What’s happening on the Ave?
Our upcoming events are all about connection, creativity, and collaboration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the experience.
Drag Story Time
We will be reading 2 books and have a dance party after! The main performance event typically lasts 30 minutes with an additional 30 minutes for pictures, shopping, and general shenanigans.
Performers may rotate and the books will all be different.
These are family friendly events.
Please know that our performers deserve tips for all of their hard work! So please bring cash or be ready to donate to their venmo. Wigs ain't cheap!
We look forward to seeing you for a sparkly good time!
Learn More
Tacoma Porch Fest
Porchfest is a free community festival transforming Central and North Tacoma into an all-ages, walkable music celebration.
How does it work? Residents within the festival boundaries sign up as porch hosts, and performers are matched to these cozy "stages," creating a festival that is large in scale (over 300 bands in 2025), yet intimate and neighborly. Visit Site
Hilltop Artists annual Arts Night Out Block Party
Mark your calendars—the Hilltop Artists annual Arts Night Out Block Party returns this August! Join Hilltop Artists and our community partners for a night of free fun, food, music, and artmaking
The annual Arts Night Out Block Party is coming up on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 from 4 – 7 PM. 500+ community members join us at Hilltop Heritage for an afternoon of games, crafts, glass demos, food and treats. Along with many local community and youth-serving organizations, we will also be featuring our entrepreneurial alumni in the returning Alumni Artists Market during this year’s event.
Swing by the hot shop at Hilltop Heritage to see live glass blowing; grab a refreshing treat, enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, and get out on the dancefloor with a live DJ!
Art on the Ave 2026
Art on the Ave returns to Tacoma's 6th Ave. Business District!
Presented by TAPCO Credit Union and the 6th Ave. Business District, this annual festival brings artists, makers, musicians, food vendors, small businesses, community organizations, and neighbors together for a day of connection and creativity along 6th Ave.
Guests can explore local artists and vendors, enjoy live entertainment, visit food trucks, and take part in family-friendly activities throughout the event. Art on the Ave highlights the creativity, local character, and community spirit that make Tacoma’s 6th Ave. Business District a vibrant gathering place for the community.
Come enjoy Tacoma's largest street fair on August 9. We'll see you on The Ave.!
Vendor applications are live! Click HERE to register.
La Paloma Art Markets
Join us for the La Paloma Project Art Market- a two date community market series filled with local artists, vintage finds, handmade goods, live music, children’s activities and good energy all around.
June 13 11am-3pm
June 27 11am-3pm
Drag Story Time
We will be reading 2 books and have a dance party after! The main performance event typically lasts 30 minutes with an additional 30 minutes for pictures, shopping, and general shenanigans.
Performers may rotate and the books will all be different.
These are family friendly events.
Please know that our performers deserve tips for all of their hard work! So please bring cash or be ready to donate to their venmo. Wigs ain't cheap!
We look forward to seeing you for a sparkly good time!
Learn More
La Paloma Art Markets
Join us for the La Paloma Project Art Market- a two date community market series filled with local artists, vintage finds, handmade goods, live music, children’s activities and good energy all around.
June 13 11am-3pm
June 27 11am-3pm
UNDERGROUND SOUND x ART ON THE AVE 2026 ARTIST CALL
UNDERGROUND SOUND x ART ON THE AVE 2026 ARTIST CALL
Underground Sound is partnering with the 6th Avenue Business District to select the official August 2026 cover artist for the Underground Sound zine in celebration of Art on the Ave.
The selected artist will have their artwork featured on the cover of the August issue and on limited-edition merchandise.
ART GUIDELINES:
Art on the Ave has long represented creativity, community, connection, self-expression, music, local culture, and the unique spirit of Tacoma’s 6th Avenue district.
We invite artists to interpret this feeling in their own unique way.
As an artist:
What does Art on the Ave represent to you?
How would you visually express the energy, creativity, and community spirit of the Ave?
Literal or abstract interpretations are welcome.
GRAND PRIZE ARTIST RECEIVES:
Featured cover artist placement on the August issue of Underground Sound
$150 artist payment
Profit share from T-shirt sales
Recognition through Underground Sound and 6th Ave Business District social channels
Artist spotlight on the 6th Avenue Business District website
Opportunity to showcase artwork within the Underground Sound booth at Art on the Ave 2026
RUNNER-UP ARTISTS:
Additional selected artists may also be featured through limited-edition collaboration merchandise, social media spotlights, booth displays, and artist promotion during the event.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Submission Deadline: June 30, 2026
Selected artists will be notified by mid-July.
Art on the Ave Event Date:
Sunday, August 9, 2026
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Please include:
Artist name
Email address
Phone number
Instagram/social media links
Website
Short artist bio
Artwork submission (file upload)
ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS
High-resolution 300 DPI PNG
Vertical format preferred
Original artwork only (no AI generated or copyrighted material)
TERMS & CONDITIONS
By submitting artwork, the artist confirms that the submission is their original work and grants Underground Sound and Art on the Ave/6th Avenue Business District permission to use the artwork for promotional purposes related to the contest, event marketing, social media, print materials, merchandise, and related publicity.
*Artists retain ownership of their artwork.
Drag Story Time
We will be reading 2 books and have a dance party after! The main performance event typically lasts 30 minutes with an additional 30 minutes for pictures, shopping, and general shenanigans.
Performers may rotate and the books will all be different.
These are family friendly events.
Please know that our performers deserve tips for all of their hard work! So please bring cash or be ready to donate to their venmo. Wigs ain't cheap!
We look forward to seeing you for a sparkly good time!
Learn More
Get ready for a fresh new look this spring!
Join us for our Spring Frame Show on Tuesday, May 12th from 3–7 p.m. — an afternoon of style, color, and fun. Whether you're updating your everyday frames or looking for something bold and different, you’ll find it here.
We’re especially excited to welcome designer Mehran Baghaie of Spectacle Eyeworks! Known for his fearless, unconventional style, Mehran will be here in person to custom style you. If you’ve ever wanted expert guidance (and a little fashion adventure), this is your moment.
Explore These Standout Collections:
Maui Jim sunglasse
The best sunglasses from Hawaii
Mauijim.com
Spectacle Eyeworks
Bold. Expressive. Unapologetically different. From chunky statements to vintage-inspired glamour, these frames are made to stand out.
https://www.spec-eyeworks.com/retro/
Faniel Eyewear
Fun, creative and stylish
Fanieleyewear.com
Bellinger House Eyewear
Colorful, creative, and full of personality—designed to bring something new and exciting to your everyday look.
https://bellingerhouse.com/
https://bellingerhouse.com/optical-frame
Studio Optix
Featuring Erkers1879, NW77th, Tocco, and Neighbors. Think bold colors, adventurous shapes, and even customizable options to make your frames truly yours.
https://www.studiooptyx.com/nw77th
Woodys Eyewear
Born in Barcelona with a playful spirit, these vibrant frames celebrate individuality and creativity.
https://woodyseyewear.com
Mad in Italy
Artistic, expressive, and a little daring—Italian design at its most fun.
https://madinitaly.com
Enjoy delicious refreshments by Russo Pizzarium while you browse, try on, and discover your next favorite pair.
Bring a friend, try something new, and leave with a look you love. We can’t wait to see you.
Hilltop Artists Spring Glass Sale!
Celebrate the renewal of spring with the Hilltop Artists Spring Glass Sale!
Discover glass creations, from exquisite accessories to elegant vases and sculptures, all handcrafted by our young artists. Shop the outstanding Alumni Artists Market, featuring original artwork from generations of Hilltop Artists alumni.
Plus, see how the art is made—you’ll have a front row seat to watch the creative process in our Studio classroom. The Hot Shop will be buzzing with collaboration between students, instructors, and alumni.
Free timed tickets are required for Sale entry until 11:30 AM. A small selection of timed tickets for each shopping window are available in person beginning at 9 AM on May 2nd. Learn more and get tickets.
Capital Access: Revolving Loan Fund 101
Join the City of Tacoma’s Community & Economic Development for a workshop designed to help local businesses understand and navigate the City’s Revolving Loan Fund. This session will provide an overview of the City’s Micro and Gap loan programs and offer practical guidance on how to prepare a strong loan application.
Register and learn more: makeittacoma.com/events
P&L Show & Tell: Small Business Workshop with Fernseed
Get a real world look at the numbers behind running a small business. Join the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department for a practical, straightforward profit and loss workshop led by Katherine Raz, founder of The Fernseed. This session will break down the financial realities of operating a storefront business, from revenue and expenses to margins and day-to-day decision making.
Registration and to learn more: makeittacoma.com/events
ABC Physical Therapy's 25th Anniversary!
Open house to celebrate 25 years serving Tacoma!
April SABD Meeting
Join. us for our SABD general meeting at Avelon Ballroom. Add to your calendar
Event Five
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Four
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Three
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event Two
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Event One
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.