Events in Lakewood today

NW Poke Fest returns to University Place with a free outdoor event that welcomes families and fans alike. Browse a lively card vendor row and a creative artist alley, let kids enjoy a dedicated play zone, and dive into activities that include a binder auction, a PokeWalk, pack battles, and plenty of photo opportunities. The event highlights community support with Mary Bridge Children's Foundation as the charity partner. Opportunities to RSVP, volunteer, or donate are available through the organizers. This is an independent fan event and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by The Pokemon Company International, Nintendo, Game Freak, or Creatures Inc.

Now in its fourth year, Hot Barker Nights celebrates the legacy that began at Barker’s Barn, created to honor a father’s passion for classic cars, craftsmanship, and community. What started as a heartfelt gathering has grown into a highly anticipated summer car show in the Pacific Northwest. Returning to Washington State Fairgrounds, the 4th Annual Hot Barker Nights Car Show showcases a wide range of vehicles, including classics, muscle cars, customs, hot rods, domestic and import builds, motorcycles, and lowriders, alongside the enthusiasts who make this community vibrant. The focus reaches beyond the vehicles, highlighting family, tradition, and a shared enthusiasm that connects generations, with excitement building as engines roar to life. All ages can attend, and participation is open to all makes and models. Ticket details will be announced soon.

A playful century ride pairs long-distance cycling with a rolling taste tour of Dick’s locations. Riders set off from the Federal Way Dick’s and follow a clockwise route that visits eight additional spots, covering roughly 105 miles with some hills along the way. Participants are invited to take on a food challenge during the ride, aiming for at least five burgers and a total of nine menu items across the stops. The spirit is simple... pedal, refuel, and see if you can keep up with both the mileage and the menu.

At Dumas Bay Centre, FUSION’s annual gala focuses on the meaning of home, honoring the security, stability, and sense of belonging every family should have. Guests are welcomed into a warm, uplifting setting where thoughtful touches, moving stories, and memorable moments bring a mission to help families transition out of homelessness to life, with more than 500 people coming together in support. The evening includes a delicious dinner, signature drinks, interactive games, and a wide selection of live and silent auction items. Every bid and gift helps unlock opportunities, building steadier foundations for parents and brighter paths for children. More than a celebration, this gathering underscores a shared belief that everyone deserves a place to belong. Guests may wish to arrive with friends and dress for an elegant, inspiring night filled with generosity, heart, and hope.

A headline boxing showcase presented by EQC Boxing in partnership with WFC comes to Emerald Queen Casino. Attendees must be 21 or older, and a valid ID is required for entry. Doors are expected to open about one hour before the show begins.

Discover handmade goods and original art at a Makers Market that highlights independent artists and local makers. The event takes place on the lower level, with convenient access by elevator or stairs. If the weather cooperates, there may be additional vendors set up outdoors. Those interested in participating as a vendor can find the application through the ticket link.

An outdoor community market offers free food, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and other items. Goods will be available until they are gone. Everyone is welcome, and bringing your own bags is encouraged.

Presented by TAPCO Credit Union and the 6th Ave Business District, this annual street festival fills Tacoma’s 6th Ave Business District with art, music, food, and community connections. The celebration brings together artists and makers, musicians, food trucks and vendors, small businesses, community groups, and neighbors for a full day centered on creativity and family-friendly fun along 6th Ave. Attendees can browse work by local creators, enjoy live performances, sample a range of eats, and take part in activities for all ages. Spotlighting local talent and neighborhood character, it is known as Tacoma’s largest street fair. All vendor spaces are filled. #AOA26

A friendly competition at the Lakewood location features four rounds with prizes in every round. First place takes home a cool, nerdy reward, while second and third place receive a tasty cookie baked in-house.

Sharpen your volleyball attack at a focused hitting clinic led by Emerald Rain coaches at Pierce College, Lakewood Campus. Instruction starts with core mechanics and progresses to targeted drills so athletes can build solid technique and put up consistent, effective swings through quality repetitions. Players from any school or club are welcome, whether you are waiting for team practices to begin or looking to develop specific parts of your game. The fee is $40 per clinic, per athlete.

A week devoted to fantasy creatures such as dragons, mermaids, and unicorns invites learning about legends from around the world, discovering them in books, and creating new ideas through imagination. The week concludes with a graduation ceremony on Friday.

This group ride begins at the entrance to Point Defiance and circles the park. It follows a no-drop format with the option to complete one or two loops. Helmets are required for safety and insurance purposes.

Attendees gather at The Camp Bar for a relaxed Moto Monday meet-up hosted by SCREAMIN BEEZ SC CLUB. The focus is on community, conversation, and supporting the scooter scene in a casual, welcoming setting.

Discover how cosmic energies shape your astrological chart in a foundational astrology course. Guided by host Ren Stuart, this series introduces the core building blocks of chart interpretation, helping participants understand the influences that guide their path. The full course is offered at $30 per class, or $180 for the complete series.

Jet Cities Chorus hosts open rehearsals for women who love to sing, welcoming both experienced vocalists and those new to group singing. Guests are invited to observe or join in, all within a relaxed and supportive setting focused on making music together and building community. The atmosphere is informal and there is no obligation, offering an easy way to experience the chorus firsthand. For questions, contact jetcitieschorus@gmail.com.

An experienced Emerald Rain club trainer works with youth athletes to improve vertical jump by teaching proper jumping and landing mechanics. Each session is independent, making it easy to attend as needed. The fee is $40 per session. Training is held at the Pierce College Lakewood campus.

An introductory artistic swimming session for swimmers who are comfortable in deep water and able to swim a full length of the pool. The sport blends elements of dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading, offering a fun way to build skills in the water. Registration includes a free swim cap and nose clip.

Celebrate summer at Fort Steilacoom with an event featuring macrame and pottery, highlighting woven and thrown creations.

Settle into a weekly gentle yoga class at Northwest Wellness that invites you to slow your pace, reconnect with yourself, and move with clear intention. Each session blends grounding breathwork, mindful movement, and postures adjusted to the needs of the group, with attention to alignment, ease, and the natural benefits of each shape. Many participants finish feeling centered, energized, and calm. On the first Tuesday of each month, the class shifts to a full Yoga Nidra experience, a deeply restful guided meditation practiced lying in Savasana that supports integration, helps lower stress hormones, and encourages profound restoration. The cost is $15 per class, and class passes are available at 10% off. To reserve a spot, call Northwest Wellness at (253) 927-0660.

Discover the wildlife of the shoreline during a guided walk at Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park. Naturalists from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium lead a relaxed stroll at low tide, pointing out tiny crabs and other beach-dwelling animals while sharing insights about the diversity of local shores. No RSVP is needed. Check in at the event tent on the sand near the Owen Beach parking lot and complete on-site registration. Please plan to check in within 15 minutes of the listed start time. This event is free.

Explore the Salish Sea shoreline at Dash Point State Park on a low tide beach walk led by Harbor WildWatch biologists and volunteer naturalists. Get hands-on with the intertidal world by carefully observing and, when appropriate, gently touching tidepool creatures like sea stars, crabs, and anemones while learning about their adaptations, responsible beach etiquette, and simple actions that support ocean health. This family friendly outing welcomes all ages and experience levels, including school groups, first timers, and seasoned beachcombers. It takes place rain or shine, so dress for changing weather. Wear closed toe footwear that can get wet and muddy, such as rain boots, water shoes, or old sneakers, and consider bringing water, sunscreen, layers, and a snack. The walk generally lasts 60 to 90 minutes, and participants may head out earlier if needed. The program is free, with a suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the park, available as a $50 annual pass or a $10 day pass online in advance or at park pay stations. Park in designated spaces and display the pass. Meet in the grassy area near the picnic tables before heading to the beach, and look for Harbor WildWatch staff and volunteers in blue. Latecomers can find the group on the shoreline. The route follows a gently sloping beach with stretches of cobble, gravel, sand, and mud, plus occasional boulders. Restrooms and drinking water are available.

All summer long, the planetarium presents a rotating selection of children’s programs, with one presentation each Wednesday and two on Saturdays. Young attendees can collect stickers in their Children’s Show Passports as they experience the full series of fun, interactive shows. Each session is live and designed for ages 3 to 10, with a runtime of about 45 minutes. Every child must be accompanied by an adult who holds a ticket. The lineup features Pluto and Friends, Motions and Patterns, Magnificent Moons, Wild Weather, Our Sun is a Star!, Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors, Oh My!, Journey to the Center of the Galaxy, and My Colorful Universe. General admission is $8. Pierce College students receive free entry with a valid student ID. Use the ticket link to purchase tickets.

Local readers gather for a relaxed daytime book club with welcoming conversation. Attendees are welcome to bring a beverage or snack to enjoy during the discussion. There is no cost to attend, and RSVPs are appreciated to help with planning and can be made through the Lakewood Bookstore events page.

Explore culinary traditions from the past and practice or refresh your period cooking skills. All experience levels are welcome, including beginners with no background in historical cooking. For questions, contact Baroness Angharat @Jonnalyhn Wolfcat Prill. Photo courtesy of Oonagh Lorene.

Country and roots music take center stage at the Spanish Ballroom in an all ages, full band showcase featuring Christie Huff, Joel Gibson Jr., and Cody Bartels. Christie Huff is a Nashville-based country singer-songwriter who pairs heartfelt storytelling with a modern pop touch. Her Arizona background and frequent co-writes keep her closely tied to the country community. She has toured across the U.S. and abroad, appeared at rooms like the Troubadour, the Bluebird Cafe, and Whiskey Jam, and has shared bills with Keith Urban, Eric Church, and Jason Aldean. Her latest EP, "Finer Things," is out now, and she is set to perform at the Vikedal Roots Music Festival in Norway. Joel Gibson Jr. brings a mix of originals and familiar covers that span genres, reflecting his country and rock roots. He has played kickoff parties for Watershed and Pendleton Whisky Fest and has opened for Zach Top, Drake Milligan, Chris Janson, Joe Nichols, Trace Adkins, Paul Overstreet, Allie Colleen, and Ned LeDoux. A Washington native known as the Eclectic Outlaw, he has built a following throughout the Pacific Northwest and is currently touring in support of his album "Eclectic Outlaw." Cody Bartels, a Tacoma-based singer-songwriter, blends country, blues, and rock. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest shaped his take on traditional country-western, and he brings a honky tonk spirit that fits a wide range of settings.

Music on the Square brings a lively summer Wednesday gathering to Market Square with the Rafael Tranquilino Band delivering a high energy blend of traditional blues and power trio hard rock. Born in Mexico City, Tranquilino began his career performing with prominent blues and rock artists there, then moved to the United States in 2006 to serve as lead guitarist and musical director for the Randy Oxford Band, touring widely across North America. He formed his own band in 2011, earned multiple Best Guitarist awards from the Washington Blues Society, and has headlined major national blues festivals. Longtime Seattle radio host Jonathon 'Oogie' Richards has praised his passionate, crowd-thrilling playing. Expect great tunes, a welcoming community feel, and tasty options from the Blues Buttahfly food truck. The concert takes place at Market Square in front of the Civic Building, and free parking is available.

Tacoma Astronomical Society offers a free workshop for anyone curious about amateur astronomy, hosted in the Science Dome in the Rainier Building at Pierce College. Experienced amateur astronomers share practical guidance on how to begin, what to consider when selecting a telescope, basics of astrophotography, and safe methods for observing the Sun. The session also addresses using binoculars for stargazing, points to helpful learning resources, and explains whether club telescopes are available to members. Participants can expect clear answers to common questions and a straightforward path to exploring stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more.

At the Federal Way Performing Arts & Event Center, this solo exhibition gathers a carefully chosen group of works that trace the artist’s creative path and interests. The presentation welcomes visitors into a reflective, immersive experience within a lively community arts setting.

Spend time with fellow fans of Star Wars Legion during a casual play session for this Star Wars tabletop strategy game. Tables and terrain are provided. Players tend to come and go throughout the day, and many coordinate matchups in advance in the Star Wars Legion LFG channel on Discord.

Barstool bingo anchors a lively mix of activities that also includes Shake A Shift, pull tabs, darts, and pool. Happy hour is available, and the kitchen serves for a limited window or until items run out. Queen of Hearts tickets are sold on Sundays for a drawing that day, with sales closing ahead of time.

Practice English through conversation in a free class open to learners of every level. No registration is required. Simply drop in and participate.

Groove Nation brings Top 40 favorites to Puyallup’s Concerts in the Parks at Pioneer Park, presented by Ted Brown Music. Billed as the Northwest’s number one Top 40 band, this free outdoor performance is part of a summer series that pairs live music with the Puyallup Night Market, where food trucks and vendors set up each week. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating, and please plan to lower pop up tents and large umbrellas before the music begins. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted in Puyallup parks, and concerts may be canceled if the weather turns. Non perishable food and hygiene items will be collected at each concert for the Puyallup Food Bank. Vendor spaces are not open, and any unofficial vendor solicitations are scams. Support from community and presenting sponsors, including Ted Brown Music, helps provide family fun throughout the summer.

Octopus Ballet performs as part of the Curran Apple Orchard Summer Concert Series at The Curran Apple Orchard Park. Admission is free. Bring family, blankets and a picnic to enjoy the music, and remember that alcohol is not permitted in City parks. If the weather does not cooperate, the concert will move to the Curtis High School Cafeteria.

Sing your favorite songs at Puget Sound Pizza in downtown Tacoma. Karaoke takes place every Wednesday through Saturday, and drink specials are available.