Benson Lecture: Tami CharlesApril 15, Reception 4pm, Lecture7pmFreeTami Charles, former educator and New York Times bestselling author visits PLU for a lecture on her children’s books focused on black history, liberation, ingenuity and black joy.Pacific Lutheran University Anderson University Center12180 Park Avenue S, Parklandplu.edu/education/jolita-hylland-benson-education-lecture/253.535.7272 

Nature Alphabet – I is for ImaginationApril 15, 10 – 11:30amAges 2 – 6Pre-registration required.Adults Free, Ratio 1:1Preschoolers explore different nature topics through stories, hands-on activities, nature walks and crafts at the Tacoma Nature Center.Tacoma Nature Center1919 S Tyler St, Tacomametroparkstacoma.org253.404.3940

50+ Trip – Tulip FestivalApril 16, 9am – 4pmSpace is Limited.Re-registration is Required.Food not included.50+ Trips with Metro Parks Tacoma are a great way to explore new places around Tacoma and beyond. Join us for a small group trip to Mount Vernon, WA for the Tulip Festival. The trip includes transportation from a Metro Parks […]

Five For FightingApril 17, 7:30pmTo date, Five For Fighting, has released six studio LPs. Singer-songwriter and performer John Ondrasik has penned major hits including the chart-topping “100 Years,” “The Riddle,” “Chances,” “World,” and “Easy Tonight,” which have earned tens of millions of streams and place him as a top-10 Hot Adult Contemporary artist for the […]

University of Puget Sound Jazz OrchestraApril 17, 7:30pmDirected by Tracy KnoopFreeEnjoy the upbeat sounds of the UPS Jazz OrchestraUniversity of Puget SoundSchneebeck Concert Hall1500 N Warner St., Tacoma253.879.3741 | pugetsound.edu/events 

Comedy UndergroundApril 18, 7:30pmComedy Underground is back to make you laugh. Each event features a new slate of touring comedians that are sure to make you laugh out loud! Recommended for ages 18+.Washington Center Black Box512 Washington St SE, Olympiawww.washingtoncenter.org 360.753.8586

Washington State Spring FairApril 18 – 21Spring is in the Fair! Escape the winter freeze with two full weekends in Puyallup: blooming with rides, fuzzy critters and local flavor.Washington State Fair & Event Center.110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallupthefair.com/spring-fair/, 253.845.1771 

Hands on Children’s Museum After Hours:  BeerCraftApril 19, 7 – 10pm21+Enjoy a night that celebrates craft brewing and showcases some of the best local breweries, cideries, and specialty beverage purveyors. Explore samples from 14 specialty brewers and chat with the experts as you eat, drink, and play your way through the Museum!Hands on Children’s Museum414 […]

The Red Hot Chilli PipersApril 19, 7:30pmIt’s Bagpipes. It’s Rock. It’s Bagrock. AC/DC meets the poet Robert Burns. Where rock anthems sit comfortably alongside the great tunes from the glens and the mountains of Scotland.It’s The Red Hot Chilli PIPERS – (NOT the Peppers!) — a 9-piece ensemble consisting of pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers.Washington […]

Madama ButterflyApril 19 – 21Experience the poignant beauty and emotional depth of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece presented by the Tacoma Opera.This operatic jewel tells the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young and naive Japanese geisha, known as Butterfly, who falls deeply in love with Pinkerton, a dashing but insincere U.S. Navy officer.Rialto Theater310 S 9th St, Tacoma253.627.7789, […]

23rd Annual MetroParks Parks Appreciation DayApril 20,Come together to lend a hand to keep parks beautiful, our community strong and connected, and be a good steward of the earth on April 20. Spruce up local parks by trimming limbs, grooming grounds and maintaining restoration areas.MetroParks Tacoma locations:Pt Defiance Marina, 9am – noon, MyImpactPage – Chip In […]

Classics V: Dreams & DancesApril 20, 7:30pmSarah Ioannides, conductorLeelanee Sterett, hornDe Falla: Suite from El Amor BrujoStrauss: Concerto No. 1nArturo Márquez: Danzón No. 2Kodály: Dances of GalántaEl Amor Brujo is De Falla’s homage to the folksongs and dances of Andalusian Gypsies. Strauss demonstrates his understanding of the potential of the horn’s role as a solo and instrument. Gina Gillie’s Reverie […]