Tag: History

Dia de los Muertos and Discovering Downtown Tacoma

The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Your Día de los Muertos Festival Visit with Tacoma’s Best

If you’re heading to the annual Annual Dí­a de los Muertos Festival at the Tacoma Art Museum, don’t stop at the celebration itself. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect centerpiece for a full day exploring Tacoma’s vibrant Museum District and surrounding attractions – all within about five miles of the museum.

The 22nd annual festival takes place Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented in partnership with Mi Centro, it honors the traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates the lives of departed loved ones through colorful ofrendas (community altars), a traditional tapete (sand painting), live music and dance performances, hands-on art-making workshops, food vendors, and local artisan goods. It’s open to everyone of all ages; advance timed-entry registration is required (and free, with a pay-what-you-can option), and you can also pre-order the festival T-shirt at that time.

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the vibrant traditions, colorful altars, and community spirit at the museum, the surrounding area offers easy, walkable (or short drive) options that keep the whole family engaged. Here’s how to turn your visit into a memorable day of art, history, play, nature, and good food.

Start or Extend the Art Experience in the Museum District

Tacoma’s compact Museum District puts several standout attractions just steps or a short stroll from the Tacoma Art Museum.

Right next door, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma is ideal for younger visitors. Designed for babies through about age 12, it features nature-inspired playscapes, an art studio stocked with supplies, and open-ended play spaces. Admission is pay-what-you-will, making it accessible for every family. It’s a natural complement to the festival’s hands-on art activities and keeps energy high after time spent looking at ofrendas.

A short walk across the free, outdoor gallery of the Chihuly Bridge of Glass leads to the Museum of Glass The distinctive cone-shaped building houses contemporary glass art and a working Hot Shop where you can watch live glassblowing demonstrations – fascinating for kids and adults alike.

A few blocks away sits the Washington State Historical Museum. Interactive exhibits cover everything from Indigenous history to the region’s industrial growth, and the large model railroad of early 20th-century Tacoma often captivates visitors of all ages.

Slightly farther along the waterfront (still under a mile), the Foss Waterway Seaport explores Tacoma’s maritime heritage with exhibits, historic boats, and hands-on elements in a restored warehouse. Admission is free (donations welcome), and the setting along the Thea Foss Waterway adds a scenic outdoor dimension.

Stretch Your Legs: Parks and Waterfront Views

Between festival activities, burn off some energy outdoors. For fresh air and a chance to run around, head to Wright Park. Roughly a mile from the museum, this 27-acre arboretum features hundreds of trees, open lawns, walking paths, and the charming W.W. Seymour Conservatory filled with tropical plants and seasonal displays. It’s free, peaceful, and perfect for a picnic or simply letting kids burn energy between museum visits.

For bigger views, head to the waterfront. A ten-minute drive will take you to Ruston Way, a local waterfront destination packed with family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll the Waterwalk, browse local shops, enjoy waterfront dining, and take in spectacular bay views. The area has become one of Tacoma’s premier destinations for recreation and relaxation.

Families frequently spend several hours here walking along the shoreline, enjoying ice cream, shopping, or simply watching the water. It is particularly appealing for festival attendees looking to continue their day in a casual and scenic environment. Dune Peninsula, a hilltop park at Point Ruston, has sweeping bay views and a playground that will make the kids’ day.

Eat, Drink, and Unwind at Local Restaurants and Pubs

Festival food vendors will cover traditional options during the event, but downtown Tacoma has plenty of nearby spots for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a post-celebration drink. Many are family-friendly with options that work for mixed ages.

Seafood fans can try Tacoma Fish Peddler on Dock Street, or for something with a bit more flair, Indochine Asian Dining Lounge serves Tacoma’s best Asian fusion inside a converted 1904 candy factory. For something a bit more elevated or adult-oriented later in the day, Elks Temple Hotel – McMenamins (on Broadway) delivers classic Northwest pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails in a historic building with great views.

Puget Sound Pizza hand-tosses local favorites a few blocks south, and Mikey’s Public House and Frog Bar – directly across Pacific Ave from the museum – fires up wood-fired pizzas with handmade, locally sourced toppings. Old Spaghetti Factory – Tacoma is practically across the street and a family favorite for generations.

Craft Brews and Community Pubs

Tacoma’s brewing heritage runs deep, and the downtown “Brewery Blocks” pay homage to the trade that built the neighborhood. Within a few steps of each other you’ll find Tacoma Outpost Pizza – Camp Colvos Brewing and The Living Taproom, where you can pick and pour your own brews.

Just down Pacific Avenue from the museum, Odd Otter Brewing Company pours creative small-batch beers in an unpretentious taproom, while nearby E9 Brewing Co. celebrates its status of Tacoma’s first brewery with their own suds and handcrafted pizzas. Prefer whisky and soccer? Doyle’s Public House on St. Helens Avenue has been Tacoma’s beloved local hangout for years. Most taprooms are family-friendly during the day, and several welcome well-behaved pups on the patio, so nobody gets left behind.

Rainy Day Backup Plans

November in the Northwest means weather can be unpredictable. If the skies open up, downtown has you covered – literally. Duck into King’s Books, the area’s largest independent bookstore with 150,000 titles; battle it out at Dorky’s Arcade on Pacific Avenue; catch an indie film at the nonprofit Grand Cinima; or hunt for treasures along Antiques Row, on Broadway and Commerce Streets between S 7th and S 9th, where multi-level shops like Savoy Special Vintage invite hours of browsing. Theater lovers can check the schedule at the historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters, both beautifully restored 1918 venues in the Theater District.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Full Day

Register for your timed entry to the festival early so you can plan the rest of your itinerary around it. Parking is available under and around the Tacoma Art Museum (paid, with an all-day option). The area is also served by Pierce Transit buses and the Tacoma Link light rail, making it easy to hop between stops if you prefer not to walk to everything.

Wear comfortable shoes – the Museum District is compact and walkable. Check individual museum websites for current hours and any special programming, as some operate Wednesday–Sunday or similar schedules. The festival itself runs until 5 p.m., so you can start early at a nearby museum or park, enjoy the Día de los Muertos activities, then finish with a meal or more exploring.

Tacoma’s downtown rewards dawdling. The combination of the heartfelt, colorful Día de los Muertos Festival with world-class glass art, hands-on kids’ spaces, history, outdoor green space, and solid local food creates an easy, all-ages day that feels special without requiring long drives or complicated logistics.

Celebrate life, memory, and culture at the Tacoma Art Museum, then let the surrounding neighborhood fill in the rest of the story. Register for the festival, pick a few nearby stops that match your group’s energy, and make a full day of it. You’ll leave with more than festival memories – you’ll leave with a deeper sense of what makes Tacoma’s cultural heart so lively.

Beyond the Brisket: Discover Dupont

Make a Full Day of Your Visit to the Annual DuPont BBQ Cookoff

The Annual DuPont BBQ Cookoff returns to Clocktower Park every August, and it’s the perfect reason to turn a weekend of championship barbecue into a full South Sound adventure. Hosted by American Legion “Pat Tillman Memorial” Post #53, the free-admission event draws thousands for KCBS-sanctioned competition, BBQ samples, live music, a beer garden, vendor marketplace, and free kids’ activities like inflatables, face painting, and games. All proceeds support local veterans and youth programs.

The good news is that once you’ve sampled world-class barbecue and explored Vendor Row, there is plenty more to see and do. Whether you’re arriving early, taking a break between BBQ tastings, or extending your stay into the evening, DuPont offers activities for visitors of all ages. Nearly everything recommended here sits within about five miles of Clocktower Park, so you can walk, short-drive, or hop the free event shuttles and still stay close to the smoke and the fun.

The Heart of the Action: Clocktower Park Itself

Clocktower Park is more than the event venue. Its namesake tower, open turf, playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and paved paths make it a natural gathering spot before or after sampling. Arrive early to claim a shady spot, let kids burn energy on the play equipment, or simply people-watch as the aroma of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork fills the air.

Step Back in Time at the DuPont Historical Museum and Historic Village

Just a short walk or very short drive away, the DuPont Historical Museum tells the story of this unique place – from Native American roots and the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Nisqually to the DuPont Company’s explosives plant (which gave the town its name) and the modern planned community of Northwest Landing. Exhibits include artifacts, photos, a dynamite train display, and a “Life in a Company Town” permanent installation. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Walk or Hike the Sequalitchew Creek Trail

One of the best family-friendly outdoor options starts practically at Clocktower Park’s doorstep. The Sequalitchew Creek Trail is an easy out-and-back route that winds through a forested canyon, past historic markers and old railroad remnants from the dynamite-train era, and down to a quiet beach on Puget Sound. The core trail is roughly 3 miles round-trip with modest elevation change; the longer version via the park stretches to about 6 miles if you want more time outdoors.

It’s dog-friendly on leash, good for strollers on the more level sections, and packed with wildlife viewing – birds, the occasional deer, and lush greenery. If you’ve indulged in a few extra BBQ samples, the trail provides the perfect excuse to stretch your legs. Pack water, bug spray (especially in warmer months), and a picnic to enjoy at the beach.

Catch a Breeze in Steilacoom

One of the prettiest little waterfront towns in Washington sits just five minutes north of DuPont. Steilacoom wraps around the eastern shore of the Sound and rewards an unhurried afternoon. Stroll the historic downtown, browse the antique shops and small galleries, then head to Saltar’s Point Park. This tucked-away gem offers 500 feet of saltwater shoreline, picnic shelters, a footbridge over the railroad tracks, and views across the water to Ketron and Anderson Islands – a perfect spot to let kids skip stones while grown-ups decompress.

Stretch Your Legs at Fort Steilacoom Park

South of DuPont in Lakewood, Fort Steilacoom Park is one of Pierce County’s best-kept secrets: 340 acres of trails, open fields, and forest anchored by Waughop Lake, which is encircled by a flat, paved 5K loop that’s ideal for strollers, scooters, and little legs. There’s a playground, a historic cemetery and orchard from the old territorial fort, and on clear days, sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the Olympics. Pack a frisbee or a kite – the big open hillside is made for it.

Fuel Up at Local Pubs and Restaurants

When hunger strikes before (or after) your BBQ samples, you don’t need to leave town. Most of these spots cluster along Wilmington Drive and nearby streets, well within a couple of miles of the park.

  • McNamara’s Pub and Eatery A longtime local favorite, McNamara’s Pub & Eatery offers a welcoming Irish pub atmosphere. Expect shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, burgers, and a solid beer selection in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Farrelli’s Pizza Located just minutes from Clocktower Park, Farrelli’s is well known for its wood-fired pizzas, family-friendly environment, and comfortable dining room. It’s ideal for groups or families looking for a delicious and easy meal.
  • Bruceskis Sports fans and casual diners often enjoy Bruceski’s Pizza & Bar for its relaxed atmosphere, pizza selections, buffalo wings, and beverages.
  • Sushi Pho You If you’ve had your fill of smoked meats and are looking for something completely different, Sushi Pho You, a highly rated local restaurant, offers sushi, pho, teriyaki, and other Asian-inspired dishes.
  • Bliss Small Batch Creamery No summer outing is complete without dessert. Bliss Small Batch Creamery serves handcrafted ice cream and is a favorite stop for both residents and visitors.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day

Come for the brisket, stay for the community, and discover why thousands of visitors continue making the DuPont BBQ Cookoff a summer tradition year after year. After all, great barbecue is even better when it’s part of a great day.

  • Getting around: Free parking and shuttles ease congestion. Many restaurants and the museum are walkable or a short hop from the park.
  • Timing: Sample hours are limited (typically midday into afternoon), so plan outdoor or museum time around them. Kids’ activities at the Cookoff are free and ongoing.
  • Sample strategically. Championship BBQ samples are bought with $3 BBQ Bucks (most samples run just 1 to 2 Bucks), so grab a booklet early and pace yourself across categories – brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and chicken.
  • Shop Vendor Row. The vendor marketplace is a destination of its own, packed with handcrafted goods, specialty foods, and local artisans.
  • Keep the kids busy. Children’s activities and games are free, and the inflatable zone will burn off any lingering energy from the trail.
  • Relax in the beer garden. Cold local beer, live music from noon onward, and the smell of smoke in the air – this is what August in the South Sound is all about.
  • Come on Friday night. The weekend kicks off with the BBQ Kickoff Banquet on Friday evening, featuring Texas-style brisket and pulled pork from J&C BBQ & Catering, live music, and cold drinks. Advance tickets are $40 and strongly encouraged.

Make It More Than a Festival Visit

The DuPont BBQ Cookoff is already a standout Pacific Northwest tradition. Layer in a trail walk to the Sound, a stop at the historical museum, playground time at one of several parks, and a meal at a neighborhood pub or restaurant, and you’ve built a full day that showcases the best of this quiet, history-rich community next to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Come for the championship barbecue and live music – stay to discover the trails, parks, and welcoming local spots that make DuPont worth exploring.