Happy Friday, 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 weekend ahead.

📰 In the news

Council fast-tracks police hiring: Tacoma approved $50,000 signing bonuses to lure experienced Washington officers amid a budget deficit and 30 vacancies. The city projects full staffing by 2027 and has about 40 applications — read the bonus breakdown.

Goodwill shifts its style: After more than a decade in Proctor, the Tacoma Blue Goodwill Boutique will close Sept. 30. Discounts are on, and the 6th Ave store will add an On Trend section — see closure details and discounts.

Launching conservation careers: Paid internships at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek offer stipends, mentorship, and experience. Interns built habitats, aided vet care, and one was hired as a keeper — learn how to apply.

Highlights this week

• Access coordinated entry and navigation support
• Drop-in help at District Court Resource Center
• Attend free Pierce County Alzheimer’s conference
• Celebrate and fund Hilltop food sovereignty

Experience mechanics who care

There’s a difference between mechanics who just fix cars and those who genuinely love them. And you can feel the difference the moment you walk into Emily’s Garage.

Their team of dedicated car enthusiasts understands that your vehicle isn’t just transportation. It’s your daily companion that deserves proper care and maintenance.

From routine services to complex repairs, they won’t steer you wrong. You’ll get an honest, upfront price on the work, and then it will get done quickly. There are no hidden or add-on fees.

Visit their website to set up your next service today.

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🫶 We got your back

Twin dessert cafes debut: Downtown Tacoma just scored two sweet spots. Eather Tea and Cafe is pouring Vietnamese coffee plus matcha and milk teas, with boba add-ons and waffle desserts. A few blocks away, Lune Cafe landed with its viral Dubai chocolate strawberries loaded with knafeh and pistachios, plus other playful sweets. Explore menus and locations.

New heights of fun: Tacoma just got an Urban Air Adventure Park, and it’s way more than trampolines. Think ropes courses, laser tag, bumper cars, and a zipline. Parents can join at half price, and there are Family Night and Sensory Friendly sessions. Local owners plan a Tukwila spot in 2026. See attractions, deals, and nights.

Market: Fresh veggies, homemade jams, slightly too confident street musicians, and the joy of overbuying produce you swear you’ll cook with this week, Proctor Farmers Market is basically Saturday morning.

Modern health: Willow is changing the weight management game with sustainable, flexible, and modern plans to help you feel your best. All their docs are board certified, and you get unlimited access to your physician (AKA… you’ll be in good hands). Take this 2-minute assessment to get started.

Learn something new: If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language, meet italki. They match you with native speakers for personalized lessons starting at just $5/hour. With 150+ languages to choose from and flexible scheduling, you won’t need to rearrange your life (or start a side hustle) to achieve fluency.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →

Today

💉 All American Tattoo Convention @ Greater Tacoma Convention Center | Friday (9/12) at 12:00pm – If you’ve been itching for fresh ink or just want to ogle serious artistry, Tacoma’s tattoo scene gathers under one roof, from old-school flash sheets to avant-garde sleeves. Expect buzzing machines, local food trucks, and conversations about how real art belongs on your skin.

🤼 SOS Pro Wrestling – Honor Among Thieves @ Edison Square | Friday (9/12) at 7:30pm – Edison Square’s weekend vibe usually means overpriced tacos and amateur karaoke, but now we’re diving into pro wrestling with hula skirts swinging mid-brawl. Expect colorful characters, island flair, and enough body slams to cure your midlife boredom.

This weekend

🚙 Avants Wagonfest @ LeMay – America’s Car Museum | Saturday (9/13) at 10:00am – Dust off your roof rack and cruise into LeMay’s Car Museum for the universe’s biggest station wagon reunion, where wood-paneled woodies mingle with sleek mom-mobiles. No speed demons here, just tailgates, nostalgic vibes, and bragging rights for your own longroof.

🛍️ Vintage Yard Market @ Brass Cactus Vintage | Saturday (9/13) at 10:00am – Tacoma’s only true vintage market is about to fill the front and back yard with racks of retro threads, quirky home décor, and dusty collectibles you didn’t know you needed. It’s the final hurrah ’til summer 2026, so bring comfy shoes and empty pockets.

🎶 Les Greene & The Swayzees @ McMenamins Elks Temple | Saturday (9/13) at 4:00pm – Shake off the cubicle blues at the Spanish Ballroom and catch Les Greene & The Swayzees, the guy who channeled Little Richard in “Elvis.” This isn’t your aunt’s smooth jazz night. Expect high-energy roots rock, killer riffs, and grooves that’ll make your recliner jealous.

👟 Walk to Defeat ALS @ Harry E. Lang Stadium | Sunday (9/14) at 10:00am – Whether you’re chasing toddlers or enjoying a solo stroll, this community walk teams old buddies, new neighbors, and that overexcited Labrador against ALS. It’s laid-back, family-friendly, full of cheeky high fives, and each step actually fuels real research.

☔ Rainfest @ Steel Lake Park | Sunday (9/14) at 10:00am – Sure, it’s always raining in Federal Way, but that makes the city’s annual shindig at Steel Lake Park more authentic: free workshops on sustainability, kid-friendly crafts, local environmental groups, and a snack stand that never judges your third pulled pork sandwich. Rain or shine fun.

💎 Neil Diamond Legacy Concert Tribute @ Pantages Theatre | Sunday (9/14) at 7:30pm – Think you still know every word to “Sweet Caroline”? Jay White, world’s top Neil Diamond tribute act, and his band are hitting our stage with Cherry Cherry, America, and more, so dust off your bolo tie and prove you can still hit those shower vocals.

Next week

🎸 Mix N Match Jam Night @ Real Art Tacoma | Monday (9/15) at 6:30pm – Grab your air guitar or actual six-string and head to Real Art Tacoma for a Mix N Match Jam Night, where you can solo, join a pro backup band, or just cheer on neighbors over Beyond ThunderDome seltzers and sandwiches. It’s all-ages, totally drug-free, and fun.

⚾ Tacoma Rainiers vs. Oklahoma City Comets @ Cheney Stadium | Tuesday (9/16) at 12:05pm – When the Rainiers host the Comets at Cheney Stadium, forget tailgate chaos with Summit Club access and a parking pass. Skip the lines, snag a game-day dog in style, and pretend you’re a VIP under the lights. Baseball bliss guaranteed.

🎥 Priced Out @ University Place Pierce County Library | Tuesday (9/16) at 6:00pm – Get the inside scoop on Washington’s mobile home park residents in this documentary screening, then grill the Cascade PBS reporters in a no-nonsense Q&A. It’s your excuse to enjoy popcorn, get real about housing struggles, and unleash some local sarcasm.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 9/12 Constant Debauchery and more @ McMenamins Elks Temple – 7 pm
• 9/12 Sheng Wang @ Pantages Theatre – 7 pm
• 9/12 Left Coast Dreamers @ Lazy Ballerina Wine Bar – 7 pm
• 9/12 The Take Off @ Vibe Dive Lounge – 8 pm
• 9/13 The Tonze @ The Spar – 7 pm
• 9/14 The Drive Through and more @ McMenamins Elks Temple – 5 pm
• 9/14 Everclear @ Emerald Queen Casino – 7 pm
• 9/15 We The Kingdom and more @ Washington State Fair – 7:30 pm
• 9/16 Jake Shimabukuro @ Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center – 7 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Tacoma edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Denise Christofferson (Keller Williams Realty PS)

Perched above Commencement Bay, this Tacoma gem keeps things easy with an effortless yard, zero HOA, and a front-row seat to sweeping water views. The living room’s window seat is made for storm watching, while the sunroom upstairs is pure plant-parent heaven.

A classic dining nook, main-floor bedroom, and walk-in shower add comfort and flexibility. Out back, the patio is ready for summer hangs, and the detached two-car garage with EV charging is a rare find. Just minutes to Ruston Way, Point Defiance, and the Proctor District, this spot nails the balance between convenience and character.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →