Family events in Puyallup, WA

The 19th annual Oktoberfest Northwest Running of the Wieners is returning. After many requests, the event has been confirmed, and further details will be shared soon. Stay tuned for updates about this long-running tradition.

This monthly puzzle swap invites jigsaw fans to trade puzzles and discover something new to you. Any piece count is welcome, and there is no limit on how many you bring or take. Please label each box with whether the puzzle is complete and note household factors such as pets, smoking, or other potential allergens, a sticky note or similar tag works well. Items remaining at the close of the swap will be donated. If you are feeling unwell or someone in your household is sick, please wear a mask or plan to attend next month instead.

Water for Elephants (Touring) will be presented at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Seattle. Please note that the balcony is accessible only by stairs, as there is no elevator. For ADA accessible or companion seating, assistance is available by email at accessibility@stgpresents.org or by phone at 206-682-1414 ext. 5. The recommended age is 8 and older. Everyone must have a ticket regardless of age, and lap infants are not permitted. Purchases are limited to nine tickets per customer, and orders that exceed this limit may be canceled. For groups of ten or more, support is available at groups@broadwayattheparamount.com. Mobile barcodes will be issued four days before the performance, and TM+ resale and ticket transferring are delayed. All sales are final with no refunds or exchanges, and the venue may change delivery methods. Orders that do not follow these policies may be canceled without notice.

This free monthly series for young musicians and music enthusiasts takes place at The LAB at 1010 at Seattle Drum School of Music in Georgetown, Seattle. This edition features Groove Brothers & Co., plus an open mic and an improvisation jam that forms an instant band on the spot. Participants under 21 at any experience level can take part, and family members and supporters are welcome to attend. A full backline will be provided for the open mic. Free parking is available and the venue is on a bus line. The program is livestreamed on YouTube. Each month follows a similar format, beginning with the open mic, continuing with a featured act that includes at least one performer under 21, and wrapping up with the improv jam. The series is supported by 4Culture and Allen Family Philanthropies, and tax-deductible donations can be made through Allied Arts Foundation and Seattle Drum School of Music.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is a family-centered program where young children and their caregivers share songs, books, creative art, and playtime while exploring stories and traditions from East African heritage. Supportive facilitators from East African Community Services lead the activities to encourage growth and learning through play.

Mini camps are offered on no-school days for teacher in-service and conference schedules. Children enjoy energizing games, engaging activities, beginner-friendly gymnastics, and creative arts and crafts in a drop-off setting. Participants must be ages 2.5 to 10.5, fully potty trained, and comfortable separating from a parent or caregiver. Please send a small peanut-free snack and a clearly labeled water bottle. Enrollment is open to new, current, and inactive members, and no membership is required. Each session is $49, with savings available when purchasing multiple sessions, and one session equals one mini camp. Advance registration is required and space is limited. All children must wear My Gym grip socks, which can be purchased at checkout for $3.50 plus tax.

Monster Mash is part of Park Pop-Ups, a free, drop-in series that highlights a different theme each time. Celebrate the October focus on Halloween fun at Meridian Habitat Park with hands-on crafts, interactive games, festive music, and a bubbling Witches Brew punch. Costumes are encouraged, and surprise special guests may make an appearance.

Parrot enthusiasts in Tacoma gather for in-person playdates that welcome bird owners, professionals, supporters, and anyone curious about these companions. Those without birds are welcome to attend at no cost. Anyone planning to bring a bird must share veterinary records for each bird with Debbie before attending. Records should include a current CBC and blood chemistry within a year of joining, along with negative test results for PBFD, Psittacosis, and Polyoma. New participants are asked to visit without their birds first so introductions can be made and everyone can feel comfortable. Membership options come with perks. Bird oriented members can access a payment plan for veterinary services at pine tree, receive an annual calendar, and save 10 percent at the FCF store. Professional members may bring items to sell at playdates and receive a complimentary business card advertisement in the World Parrot Expo program. Supporter memberships are available for people without birds and include a discount and a calendar.

This relaxed rock painting session with Kira takes place at Café Elite Coffee Company in Lacey and welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels. All supplies are included, with a rock to decorate and take home and paint pens provided, creating a cozy coffeehouse setting for creativity and conversation. The cost is $10. Make a keepsake, craft a small gift, or simply connect with others in a friendly, low pressure environment.

A PNWVets community meet‑up and veteran connection gathering focuses on relationship building, honoring service, and shared purpose with the alliance recognized as the largest veteran‑led network in the Pacific Northwest. It is open to veterans, active duty, Guard and Reserve, military families, supporters, and community members. Participants can meet fellow veterans and families from across the region, learn about trusted local support networks and resources, and take part in community‑building activities. There are ways to get involved with no fees or fundraising, keeping the focus on community. PNWVets is a volunteer‑driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting veterans throughout the Pacific Northwest, supporting veterans and military families through peer networks, honoring those currently serving and those who have fallen, and cultivating authentic, local community one county at a time. The gathering emphasizes genuine, local connection that can be lifesaving.

This multi-day event offers flexible entry, as each ticket can be used for a single day. A special ladies night takes place during one evening of the festival. Military attendees receive complimentary admission with a government ID and may bring one companion at no charge. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Third Thursdays offer free admission, special programming, and extended evening hours, courtesy of Columbia Bank. The October edition highlights the 3rd Annual Filipino American History Month Commemoration presented by the Filipino American National Historical Society, Greater Puget Sound Chapter. This free program focuses on the significance of land in shaping generations of Filipino and Filipino American life in Washington state. It features Filipino American community organizations and vendors, along with performances, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect through shared history, culture, and traditions.

The third annual commemoration of Filipino American History Month offers a free community program presented by the Filipino American National Historical Society, Greater Puget Sound Chapter. The focus is on how land has shaped generations of Filipino and Filipino American life in Washington state. Filipino American community organizations and vendors will take part, and the schedule includes performances, demonstrations, and ways to connect through shared history, culture, and traditions. This gathering is part of the We the People Lecture Series, a Third Thursday offering when admission to the Washington State History Museum is free. The series invites reflection on what it means to be a Washingtonian and how that identity relates to the founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Each session approaches the theme from different perspectives, partnering with cultural groups, heritage organizations, Tribal museums, and educators to encourage participation and highlight the importance of sharing history. Programs blend talks, demonstrations, trivia, and performances to combine learning with enjoyment. The series contributes to Washington State’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Two films explore the waters and craftsmanship of the region. Echos of the Sound follows Hugo the orca and the Southern Resident killer whales, reflecting on how the community's relationship with these animals has changed over time. Makers on the Tide focuses on Tacoma's Willits Brothers and their decades of handcrafting red cedar canoes. The program emphasizes local history, the Salish Sea, and stories that connect people to the place they call home. A Q and A with all of the filmmakers follows.

At Tukwila Library, this family story time features stories, songs, simple movement, and rhyming activities that support early literacy development. No registration is required. To request disability accommodations, email access@kcls.org at least seven days in advance. Automated closed captioning is provided for online events.

A community pantry and clothing closet offers free food and apparel by appointment. To arrange a time, text Resource Coordinator Millie at 253-278-8861. This recurring effort is connected with Collaborative Partners Initiative (CPIN), a woman- and veteran-owned, community-based small business that focuses on building the capacity of small businesses and nonprofits. Through the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s Purpose Fund, CPIN provides direct support to local communities and organizations to encourage lasting change.

Enjoy a family-friendly evening of bingo at the Puyallup Activity Center. Play for prizes and snack on light refreshments, and feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and treats. Open to ages 6 and up, the cost is $5 per person. Advance registration is required because space is limited. Puyallup Park and Recreation is not accepting vendors for this event, so please disregard any requests for vendor payments.

Ben & Joe deliver a lively blend of blues, folk, and early jazz, mixing string band dance tunes and novelty numbers with irreverent banter and vivid storytelling. These award winning musicians present an all ages concert that aims to uplift and entertain, featuring rich vocal harmonies, fiddle and banjo breakdowns, traditional blues alongside revivalist folk songs, original pieces, and ballads that defy easy labels. Their set weaves spiritual truths with humor and history told with a wink. The duo has been honored by the Ethnic Heritage Council with the Gordon Ekvall Tracie Memorial Award for excellence in ethnic performance and for significant contributions to the development and presentation of traditional cultural arts in the Pacific Northwest.

A day of horse gaming and Halloween fun unfolds at Washington Horsemen Tacoma Unit #1. Registration kicks things off, followed by morning classes featuring Speed Barrels, Key Race, and more. Later, riders can take part in Halloween costume classes, then test their skills in a 50/50 jackpot under blacklight for barrels and poles. The Tacoma Lariettes take the arena for a special blacklight performance, and the festivities conclude with an awards ceremony. Early registration is $15. A Ride All Day Pass is $55. Jackpot entry for barrels and poles is $30. A canned food drive is included, and bringing a non-perishable donation earns a free raffle ticket.

Author Chelsea Lydell brings The Deaf Peacock Book Series to DeafNation in Seattle at Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. This appearance focuses on connecting with Deaf families, schools, libraries, interpreters, and community spaces across the country, and includes an opportunity to meet the author. The series is traveling to additional DeafNation stops such as Las Vegas, with more Northern and Southern California events to be announced.

Experience a hands-on, two-hour sail on Lake Union aboard Adventuress, a National Historic Landmark schooner. No prior sailing experience is needed. Once underway, participants can work with the crew to hoist sails or try the helm while learning about the lake’s distinctive marine environment and the history of the vessel. During the trip, enjoy elements of maritime culture such as a sea chantey or a brief talk from a guest or crew member, or simply relax and take in the sights. In recognition of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Sound Experience acknowledges the role of sailing ships in that story and expresses a commitment to a pluralistic society. The organization honors the diverse peoples who have lived on these lands for millennia, all who settled here, and the complex histories of the nation and Washington State. Through on the water education across the Salish Sea, it fosters environmental stewardship among youth and young adults. Infants from birth to one year are free but must have their own ticket. The US Coast Guard limits total passengers on board, including infants and young children, so ensure everyone in your group has a ticket before boarding. Sound Experience members receive 30 percent off Public Sails, including guest tickets, while supporting Adventuress youth education programs and gaining additional benefits.

South County Cats is holding its nineteenth annual feline festival and fundraising event. This cat-focused gathering offers a lighthearted atmosphere while raising support for South County Cats.

At Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, the Immune Deficiency Foundation presents a walk and community gathering focused on fundraising for people who are immunocompromised and for their families. Funds raised fuel research, advocacy, and practical resources that improve quality of life. The effort is rooted in solidarity with those who cannot face immune challenges alone, turning every step into meaningful support. National supporters include CSL Behring, Grifols, Amgen Rare Disease, ADMA Biologics, Pharming, Kedrion BioPharma, CVS Specialty, GC Biopharma, and Pfizer, with local support from Soleo Health.

Celebrate stories and imagination at The Emerald Kingdom with a sea-themed storytime led by a Mermaid Princess. Kids can craft a bookmark to take home, and families are encouraged to bring a new or gently used book to help fill the new public book exchange so neighbors can share reading together. Admission is free, creating a welcoming afternoon for young princes, princesses, and book-loving adventurers who enjoy storytelling, hands-on creativity, and a sense of community.

Enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly craft gathering on the third Saturday of each month. Try several hands-on projects created for all ages and experience levels, with offerings that change monthly and vary in complexity. It follows a drop-in format, so you can arrive at your convenience and sample multiple crafts. Light refreshments will be available. Admission is free, and optional donations help cover supplies. RSVPs are not required, but they are appreciated to help ensure there are enough materials for everyone.

ABRA Cadabra presents a live tribute to ABBA at the Federal Way Performing Arts Center, featuring favorites like Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Waterloo and more. Backed by more than 20 years of sold-out performances around the world, this family-friendly show celebrates the songs and energy that fans know and love. Audience feedback includes comments such as “Best show we’ve ever seen” and “Powerful, bang-on delivery with pure joy.”