Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off this weekend, and the Puget Sound region is gearing up to celebrate with a host of events showcasing Latino culture. Running from September 15 through October 15, the month-long festivities will include music, traditional dance, art, food, and more. This national holiday, originally observed as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, was expanded to a 30-day period by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to honor the contributions and cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The celebration coincides with significant independence anniversaries for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.

In Tacoma, one of the highlight events is the 4th Annual Fiestas Patrias, scheduled for September 14 from 12 PM to 8 PM at 5101 Yacht Club Road, Ruston, WA. This free, family-friendly event will feature a lively array of vendors, food, entertainment, and traditional Grito at noon. The celebration continues with performances by Mariachi and Banda, folk dancing, DJ sets, salsa dancing, games, and prizes, making it a day full of cultural immersion and community fun.

The Fiestas Patrias event is a vibrant representation of the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month, bringing together the local community to honor the rich traditions and contributions of Latino culture. As Tacoma and the surrounding areas prepare to join in these festivities, this month offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with and appreciate the diversity that enriches the Puget Sound region.

Lakewood Playhouse is set to open its 86th season with a spirited production of Godspell, the beloved musical by Stephen Schwartz, known for his work on Wicked and Pippin. The show kicks off on Friday, September 13th, and runs through September 29th, featuring a vibrant rock score, including the hit song “Day By Day.” Directed by Joseph C. Walsh, this production brings a fresh perspective to the story of Jesus building a community of followers, delivering parables from the Book of Matthew. The talented cast, led by Mykahla George as Jesus and Melvin Rouse Jr. as Judas/John The Baptist, is sure to captivate audiences with their performances.

Godspell promises to be a moving experience, celebrating themes of unity, spirituality, and love. With choreography by Deshawn Morton, scenic design by Jeremy Gregory, and music direction by Elijah Bellis, the production blends visual artistry with powerful storytelling. The Lakewood Playhouse’s intimate in-the-round setting will immerse the audience in the action, making for an engaging and memorable theater experience. Performances are scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM, and a special Pay What You Can performance on Sunday, September 22nd at 7:30 PM.

As the season opener, Godspell sets the tone for an exciting lineup at Lakewood Playhouse, which will include the holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life, The Laramie Project, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf, and The Spitfire Grill. Season tickets, Flex Passes, and single tickets are still available. To reserve your seats, visit www.lakewoodplayhouse.org or call the Box Office at (253) 588-0042. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this powerful and inspiring production!

Pacific Gallery Artists (PGA) invites local artists to expand their horizons by joining their vibrant community. Members can enjoy free live art demonstrations featuring techniques like painting with coffee, pourable acrylics, and glass art. PGA also offers workshops in various mediums, with last year's including alcohol inks. Membership, costing $50 annually, includes access to a video library of art tutorials and the opportunity to feature artwork on the PGA website. Meetings are held monthly from September through June at the Asia Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma.

The Pacific Gallery Artists (PGA), a long-standing organization dedicated to promoting fine arts in the Pacific Northwest, continues to thrive after 74 years. Since its founding in 1946, PGA has provided a welcoming and supportive environment for artists of all levels, including emerging artists. The organization offers monthly art demonstrations, an annual member art show, workshops, and a DVD instructional library. PGA's mission is to foster artistic growth and community, ensuring that members have access to new art forms and opportunities to exhibit their work.

The PGA is led by a dedicated board of members, with Nola Tresslar serving as President, and Joanne Weaver as Co-President. Other key members include Secretary Patty McPhee, Treasurer Shirley Petersen, and Program Chair Patty McPhee. The organization is committed to maintaining a strong, active presence in the art community, even as they adjust to new meeting locations and the challenges brought on by social and cultural changes.

Membership is open to fine artists working in various mediums, excluding jewelry, pottery, and specific crafts. The annual membership fee is $50, and members are encouraged to participate in the vibrant artistic community that PGA nurtures. For more information or to join, contact Shirley Petersen at 7408 - 71st Ave. Court S.W., Lakewood, WA 98498.

One Table, the innovative live theater experience that brings performances to local bars, restaurants, and cafes in Tacoma, is seeking new talent for its upcoming shows. Directors Masahiro Sugano and Derek Nunn are holding general auditions on September 8, 2024, from Noon to 3 PM at The Grand Cinema Lobby. This is an exciting opportunity for both seasoned performers and newcomers to join a unique theatrical project that blends monologues with dynamic scenes.

One Table’s performances are held quarterly and feature a duo of actors in 10-15 minute scenes, with storylines collaboratively developed by directors and actors. The process involves 4-5 rehearsals, both in person and over Zoom, allowing for flexibility and creative exploration. The directors welcome all levels of experience, and past shows have included both professional actors and first-time performers, making it an inclusive space for Tacoma’s creative community.

Those interested in auditioning can schedule their slot and learn more about the audition process by visiting the One Table website. The One Table team, including Anida Yoeu Ali, Derek Nunn, Masahiro Sugano, and Jesi Vega, encourages local talent to take part in this opportunity to bring compelling stories to life in some of Tacoma’s most beloved local venues.

Tacoma Arts Live is set to debut The Lemon Sessions, a series of four immersive performances that promise to be a feast for the senses. Running from September 12-15 at the Tacoma Armory, this event series will combine live music with stunning art projections by muralist Angelina Villalobos Soto. The unique setting—a lemon-shaped venue—will be filled with vibrant colors and music, creating an unforgettable experience that blends visual and performing arts.

The sessions offer a diverse range of flavors, including New Music, New Twist on September 12 at 7:30 PM, where cross-over musicians like Gretchen Yanover and Tracy & James K. Doyle push the boundaries between classical and contemporary music. The Mägi Ensemble Baltic Women’s Choir makes its South Sound debut in Crisp & Clean Voices on September 13 at 7:30 PM. On September 14 at 7:30 PM, Hip Hop Lemon Drop will feature DJ Shamwow's beats and a B-boy/B-girl dance cipher hosted by Ariel Advincula, while The Immersive Sound Bath on September 15 at 1:00 PM offers a tranquil experience with sound healer Julia Francis.

Audiences are encouraged to engage fully with the experience—whether by signing up to perform in the dance cipher at Hip Hop Lemon Drop for free admission or bringing a yoga mat to the Immersive Sound Bath. Tickets are $18 per session, or $65 for all four. Purchase your tickets and immerse yourself in this tangy blend of art and music at tacomaartslive.org.

Tacoma residents have several upcoming opportunities to provide input on important city planning initiatives.

Home in Tacoma: The final opportunity to submit written feedback on the Home in Tacoma plan is September 23rd. A public hearing is scheduled for September 24th. For more details and to submit comments, visit cityoftacoma.org/homeintacoma.

Four Corners Visioning (South 19th & Mildred Streets): Community members are invited to participate in a survey by September 26th to help shape the vision for the Four Corners area. Two open houses will be held on September 25th at Tacoma Community College (TCC). For more information and to participate, visit the survey link.

Pierce Transit Long-Range Plan: Pierce Transit is holding an in-person meeting on September 14th and a virtual meeting on September 18th to gather public input on its long-range plan. For more information and to participate in these meetings, visit PierceTransit.org/Long-RangePlan.

Community feedback is crucial for these initiatives, so residents are encouraged to take part and share their perspectives

On August 28, Pierce Transit marked the beginning of a systemwide bus stop shelter upgrade with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lakewood, attended by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and other local officials. The event highlighted the installation of new, modern shelters along Bridgeport Way W., made possible by a $2.5 million Community Project Funding grant, supported by Congresswoman Strickland and Senator Patty Murray, and additional funding from the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Federal Highway Administration Equity Pilot Program and Pierce Transit’s local funds. These upgrades aim to enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall transit experience for Pierce County riders.

The new shelters, featuring a sleek black design, smaller glass panes for easier and cost-effective repairs, bench seating, and solar lighting, are being installed across Pierce Transit’s 292 square mile service area. With a focus on low equity and high ridership neighborhoods, the project will see 93 upgraded shelters installed by the end of the year. Pierce Transit plans to replace about 20% of its more than 500 shelters annually, depending on funding availability. The initiative reflects Pierce Transit’s commitment to improving the rider experience, with Board Chair Kristina Walker emphasizing that these upgrades demonstrate the agency’s dedication to putting riders first.

Join the Tacoma Historical Society on September 13th for their monthly program, "Disposable Fashion," presented by THS Director Jessica Smith. This intriguing event will explore the fascinating trend of paper dresses that took the 1960s fashion world by storm, with a special focus on the Tacoma News Tribune's own paper dress artifact. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about this unique textile piece and the broader fad it represents.

The event will be held at the Tacoma Historical Society, located at 406 Tacoma Ave S. Doors open at 6:00 PM for exhibit viewing, with the talk beginning at 6:30 PM. The event is free to the public, with donations accepted either through Ludus or at the door. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact THS at (253) 472-3738 or info@tacomahistory.org.

The 2024 Washington Bike, Walk, Roll Summit, organized by Cascade Bicycle Club, will take place from September 30 to October 3. This year's summit will focus on transportation equity, bringing together advocates, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss and advance active transportation initiatives across the state. The event will feature workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at creating safer and more accessible walking, biking, and rolling infrastructure. For more information and registration details, visit the Cascade Bicycle Club website.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is hosting its Summer Blast event on Saturday, September 9, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The event features a variety of activities, including live music, animal encounters, and special presentations. Attendees can enjoy the zoo’s exhibits while participating in fun and educational experiences designed for all ages. The event is included with general zoo admission or membership. For more details, visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium website.

Puyallup Tribal Member Damian Castellane will soon be featured in the Netflix movie "Rez Ball," a film produced by LeBron James. The movie, based on the book "Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Reservation," follows a Native American high school basketball team's quest for the state championship and celebrates Native culture and resilience.

Another proud moment for the tribe came when Dan Sandstrom, the Tribe’s Hunting Director, sang the national anthem at a Seattle Mariners game during Native American Heritage Night, fulfilling a personal dream.

The Puyallup Tribe also reminds the community of the Fishing War Memorial event on September 7th and announces that Tribal Administration Offices will be closed on September 9th in observance of Fishing Wars Recognition Day.

Additionally, the Tribe is offering career opportunities through Puyallup Tribal Enterprises, the economic development arm of the Tribe, with various positions available.

For more details on these stories and upcoming events, including the Netflix movie featuring a Puyallup Tribal Member, the Fishing War Memorial, or career opportunities, visit the Puyallup Tribe of Indians' official website or check out their latest community newsletter. You can also contact the Tribe directly at 253-573-7800 or visit their offices at 3009 East Portland Ave, Tacoma, WA. For more updates, follow the Tribe on their social media channels.

Metro Parks Tacoma has introduced the "Agents of Discovery" app, an interactive mobile game that encourages users to explore local parks while completing educational challenges. The app transforms a visit to parks like Point Defiance, Swan Creek, and more into an engaging adventure, blending physical activity with learning about nature and conservation. The app is free to download and offers a fun way for families and individuals to connect with the environment. For more information, visit the Metro Parks Tacoma website.

Join in on the fun at the Thirsty Dog Run on September 7 at Titlow Park, a dog-friendly race perfect for runners and walkers alike. Participants will enjoy root beer floats at the finish line, and all dogs are welcome as long as they stay on leash throughout the event. While canine companions are encouraged, they are not required, so feel free to bring family and friends. Early registration is recommended to save on the entry fee. For more details, visit Metro Parks Tacoma's website.

On September 12, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM, Project Homeless Connect (PHC) will host a resource fair at First Christian Church, 602 N Orchard Street, Tacoma. The event offers crucial services for those experiencing homelessness or at risk, including health insurance enrollment, free phones, veterans' services, career building, haircuts, dental services, and more. Free lunches and giveaways will also be available. This is an opportunity to connect with essential support and resources.

The WFEA Greater Tacoma Chapter is hosting a seminar for festival organizers on September 18, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Fair View Club, Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup. The event will cover developing DEI toolkits, insights from sponsors, and strategies for finding grants. The seminar includes a keynote luncheon and opportunities to network with industry experts. Registration is $19 for WFEA members and $25 for non-members. For more details and to register, visit the WFEA website. www.wfea.org

Tacoma City Theaters, managed by ASM Global, is expanding its team and looking for enthusiastic individuals to join their dynamic event staff. Open positions include Event Coordinator, Event Custodian, Production Coordinator, and Event Ushers. If you’re passionate about live events and ready to make an impact, this is your opportunity to be part of the action. For more information and to apply, visit bit.ly/TCTjobs.

The City of Tacoma is looking for dedicated individuals to fill 14 vacancies on various Committees, Boards, and Commissions. Open positions include the Audit Advisory Board, Board of Ethics, Community’s Police Advisory Committee, Landmarks Preservation Commission, and Tacoma Arts Commission. Applications for some positions are due as early as September 8, 2024. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in your community and bring your voice to city governance. Learn more and apply at City of Tacoma.