The best arts & culture spots in Tacoma

“Chihuly Garden and Glass delivers art-fireworks with a 100-foot Glasshouse sculpture, a lush garden designed to amplify color, and galleries spanning over 40 years.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 5, 2026

“The 5th Avenue Theatre brings big-hearted musicals to a restored 1926 vaudeville gem, complete with a jaw-dropping Chinese-inspired interior. If your week needs a little spectacle and a lot of live music, settle in and let the music do the heavy lifting.”

From the Shoreline newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Backstreet Tango is Tacoma’s dedicated Argentine tango studio, fully accredited and focused solely on the dance’s passion, musicality, and close embrace.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Whether you’re curious about pole fitness, lyra, or aerial silks, Athena Vertical Dance runs welcoming, safety-minded classes taught by seasoned instructors in Tacoma. Book a class or grab a friend for a studio party, then leave feeling stronger, braver, and slightly obsessed with hanging upside down.”

From the Kent newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, the museum includes items from icons ranging from Bo Diddley to Bob Dylan.”

“4-story museum on an 8-acre campus displays cars, trucks & motorcycles in historic & tech exhibits.”

“Large educational museum with aircraft & space vehicles on display, plus historical exhibits.”

“University of Washington museum explores Northwest history from dinosaurs to Native American life.”

“S. military.”

“Museum full of optical illusions that visitors can experience and photograph themselves.”

“Historic seaport featuring maritime history & local culture exhibits, plus view of the bay.”

“Diverse indoor & outdoor glass-art exhibits plus a cone-shaped studio with working artists.”

“19th- & 20th-century works by American & European painters plus a range of rotating exhibitions.”

“Neighborhood museum covering Scandinavian immigration, culture, art & history.”

“Rotating science exhibits plus laser light shows, a tropical butterfly house & IMAX movie theaters.”