Event Calendar

FIND AN EVENT

There are many arts and cultural activities happening all October long. Browse all events in the calendar below, search by specific date by clicking on today’s date on the left side, or use the Search button to look for particular programs. Events can also be filtered using the Categories, Organizers, Tags, and Venues options below, to find things that match your interests or needs.

ADD AN EVENT

Have an arts or culture event, activity, class, workshop, or exhibit that is happening in Tacoma this October that you’d like included in this calendar? Click on the Add Event button to submit your event information.

VISIT THE TACOMA CREATES EVENT CALENDAR ALL YEAR LONG

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly cultural performance, STEAM-focused workshop for your child, or panel discussion on Tacoma’s history – the Tacoma Creates Events Calendar highlights a diverse range of programs from funded arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations.

THE EVENTS

Event Highlights

The Mousetrap at Tacoma Little Theatre

Join the community for an unforgettable night of mystery at Tacoma Little Theatre with Agatha Christie’s legendary play, The Mousetrap! Running from October 18 to November 3, 2024, this thrilling production unfolds in Monkswell Manor, where guests are stranded during a snowstorm, and a killer lurks among them. As tensions rise and suspicions mount, a detective interrogates a cast of intriguing characters, leading to a shocking surprise ending that only Christie could deliver. Perfect for ages 7 and up, performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with matinees on Sundays at 2:00 PM. Don’t miss the Pay What You Can night on October 31! Get your tickets today and experience the suspense of the world’s longest-running play!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - After School Production

Tacoma Youth Theatre is excited to present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, an after-school production for young actors aged 7-13. Beginning October 28 and running through December 5, this program nurtures creativity and collaboration among participants. The journey culminates in pay-what-you-can performances on December 6, 7, and 8. Each young actor will have a speaking role in this non-musical, small-cast production, fostering their confidence and passion for the arts. Families and friends are encouraged to support these budding performers!

Dia De Los Muertos at Tacoma Art Museum

Join the community for the 20th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at the Tacoma Art Museum, celebrating the rich traditions of this cherished Mexican holiday. In partnership with Mi Centro, this year’s festival will feature community altars, live music, traditional dance performances, and hands-on art-making workshops. From October 31 to November 3, immerse yourself in the colorful festivities, enjoy traditional foods, and explore stunning ofrendas created by local artists. This heartfelt celebration honors the lives of loved ones who have passed and creates a joyful atmosphere for all ages.

One Table

The One Table Show was inspired by director Derek Nunn’s experiences in Tokyo. It’s a simple idea. One Table shows are a little bit sketch comedy, a little improv, and a lot of unpredictable fun.  Written and directed by Derek Nunn and Masahiro Sugano and starring an ever-changing cast of Tacoma characters, One Table is an opportunity to see your city as you’ve never seen it before. This month One Table will be appearing at Opal Lounge, so come by on October 24, enjoy the local talent and maybe even make some friends.

Date: October 24
Time: 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Location: Opal Lounge, 5226 South Tacoma Way

Art City

On October 13, TAM will host ArtCity: Forging Creative Destinies in Indonesia, a panel of Tacoma-based artists who embarked on a 12-day cultural exchange in Yogyakarta (Jogja) and Jakarta, Indonesia. This public forum invites you to explore the delegation’s experiences and discoveries from their journey.

Presenters Anida Yoeu Ali (one of this year’s winners of the Amocat Award), Councilmember Jamika Scott, Dion Thomas, and Jesi Vega will share their observations on how both the Jogja and Jakarta art scenes continue to flourish and grow despite economic challenges. Learn about innovative strategies that could invigorate Tacoma’s artistic landscape and hear about the meaningful connections forged during this enriching cultural exchange.
This talk is FREE and open to everyone, not just Tacoma residents. Registration is encouraged.

 

Entangled by Teruko Nimura, Artist in residence for Environmental services

Begins Friday, October 11th, 11 AM – 2 PM

Come connect with Environmental Services Artist in Residence, Teruko Nimura, as she works on her large-scale art installation. Entangled represents the impacts our everyday actions have on our environment.

BLACK NIGHT MARKET HOLIDAZES

Saturday, October 19th, 2 PM – 8 PM

Support local artists, small businesses and performers at the Black Night Market’s Holidaze events. You can shop with 60 + vendors, artists and small businesses for your holiday gift shopping, enjoy delicious food trucks and live performances; jazz bands, spoken word, singers, musicians, speakers and more. All events are family friendly and free entry. @blacknightmarket on Facebook and Instagram for any updates. 

Tacoma Film Festival

October 10th – 13th, various times/locations

The 2024 Tacoma Film Festival is coming to The Grand Cinema and The Blue Mouse Theatre on October 10-13! From Rainier beer, to Devo, to Luther Vandross, there is no shortage of incredible films, filmmakers, and their muses! We recommend getting passes early to this celebrated film festival!

Wasteland Dreams

OCTOBER 18th, 5-6 PM

Join local artist and current Environmental Services Artist in Residence, Teruko Nimura, to consider the volume and scale of our waste, and the labor that goes into making the immeasurable objects that we throw away every day.

LOCATION: 350 TACOMA
311 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421

TASTE OF ASIA 2024

TASTE OF ASIA 2024

October 5th, 2024

11am – 2 pm at APCC

3513 Portland Ave East Tacoma WA 98404

Learn to make traditional Japanese foods!

Dress the Part: Dive into Culture!
Enhance your experience by dressing in traditional wear and learn more about the culture of Japan.

Enjoy a small showcase of artwork, ceramics demo and learn about the upcoming installations from Artist in Residence, Teruko Nimura.

FURUSATO 古里 HOMELAND

Saturday, October 19th, 3 PM – 5 PM

Enjoy the opening reception of Yoshi Nakagawa’s Furusato 古里 Homeland  on Saturday, October 19th from 3-5pm at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center. Please RSVP here.

Painting Party for 56th Street Safeway Mural

Painting Party for 56th Street Safeway Mural
October 5, starting at 12:00 PM
56th Street Safeway (707 S 56th St)

Get creative while helping build community! Join South End Neighborhood Council (SENCO) to help paint the new mural on the 56th Street Safeway that has been designed by Cameron Decker. All ages welcome.

Up Next

ARTS AT THE ARMORY

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 & 8  

11am – 5pm

$

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ʔuk’ʷədiitəb ʔuhigʷətəb čəɫ txʷəl tiiɫ ʔa čəɫ ʔal tə swatxʷixʷtxʷəd ʔə tiiɫ puyaləpabš dxʷəsɫaɫlils gʷəl ʔutxʷəlšucidəbs həlgʷəʔ.
We gratefully acknowledge that we rest on the traditional lands of the Puyallup People where they make their home and speak the Lushootseed language.

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