Fourth of July shenanigans, free low-tide tours, a wine class, and more.
July 01, 2025
Happy Tuesday, Tacoma. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Tacoma Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
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Summer meals 🍎
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Tidepool tours 🌊
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Fireworks shows 🎆
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Summer meal program: Tacoma’s free Summer Meals program kicked off on June 23rd, offering kids under 18 free lunches and activities at parks citywide through August 29th — check out the locations.
Tiptoe through Tacoma tidepools: After kicking off June 25th, free low-tide explorations at Titlow and Owen beaches continue through August — learn more.
Pierce County fireworks lineup: With Freedom Fest having kicked off June 28th and free and ticketed fireworks from Firecracker Alley tonight through July 4th’s Summer Blast on Ruston Way, there’s something for everyone — check out the full schedule.
The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.
Highlights this week
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Student discipline reforms take effect
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Warm & dry summer in store for western WA
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Get free produce and/or volunteer to help harvest
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Special Tuesday deals each week at R House
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Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment
🫶 We got your back
Scoops of sunshine: Medzo Gelato Bar is your passport to gelato heaven, where every scoop tastes like a vacation in a cup—from tangy lemon to velvety stracciatella. It’s hands-down the sweetest way to beat the heat this weekend.
Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Harbor City—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.
See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? 6th Ave Spectacles isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.
Kickflip ready: Drop in for decks, wheels, and gear that won’t bail on you—Grit City Grindhouse keeps everything locked in so you can focus on landing that trick instead of worrying about snapped axles.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🏕️ Camping Adventures – July Tile Insert @ Crafty AF Studio | Wednesday (7/2) at 11 am – Unleash your inner artist on three fun, interchangeable tile squares in this hands-on painting party. Crafty AF’s team will walk you through techniques while aprons and a nearby sink keep your clothes paint-perfect. Once your masterpiece is dry, show it off on optional display ladders or take it home. Creativity never looked so cozy.
🍷 Wednesday Wine Class @ El Gaucho Tacoma | Wednesday (7/2) at 6 pm – Journey south of the Andes with Sommelier Bryant Mason as your guide through Chilean varietals. Sip a curated flight, nibble on small bites, and soak up insider stories that pair as perfectly as cabernet and conversation. It’s a one-hour wine adventure you won’t forget.
🎆 July 3rd Extravaganza @ Cheney Stadium | Thursday (7/3) at 6:05 pm – Dust off your stars-and-stripes gear and feast on peanuts, hot dogs, and good ol’ baseball vibes as the Rainiers take on the Salt Lake Bees at 6:05 pm. Stay fired up for an epic post-game fireworks finale that’ll light up the South Sound sky. It’s the perfect pre-Fourth bash—freedom, family fun, and a side of America’s favorite pastime.
🛥️ YMF 4th of July Morning Cruise @ Foss Waterway Seaport | Friday (7/4) at 11 am – Celebrate Independence Day afloat on the Doolin-Rogers! Cruise Commencement Bay by day or catch fireworks at sunset with stunning views, chilled vibes, and memories that’ll outlast your sunburn. Limited tickets are sailing out fast, so snag yours before they vanish!
🎨 Bracelets for July 4th Craft Night @ Chick-fil-A | Friday (7/4) at 12 pm – Get crafty over chicken sandwiches at Chick-fil-A and string together your red, white, and blue pride. No glue guns, no stress—just beads, good company, and enough sparkle to rival those fireworks. Perfect for all ages and zero crafting experience required!
This weekend
🧠 Dementia Training for Caregivers 8 CEUs @ Visiting Angels Tacoma | Saturday (7/5) at 9 am – Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a family member on the frontlines, this hands-on workshop will turbocharge your toolkit for managing memory-related challenges. You’ll master communication hacks, behavior strategies, and safety tips, all while earning eight valuable CEUs. Connect with fellow caregivers in Tacoma’s coziest care hub and swap real-world insights. Don’t just care—care exceptionally.
🧙 The Oz Escape: A Wicked Glitch in Tacoma @ TBA | Saturday (7/5) at 10 am – Step into the streets of Tacoma and help Dorothy and friends outwit the Wicked Witch in a citywide, outdoor escape game that you kick off on your phone. Race against the clock or meander at your own pace solving puzzles and hunting down hidden clues among fellow adventurers—costumes and pets welcome. Sign up with up to six pals and prepare for a 90-minute whirlwind through Oz, where the only brick road you’ll follow leads to epic laughs and camaraderie.
🗺️ Groovy Gig Harbor Amazing Race & Tour @ Cutters Point Coffee | Saturday (7/5) at 1 pm – Grab your squad (and your pup) and ditch the ordinary coffee date—this is puzzles on wheels (or two feet!). Meet at Cutters Point Coffee to score your digital quest from a lively host, then zip through Gig Harbor’s hidden gems cracking zany clues and seizing bonus dares. Text your triumphant snaps and vids to rack up points—who knew exploring your own backyard could be this hilariously competitive?
🌌 Star Wars Unlimited – Legends of the Force Prerelease @ TeraCrux | Sunday (7/6) at 3 pm – Awaken your inner Jedi (or Sith!) at the Legends of the Force prerelease event! Get a first-look and hands-on play with the latest Star Wars Unlimited set—packed with iconic characters and Force-powered gameplay. Limited prerelease kits available—may the force be with your deck!
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/1 New Talent Tuesday @ Tacoma Comedy Club – 7 pm
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7/1 Master V.I.LE.’s Villains Ball @ RangerBar – 8 pm
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7/2 Champagne Sunday @ Old Town Park – 6:30 pm
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7/2 Rockaraoke @ Jazzbones – 7:30 pm
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7/2 The Karens @ The Valley – 8 pm
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7/3 Vibe Bingo @ Nate Jackson’s – 7:30 pm
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7/3 Thursday Karaoke @ Puget Sound Pizza – 9 pm
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7/5 Tim Cox Band @ The Spar – 7 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
Sponsored by: Gervon Simon (GQ Compass)*
This 1900 Craftsman on South M Street throws architectural tradition out the window with its basement garage that fits three cars. The kitchen recently got a full modern makeover with quartz countertops and stainless steel everything, while the rest of the house maintains that century-old charm in all the right places.
The backyard spans nearly a quarter-acre of fenced space, complete with a covered deck that’s perfect for avoiding rain and overly chatty neighbors.
With the primary suite conveniently located on the main floor and enough driveway space to host a small car show, it’s both historically charming and surprisingly practical.
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