Upcoming Events

"Power Play" Art Contest

Last chance to submit your artwork!

Contest ends today! We want the youth of Eastside to create an empowering image showcasing the connection between play and heart health. Help us add color and art to Verlo Playfield and inspire your community members.

Lifeguard Training Pre-Course Swimming Assessment

Wednesday, May 1; 3:30 pm

Eastside Community Center

Get the training you need to become a lifeguard! Sign up for a free pre-lifeguard training swimming assessment - just in time for summer!

Already certified? Submit a job application today!

Mindfulness Walks

Friday, May 3; 1 pm

Wright Park

Free! Be led through a series of mindfulness practices that will cultivate present-moment awareness, awe, and an appreciation of plants and the natural world.

Opening of Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater Show and Bugs Alive

May 4-5; 1 pm

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

The Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater Show and Bugs Alive! all are set to kick off May 4, 2024 at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium!

Spring Swap Meet

Saturday, May 4; 9 am-3 pm

The Point Defiance Marina

This is a great opportunity to buy, sell and trade fishing, boating, paddling, and water recreation gear and equipment! Admission is free as always, and registration for booths is now open.

Family Nature Walk

Saturday, May 4; 9 am-3 pm

Owen Beach

(Ages 3+) Explore Tacoma Parks during these naturalist-led walks.

Swan Creek Trail Run

Saturday, May 4, 10 am

Swan Creek Park

This weekend! Lace up your sneakers and get ready for a family-friendly fun run at Swan Creek Park on Saturday, May 4

Coffee with the Birds - May Program: Swallows

Sunday, May 5; 9-11 am

Meet outside Titlow Lodge

Free! (Age 16+) Join us for Dancing Goats coffee as we discuss a special topic about birds found in Titlow Park, followed by a bird walk through the park.

Mother's Day Paddle

Sunday, May 12; 9 am-12 pm

Meet at Foss Waterway Seaport

(Ages 10+) Instead of giving mom flowers this Mother’s Day give her an experience.

Park Spotlight

On-Leash Dog Party: Wednesday, May 8; 4 pm

Tai Chi Demo in the Park: Sunday, May 12; 1 pm

Manitou Park

Free! Come out and play at your neighborhood park! Connect with your community at Manitou Park. We’ll have both passive and active programming occuring throughout the 2nd week of May.

On-Leash Dog Party, Bring your furry friends and meet other dogs in the neighborhood.

Tai Chi Demo in the Park, Tai Chi instructor Ronny will be on-site to provide a Tai Chi demo based on 6 easy to learn movements.

Tacoma Trails Challenge

May 25 - June 16

The Tacoma Trails Challenge is a 3-week-long event encouraging exploration of our local parks and trails. Being in nature is good for your mental and physical health. Complete 5 challenges or log 25 miles from May 25-June 16 to earn badges and win prizes. It’s FREE! 

Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival

Saturday & Sunday, June 1 & 2; 11 am-6 pm

Tickets now on sale

The Point Defiance Flower & Garden Festival on June 1 & 2 is the perfect place to find garden inspiration, shopping, and fun! Free and ticketed experiences make this an that everyone can dig into.

High School Teen Late Night

Weekly Every Friday; 7-11 pm

All 4 Center Locations

New Hours Begin May 3! Youth in grades 9-12 will have fun with friends in a safe, supervised setting.