Arts & Entertainment Community

Harbor Happenings: Waterfront Farmers Market opens Thursday

Gig Harbor’s ever-popular Waterfront Farmers Market opens at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 1, in Skansie Park with more than 40 vendors selling fresh produce and flowers, food and hand-made crafts.

The market is a summertime celebration of community, culture, and local agriculture. It’s managed by the Gig Harbor Downtown Waterfront Alliance and runs from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 14.

Organizers of the farmer’s market recommend arriving early, bringing reusable bags, and sampling products beyond produce. Click here for a full list of recommendations.

Opening day of the 2022 Gig Harbor Waterfront Farmer’s Market. Steve Zugschwerdt

New this year is a Kids Corner hosted by Harbor WildWatch. This week’s activities include a scavenger hunt, do-it-yourself art projects and story time at 4 p.m. And the splash pad will be on!

Pianist Elijah Bosenbroek will provide live entertainment and staff from the city’s community development department will be gathering public input for updating the Comprehensive Plan.

The market relies on volunteers, both individually and in groups, to operate. Several dates are available for groups looking to volunteer. For information, click here.

Opening day of the 2022 Gig Harbor Waterfront Farmer’s Market. Steve Zugschwerdt

Gig Fest

The Maritime Gig Festival takes over downtown Gig Harbor on Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4. Highlights include the Grande Gig Parade (10 a.m. Saturday), vendor fair (starting at noon Saturday), car show (11 a.m. Sunday), Blessing of the Fleet (1 p.m. Sunday) and live entertainment (both days). Find more information in our story here.

Art and live music

• Kimball Coffeeshop hosts a open mic at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Musicians, poets, jugglers — whatever the talent or skill level — all are welcome to perform for a friendly, supportive audience.
• The Ante Up Trio plays classic rock, country, pop, R&B and everything in between Friday, June 2 at the Olalla Winery. Make reservations here.
• Budapest West plays at 8 p.m. Saturday at Bella Femmina restaurant, 3108 Harborview Drive.
• This month’s First Saturday Art walk takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 3 at galleries throughout the downtown area.

Literary events

• The Literary Society’s book group meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at Harbor History Museum. This month’s book is “A Sudden Light” by Garth Stein. It’s a coming-of-age ghost story about a young boy who tries to save his parents’ marriage, only to discover a legacy of family secrets. All are welcome.
• Invitation Bookshop hosts two author meet-and-greet events this week: Matt Kracht talks about his newest book “OMFG, Bees!” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1; and Derek Sheffield and Kevin Miller will discuss their recent collaboration “Cascadia Field Guide,” a literary anthology that celebrates the Cascadia bioregion, at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 3. Invitation Bookshop is located at 5125 Olympic Drive. Events are free.

Film

• The Met Opera’s film performance of Mozart’s “Die Zauberflote” plays at 9:55 a.m. Saturday, June 3, and “The Met Opera: Die Zauberflote Encore” plays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June. 7, at Galaxy Theatres uptown. Directed by Simon McBurney, the cast includes soprano Erin Morley as Pamina, tenor Lawrence Brownlee as Tamino, baritone Thomas Oliemans in his Met debut as Papageno, soprano Kathryn Lewek as the Queen of the Night and bass Stephen Milling as Sarastro.
• Wednesday’s Flashback Cinema at Galaxy is the Bruce Lee classic “Enter the Dragon” at noon & 6 p.m. On Sunday, June 4, it’s Prince’s “Purple Rain” at noon and 6 p.m. Flashback movies are only $5.

Fun for families & seniors

• PenMet Parks hosts a Senior Social from 11a.m to 12:30 p.m. June 2 at the Arletta Schoolhouse with fellowship, games, enrichment activities and special events. Coffee and light snacks are provided. Socials are free and no advanced registration is required. The Schoolhouse is located at 3607 Ray Nash Drive NW.
• Ocean5 has Bingo Night on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Free to play except the last round which is $5 per card. Winner takes half and the other half is donated to a charity of the month.
• On Fridays, it’s Family Trivia Night starting at 7 p.m. Meet in the fire circle to compete for a $50 gift card. Free to play.

Civic engagement

The City Council and Planning Commission will discuss Gig Harbor’s housing needs during a joint study session on starting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1. The meeting will take place in council chambers at city hall and via Zoom.