Arts & Entertainment Community

Harbor Happenings | Last-minute Mother’s Day shopping at Spring Market

Mother’s Day is May 12 and there are many ways to celebrate.

Spring Market

The 2024 Local Makers Spring Market and Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, on the green at the Civic Center.

More than 60 local artists and crafters will sell handmade items, including many possible options for last-minute Mother’s Day gifts. The event also includes food trucks, a kids zone, art-making activities and entertainment. The Civic Center is located at 3510 Grandview St.

BoatShop auction

Nautical experiences, out-of-town getaways and locally-crafted items will be up for bid at the Gig Harbor BoatShop’s annual fundraising auction starting at 6 p.m. Friday, May 10.

Jim Borgen will serve as emcee and auctioneer. Suzanne’s Bakery and Deli will provide hors d’oeuvres and 7Seas beer and Sleight of Hand wine will be available at the cash bar. The auction takes place in the BoatShop’s historic workspace. Tickets cost $100 and are available here.

Peninsula High spring musical

Peninsula High School drama students take the stage Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, for their spring musical. “Freaky Friday” is the heartwarming and hilarious story of a mother and daughter who suddenly switch bodies after breaking a magic hourglass, and are forced to experience life from each other’s perspective. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Friday and at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Get tickets here.

Build a bouquet

The Olalla Winery will host a mom-themed Wine and Design-your-own-floral-centerpiece event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 11. Tickets cost $60 and include flowers and vases, wine, mimosas and munchies. Reserve tickets here.

Wine tasting

In honor of Mother’s Day, Two Loons Winery will feature their 2022 Alvarinho, and their 2018 Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Sheryl’s Syrah (named for the late wife of one of the winery’s owners). The tasting takes place from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at the winery, 9422 22nd Ave NW.

Sumi painting at the library

Learn some of the flowing techniques of Japanese sumi (ink) painting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 13, at the Gig Harbor Library. Sumi-e artist Lois Yoshida will lead the class in conjunction with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Geared to ages 13 and up. The library is located at 4424 Point Fosdick Drive. The class is free, but registration is required. Sign up here.

Legal aid pop-up

The monthly city of Gig Harbor-sponsored legal aid pop-up is from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the civic center. Attorneys from Tacomaprobono will provide free counseling about landlord-tenant issues, rent questions, consumer issues, family law issues and more. The Civic Center is located at 3510 Grandview Street. 

Live music

Dr. Jop (W. Michael Jap) is a studio musician who has played with blues and R&B legends like Elvin Bishop, Lee Oscar, B.B. King, James Brown and The Neville Brothers, to name but a few. On Friday, May 10, he brings his harp to Kimball Coffeehouse for a free, all-ages show. Doors open at 6 p.m. Music starts at 7. Kimball is at 6659 Kimball Dr. No. A102.

Local guitar player Robbie Vee plays covers and original tunes at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 10, in the loft at Olalla Winery. $15 cover. Get tickets here.

Robbie Vee

At the movies

The Flashback Cinema movie at Galaxy Theatres Uptown on Wednesday, May 8, is “Dial M for Murder.” The Hitchcock film shows at noon and 6 pm. The Flashback movie on mother’s Day is “Wizard of Oz,” starring Judy Garland as Dorothy. Showtimes are 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Flashback movies are just $5.

Opera lovers can see The Met Opera’s “Madam Butterfly” on the big screen at 9:55 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Soprano Asmik Grigorian plays Cio-Cio San, the loyal geisha at the heart of Puccini’s tragedy. Tenor Jonathan Teleman plays the callous American naval officer Pinkerton whose betrayal destroys her. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong plays the steadfast maid Suzuki and baritone Lucas Meachem plays the American consul Sharpless. Maestro Xian Zhang conducts.

Civic engagement

The Gig Harbor City Council meets for a study session at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at the Civic Center. The council will discuss possible revenue sources, including use of Transportation Benefit District (TBD) funds and a business and occupation tax. Also on the agenda: a Waterfront Alliance proposal for artwork and signage in Skansie Park and Jerisich dock and a safety presentation by Police Chief Kelly Busey.

The next regular city council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 13. Council meetings can be accessed via Zoom.