Arts & Entertainment Community

Harbor Hapenings | Summer unofficially draws to a close

Posted on August 26th, 2025 By: Charlee Glock-Jackson

As summer unofficially comes to a close, this year’s Summer Sounds at Skansie concert series wraps up with The Infinity Project and their tribute to Journey on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Music starts at 6 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come early to claim a spot at Skansie Brothers Park.

A large crowd listens to The Mixed Tape at Skansie Park on July 8. Photo by Carolyn Bick. © Carolyn Bick

This week is also the final Waterfront Farmers Market of 2025. The market runs from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Skansie Brothers Park.

To end the season musically, Guilded Lily plays at 1 p.m., followed by Taylor Enio at 3:30 p.m.

Another sign of fall encroaching: School starts next week in the Peninsula School District. Students in grades 1 through 12 resume classes on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Kindergartners get their first taste of school life on Monday, Sept. 8.

The fountain at Skansie Brothers Park during opening day of the Waterfront Farmers Market on May 22, 2025. Photo by Vince Dice

Student art contest closes

Pierce Transit’s “Art in Every Ride” contest closes Aug. 31. The contest is open to all K-12 students in Pierce County.

Create a poster or write an essay (150 words or less) that celebrates the people, colors and sights of daily rides on Pierce Transit busses. The grand prize winner’s artwork will be featured on a Pierce Transit bus and showcased in the Tacoma Art Museum’s studio.

In addition, art by one winner from each age group will be displayed at a bus shelter, and all winning entries will be included in a poster that will be on display in October in every Pierce County library. Submit artwork here.

Mini golf fundraiser

The Gig Harbor Kiwanis Club will host a mini golf fundraiser starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at PenMet’s Community Recreation Center, 2416 14th Ave. NW.

The event includes a barbecue lunch, cornhole games, prizes and raffle baskets. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Entry fee is $20 per person, $70 per foursome or $15 for kids 12 and younger. Proceeds support Kiwanis programs including Kiwanis Cares for Kids, the preschool reading program, Key Club, KidVantage, AKtion Club and more. Register here.

At the library

The Animals of the World Club, for kids ages 5 to 10, meets at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, to talk about the remarkable animals in our world. The Nonfiction Book Club meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday to discuss this month’s selection. The library is located at 4424 Point Fosdick Drive.

Entries are now being accepted for a design of a new library card. The contest is open to anyone age 5 to 18 who lives or attends school in Pierce County. Get details here.

Book discussion

The Gig Harbor Literary Society meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Harbor History Museum, 4121 Harborview Dr., to discuss “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean.

The plot of the book: On the morning of April 28, 1986, a disastrous fire hit the Los Angeles Public Library, destroying hundreds of thousands of books. More than three decades later, the mystery remains: was it arson? And, if so, who was responsible?

Orlean, a New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author, weaves together a broad account of how important libraries are and how they enrich our lives. All are welcome, whether or not you’ve read the book.

Silent reading party

Kimball Coffeehouse hosts a silent reading party from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30. Bring whatever you’re reading or choose from a selection of books for sale.

Live music

Wildwood Angels plays covers of country hits at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the Olalla Winery. Tickets cost $15. On Saturday, Aug. 30, it’s Boots and Bubbly with country line dancing in the Winery loft. Tickets are $20. Reserve tickets here.

Chrissy Dykes plays pop with country and folk influences at The Beer Vault at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at 14004 Purdy Drive.

On Saturday, Aug. 30, Mock Defense with I Blame Beatrice takes the stage at Locust Cider at 6 p.m. Mondays are open mic nights at Locust Cider, with signups at 5 p.m. and music starting at 6 p.m. Locust is at 3207 57^th St. Ct., adjacent to the Inn at Gig Harbor.

At the movies

The Flashback Cinema movie at the Galaxy Theatres on Wednesday, Aug. 27, is “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” showing at 6 p.m. Flashback movies are just $4.

This week’s Summer Fest movie is “The Wild Robot,” showing at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27; and at at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. Starting Friday, Aug 29, the Summer Fest movie is “Hotel Transylvania” showing at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug 30; 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 1; and 10 a.m. and 3:35 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. Summer Fest movies are just $2.