I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Tacoma is a special place to call home. We have an incredible community, countless small businesses to support, and tons of events to stay connected. Even though we’re a city, something about living here makes you feel so connected, and I give a major credit to the folks that make this place feel like home.
As we head into colder months and the holiday season, you might find yourself with a little extra time on your hands, or craving community and connection. There’s no shortage of things to do and people to meet here, so I decided to put together a guide to plug into the Tacoma community this season.
It doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Sometimes, it starts with trying one new place or showing up to something that catches your interest. So here’s my recommendations of how to get started!
Check Out Local Businesses in Your Neighborhood
One of the easiest ways to feel more connected to Tacoma is to spend some time exploring the businesses around you. It’s easy to fall into a routine of ordering things online or driving to the same familiar spots, but some of the best local finds happen when you take a different route or finally stop into that shop you’ve been meaning to visit.
Tacoma has many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality. I’d encourage you to start in your own neighborhood, connecting with the people and places that are close to home. From there, you can spread out – check a business your friends are obsessing over, or take a drive through a new neighborhood to see what you can find.
The best part of shopping locally is that it can become part of your everyday routine. Find a new favorite lunch spot, get to know the people behind a business, or make a point of visiting a different neighborhood each month. Supporting local businesses means supporting the Tacoma community as a whole. It’s a great way to plug in, get connected, and get to know the people that make Tacoma all that it is.
Volunteer for a Cause That Feels Meaningful to You
Community isn’t just about connecting with your neighbors – it can also be about the people you show up for. Volunteering is a great way to meet others, contribute to something bigger than yourself, and feel more connected to the place you live.
The key here is to find a cause that genuinely matters to you. Maybe you care about food access, animal welfare, environmental conservation, youth programs, or making arts and education more accessible. You don’t have to commit to a huge ongoing responsibility, either. A one-day event, occasional volunteer shift, or seasonal donation drive can be a meaningful place to start.
Here in Tacoma, the City of Tacoma’s volunteer program is a helpful resource for exploring opportunities connected to local initiatives, community events, environmental work, and social services. You can also look into organizations serving Pierce County, depending on the issues you care about and the kind of time you have available.
One local favorite of mine is the Tacoma Tree Foundation. They work to educate about and distribute trees to all corners of Tacoma in hopes of increasing the tree canopy here. They have a number of ways for you to connect and volunteer from education events to actually planting the trees. Wintertime is the best time to plant, after all!
Another local option of mine for the creatively inclined is Remakery Tacoma, a creative reuse nonprofit that offers community workshops and events focused on reusing materials and making things by hand. If you love creativity and sustainability, you could look into helping with event support or other volunteer needs. It’s a nice example of how volunteering can connect you with people who share your interests while supporting a mission you believe in.
Learn a New Skill in Person
If you’ve been wanting to try something new, this is your sign to get out of your comfort zone and learn it in person. Online tutorials are great, but there’s something different about being in a room with other beginners, learning from someone with experience, and getting to practice alongside people who are figuring it out, too.
Taking a class gives you a reason to get out of the house, develop hobbies outside of work, and potentially meet people you wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with. It’s also a great way to support local businesses, artists, and makers who earn an income by sharing what they love to do.
Tacoma has plenty of opportunities to explore your interests. Think about what you’ve been curious about but haven’t made time for. Maybe it’s cooking, dancing, learning to lift weights, or finally trying a craft you’ve saved on Instagram a dozen times. Choose something that sounds fun, sign up for a class, and give yourself permission to be new at it. Even if it doesn’t become a lifelong hobby, you’ll have tried something different and created an opportunity to connect with others.
Make Time for Local Events
Sometimes, the easiest way to feel part of a community is simply to show up. Local events give you a chance to experience what’s happening around you, discover new interests, and spend time with people who care about the same city you do.
Tacoma has a great arts and culture scene, and there’s more happening than you might realize. From art walks and makers’ markets to live music, neighborhood festivals, museum events, and community workshops, there are plenty of ways to spend an afternoon or evening without having to travel far.
A good place to start is the Tacoma Arts event calendar, which highlights activities like performances, exhibitions, workshops, festivals, and screenings. You can also keep an eye on the Tacoma Public Library’s event listings for community programs and creative activities. Many library events are free, making them an easy option if you’re looking for something low-cost.
And don’t overlook the smaller events happening right in your neighborhood. A local business might host a craft night, a bookstore could have an author talk, or a community organization might organize a seasonal gathering. Following a few Tacoma businesses and organizations on social media is a simple way to hear about things before they pass you by.
Final Thoughts
Building a connection to your community doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to involve a big lifestyle change. Start by visiting a local business, trying a class, volunteering for a cause you care about, or putting one community event on your calendar. Tacoma has so much to offer, and the more you explore, the more opportunities you’ll find to connect with the people and places that make this city special.
Ready to get started? Send me a message or schedule a complimentary consultation to get the ball rolling.