Arts & Entertainment

Whether you’re looking to be entertained or enlightened, Gig Harbor Now covers fun and informational events taking place in the community.

Two in Tow & On the Go | Local places to take kids over mid-winter break

Feb 16, 2024 | By:

When we first moved to Washington, our family was surprised to find that many school districts here offer mid-winter break — a bonus five days off school around President’s Day each February. Given that we just had two weeks off school during the holidays for regular ‘ol winter break, we couldn’t believe this break was

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Harbor Happenings | Exploring local links to Steinbeck and a famous journey

Feb 14, 2024 | By:

Most locals know about the connection between Gig Harbor’s early settlers and Croatia. But the city also is connected with Monterey, California and Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. Historian Michael Kenneth Hemp will discuss the links and historical timelines of West Coast settlement, migration, first peoples, fisheries, local boat building and world-famous literary events at 2

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Two in Tow & On the Go | ‘Manhunt,’ bonfire and more DeMolay memories (Part II)

Feb 10, 2024 | By:

I first visited Fox Island’s Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Park in 2021, when the kids and I were still the seeking out the Puget Sound’s elusive “real sand” beach after moving here from California. At the time, I’d never heard of the word “DeMolay” before. But I figured it was the last name of a local

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Two in Tow & On the Go | The history of the DeMolay club behind this PenMet park (Part I)

Feb 09, 2024 | By:

The sandspit is a slice of Washington geography that’s truly special around here — and unlike any place we’ve ever been. But, did you know this nature preserve also has a uniquely interesting social history filled with mystery and intrigue? Namely, in its past relationship to … a secret society. Have I got you hooked yet? Read on.

Have I go

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Harbor Happenings: More than 200 get a Night to Shine this week

Feb 07, 2024 | By:

More than 200 people with special needs will be treated like royalty with an evening of dancing, food, karaoke, limo rides and more at the annual Night to Shine celebration at the Tom Taylor YMCA on Friday, Feb. 9. The free, prom-like fun starts at 5 p.m. with an on-site hair-and-makeup-styling salon, flower corsages for

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City Council reinstates Creative Endeavor grants

Jan 30, 2024 | By:

The city of Gig Harbor’s $35,000 Creative Endeavor grants program is back on.  During a study session in November 2023, the council unanimously agreed to suspend the five-year-old grant program, which supports the arts. But a crowd turned out to criticize the move at the Dec. 11, 2023 council meeting. Many others emailed or called

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Harbor Happenings: Gorge on crab for a good cause

Jan 30, 2024 | By:

As the days get longer and warmer, the calendar is filling up with events and activities that educate, entertain, fill the belly, mind and spirit – and just bring people together. The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation hosts its annual crab feed at the Eagles Club at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Dinner includes all-you-can-eat fresh

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Gig Harbor Now and Then: Steel buckets and hard work put out 1923 fire

Jan 29, 2024 | By: Greg Spadoni

Gig Harbor Now and Then’s question from last time concerned a major fire at the north end of Gig Harbor in 1923 that destroyed several waterfront buildings. A group of unorganized volunteers saved all the structures on the opposite side of the road. Question: What firefighting equipment did the unorganized Gig Harbor volunteer fire fighters

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Two in Tow & On The Go | Zoo carousel fun facts

Jan 26, 2024 | By:

For this week’s column, I’m going to tell you fun facts about the Paul Titus Carousel at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. Why? Because its history is fascinating. And because the kids love it. I like it, too. But … I’m also the Debbie Downer who gets mercilessly ill on anything that

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Day Tripper: A day (or two) at the museums

Jan 24, 2024 | By: Mary Williams

It’s just a month or so since the busy holiday season ran its course. And, despite the fact that last week’s deep freeze and ice-covered roads are just a memory, it’s likely that a day trip may not be your first priority right now. Most of the time I’m more than willing to spend grey

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