fishing Community for a Bottom Fishing Derby. Compete to win 3 winnable categories. 10 participants maximum. All Fish and Wildlife rules apply. Only legal fish qualify. Entry Fee: $20 per angler Point Def...
Team Challenge Golf League Kickoff
5:00 pm
Time to get your team together! Meadow Park is proud to offer a new competitive outlet for your golfing employees, staff, or simply you and three of your closest friends… the Team Challenge Golf League. There are two 7-we...Saturday, May 11
Family Nature Walk
Explore Tacoma's Parks during this free naturalist-led walk. Discover amazing plants and animals and how they adapt to the seasons. Not recommended for strollers or children under 3. Free. Walks are organized and led by Tacoma Nature Center sta...
Budgies Buddies Return to Zoo
The popular and colorful Budgies are always fun to watch in their open-air, walk-through exhibit. Budgies, or budgerigars, are native to Australia. Visitors who want to feed them can do so by purchasing a seed stick for $1. Visit pdza.org f...
Half-price Zoo Admission for Moms
To kick off an exciting weekend at the Zoo, all moms will receive half-off general admission on Saturday, May 11. Bring mom (and the whole family) to celebrate the opening of the award-winning Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater animal show and popula...
Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater Opening
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium's award-winning Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater begins its Live Animal Show on Saturday, May 11. Herald is an adorable dog adopted from the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. He wows the crowd during h...
Crafts of the Past
Learn a different 19th century craft every weekend from a visiting artist.Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Each weekend an artist ...
Rhododendron Society Annual Plant Sale
9:00 am
Get ready for spring planting! Discover this unusually large selection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and companion plants at very reasonable prices. Knowledgeable staff will be available to help with your selections. Time: 9 am - 5 pmLocation: Poin...
Spring Vegetable Garden Starter Sale
10:00 am
Get your garden started with tomatoes, hot peppers, sweet peppers, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins and more! Free Admission W.W. Seymour Conservatory316 S. G St., in Wright ParkSeymourConservatory.org; 591-5330 Items offered in 2013: Basil ...Sunday, May 12
Crafts of the Past
Learn a different 19th century craft every weekend from a visiting artist.Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Each weekend an artist ...
South Tacoma Farmer's Market
11:00 am
This lively Sunday Market is held in the heart of South Tacoma at STAR Center. The market will get an early start this year inside the center, and will migrate outdoors as the season warms.Every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, through September, you...
Second Sunday Music Series
1:00 pm
On the second Sunday of every month, year-round, from 1-2:30 pm, we present music that is intended to enhance your experience of the Conservatory and of Wright Park. The performers reflect a wide spectrum of musical tastes and the music is inte...Monday, May 13
Park Board Meeting
A five member Board of Park Commissioners governs Metro Parks Tacoma and is the policy determining body for the park district.Regular MeetingsThe Board meets at 6 pm on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in the Board Room at Metro Pa...Wednesday, May 15
Committee of the Whole
5:30 pm
Committee of the Whole meetings are normally held at 5:30 pm on the 3rd and 5th (if there is one) Mondays of each month. All 5 Board members are scheduled to attend. The format is a 'Work Session.' (no public comment).Metro ...Thursday, May 16
Destination Point Defiance - 3rd Thursday Community Dialogues
5:30 pm
Want to learn more about Point Defiance Park? Come to Destination Point Defiance – 3rd Thursday Community Dialogues about both near-term and long-range plans. The Pagoda in Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl St. Learn more at w...Friday, May 17
Play in Peace Day
Join the fun and peace-making at this year's Play in Peace Day. This annual event celebrates our safe, beautiful, public places for children and families to play.9:15-11:45 games & activities1:20-2:15 march2:30-3:15 programRead more abo...Saturday, May 18
Bear Awareness Weekend at Northwest Trek
Living with bears is part of the Great Outdoors experience in the Pacific Northwest. Learn the proper way to camp in bear country at Northwest Trek on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19.Watch Northwest Trek's black bears tear into a d...
Family Nature Walk
Explore Tacoma's Parks during this free naturalist-led walk. Discover amazing plants and animals and how they adapt to the seasons. Not recommended for strollers or children under 3. Free. Walks are organized and led by Tacoma Nature Center sta...
STAR Center One Year Anniversary Celebration
STAR Center is One!Celebrate STAR Center’s first birthday at our BIG PARTY, beginning with a family adventure race and including all kinds of fun for the whole family throughout the day! The celebration kicks off with a 2-mile outdoor Adv...
Point Defiance Marina Beach Clean Up
9:00 am
Join volunteers from Surfriders and CHIP in! to make a difference in the health and cleanliness of our beaches. Beach clean-ups are held on the third Saturday of every month.Meet at Point Defiance Marina Complex, 5912 N. Waterfront Dr.FreePoint...
Adventure Race at STAR Center
9:00 am
STAR Center’s Adventure Race includes obstacles to jump over, crawl under and run backwards around. This 2-mile trek will get the entire family involved in an outdoor activity that’s filled with adventurous challenges and help...
Queen Victoria's Birthday
11:00 am
Enjoy a market and music for Queen Victoria’s Birthday at Fort Nisqually! Period handicrafts and French-Canadian music will be featured May 18 during Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s annual celebration of Queen Victor...Sunday, May 19
Bear Awareness Weekend at Northwest Trek
Living with bears is part of the Great Outdoors experience in the Pacific Northwest. Learn the proper way to camp in bear country at Northwest Trek on Saturday and Sunday, May 18 & 19.Watch Northwest Trek's black bears tear into a d...
Crafts of the Past
Learn a different 19th century craft every weekend from a visiting artist.Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Each weekend an artist ...
South Tacoma Farmer's Market
11:00 am
This lively Sunday Market is held in the heart of South Tacoma at STAR Center. The market will get an early start this year inside the center, and will migrate outdoors as the season warms.Every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, through September, you...
Commune with Nature in the Conservatory
5:30 pm
Join us for 90 minutes of guided meditation & gentle movement. No experience necessary, accessible to all. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat or pillow to sit on. Suggested donation $10. To reserve your spot call (253...Monday, May 20
Committee of the Whole
5:30 pm
Committee of the Whole meetings are normally held at 5:30 pm on the 3rd and 5th (if there is one) Mondays of each month. All 5 Board members are scheduled to attend. The format is a 'Work Session.' (no public comment).Metro Park...Wednesday, May 22
Peoples Park Reopening Celebration and Public Art Dedication
4:30 pm
Join us to celebrate updates to this popular Hilltop neighborhood park made possible through the 2005 Park Improvement Bond.The City will also dedicate the new public art installation titled Human Rights Legacy. Meet artist Paul Rucker and h...Saturday, May 25
Crafts of the Past
Learn a different 19th century craft every weekend from a visiting artist.Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Each weekend an artist ...
Spring Plant Sale to Benefit Greenhouse
10:00 am
How does your garden grow? Make your garden the envy of the neighborhood with plants from the Conservatory. Pick up colorful perennials, amazing annuals, juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs and lush hanging baskets to bring color into your spring ga...
Tiptoe Through the Tidepools
11:00 am
Explore the beach and learn about tidepool life during one of the lowest tides of the year! A beach naturalist will guide the exploration. Free.Bring sunscreen and drinking water and wear shoes appropriate for a rocky beach.Titlow Beach, 8425...Sunday, May 26
Crafts of the Past
Learn a different 19th century craft every weekend from a visiting artist.Visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on activity by the various artists to discover just what it takes to produce the various art forms. Each weekend an artist ...
South Tacoma Farmer's Market
11:00 am
This lively Sunday Market is held in the heart of South Tacoma at STAR Center. The market will get an early start this year inside the center, and will migrate outdoors as the season warms.Every Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm, through September, you...Monday, May 27
Park Board Meeting-Cancelled
A five member Board of Park Commissioners governs Metro Parks Tacoma and is the policy determining body for the park district.Today's meeting is cancelled in observance of Memorial Day.Regular MeetingsThe Board meets at 6 pm on the second and...Wednesday, May 29
Williams Nine Family Wednesdays
4:00 pm
Bring the whole family out for these fun, family golf evenings at the course. Fees include a special bag tag for adults, and free golf balls & hot dog for the kids. Adult and youth golf equipment available upon request.Held the ...
Capital Improvement Committee
5:30 pm
This committee meets two Wednesdays per month (every Wednesday following a Board Meeting) to review, influence, facilitate and monitor the capital improvement program, including bond projects, for the district.The public is invited to attend. M...
