Arts & Entertainment Community
Harbor Happenings | Open house set on Crescent Creek Park, Masonic Lodge
The city of Gig Harbor hosts an open house about its plans for Crescent Creek Park and the old Masonic Lodge from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the park on Vernhardson Street.
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The city has been working on a master plan for a revamp of the park since January. Thursday’s open house is one of the final opportunities for the public to weigh in on the plan before it goes to the city council for approval.
The master plan will help determine the fate of the old Masonic Lodge at the park. The city Parks Commission recently recommended demolishing the 110-year-old structure, which was originally built as a school. Restoring it would cost an estimated $4.5 million.
Crescent Creek Park in Gig Harbor. Photo by Larry Steagall
The commission recommended replacing the lodge with a new shelter and gardens.
After Thursday’s open house, the city council plans to discuss the plan at one more study session meeting before making a decision.
Open Studio Tour
Fifty-four artists, in studios spread from Fox Island to Olalla, will offer glimpses into their creative worlds this weekend during the annual Open Studio Tour.
Their work covers a wide range of mediums: painting; ceramics; jewelry; glass; wood; mosaics; stone and metal sculpture; fiber; photography and more. Each artist will be on hand to discuss their work and will have work for sale.
A work by Ann Stockdale, one of the artists participating in the Open Studio Tour.
The free self-guided tour is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Sept. 19 through 21. Download a tour map here.
Look for more coverage of the Open Studio Tour later this week.
Learn about geoducks
Harbor WildWatch will host a Cocktails and Fishtails lecture about geoducks at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Ocean5. Dr. Henry Carson from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife will lead a discussion about the iconic bivalves that have cultural, commercial and environmental importance — and can live for as long as 130 years. The event is free to HWW member, with a suggested donation of $10 for non-members. The presentation will also be livestreamed on the Harbor WildWatch Facebook page.
At the library
The Gig Harbor Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive, hosts a “Budgeting 101” personal finances class at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.
The library’s Stories and Voices program, geared to ages 9 through adult, provides a presentation about the history and techniques of Bailar Cumbia dance at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
Band takeover
Gig Harbor High School band boosters will take over Moctezuma’s restaurant from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16. The restaurant will donate 20% of food sales to support the band’s sectional coaching, in which professional musicians who are specialists on various instruments provide special instruction for small groups of band members. The program benefits all GHHS band students. Just tell your server you’re supporting the GHHS Band Boosters event.
Croatian dinner event
The Olalla Winery hosts a Croatian dinner that includes a stroll through the vineyards and a Croatian-wine-paired dinner on Saturday, Sept. 20. The meal will be prepared by The Garnishing Chef using recipes from local Croatian families. Tickets are $160 per person. Make reservations here.
Live music
Award-winning saxophonist and flutist Mark Lewis and Jazz Hall of Fame pianist Bill Anschell will play a concert in the vineyard at the Olalla Winery at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. Tickets are $20.
The James Lee Murray Band take the stage at Kimball Coffeehouse at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19. Free and family friendly. Kimball also hosts an open mic from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, with signups at 5:30 p.m.
Locust Cider, 3207 57th Street Court (next to The Inn at Gig Harbor) has an open mic at 6 p.m. Mondays.
The Kalos trio plays music inspired by the maritime traditions of Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia and North America on Monday, Sept. 22 at the BoatShop. The 6 p.m. performance is sold out, but tickets remain for a second show at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Reserve here.
At the movies
The Flashback Cinema movie at the Galaxy Theatres in Uptown on Wednesday, Sept. 17, is “Inception” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Showtimes are 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Starting Saturday, Sept.20, the Flashback movie is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Showtimes are 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20; and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Flashback movies are just $5.
On Monday, Sept. 22 the Galaxy presents the theater’s first Mystery Movie, billed as a secret screening experience “where guests enjoy a surprise film for just $5. With no title reveal until showtime, this series is perfect for movie lovers who crave adventure, unexpected gems and a fun night out.” Mystery Movie showtime is 7 p.m.
Civic engagement
The Gig Harbor Arts Commission meets at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the Community Rooms at the Civic Center on Grandview Street. Agenda items include an update on the Harbor Arbor Art program, discussion of an upcoming ballot measure regarding a sales tax increase to fund a Cultural Access Program, and ideas for a Community Arts and Culture Action Plan.
The city Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in the council chambers at the Civic Center to hear a presentation from Community Development Director Eric Baker regarding an update to the city’s Critical Areas Ordinance.