Arts & Entertainment Community
Harbor Happenings | Tour some of the area’s most beautiful gardens
Gardeners, rejoice.
Arts & Entertainment Sponsor
Arts & Entertainment stories are made possible in part by the Gig Harbor Film Festival, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.
Seven local gardeners are featured in the 26th annual Gig Harbor Garden Tour on Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29. They range in size from a smallish space with just a few unique, awe-inspiring plants, to a three-acre expanse with ponds and stunning mountain and marine views.
Each garden is a testament to the owner’s individual preferences, creativity and gardening style. Proceeds from the tour support literacy programs in Gig Harbor and on the Key Peninsula. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased here.
Oyster stories
Learn about the three species of oysters found in Washington waters – the Olympia, Eastern and Pacific – at the Harbor History Museum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26. Tacoma resident David George Gordon, a former science writer for Washington Sea Grant, will lead the discussion called “Heaven on the Half Shell: Washington State’s Oyster Odyssey” that tells the story of the bivalve from the days of Native American sea gardens to its role in today’s culinary landscape, and efforts to protect it. The discussion is sponsored by Humanities Washington. Free, but RSVP is suggested to [email protected].
Beach walks
Join Harbor WildWatch Thursday, June 26 to explore the shoreline at Sunrise Beach Park, 10015 Sunrise Beach Drive NW. Meet on the lawn near the parking area at 11:30 a.m.
On Saturday, June 28, WildWatch guides will lead a walk along the beach at Penrose Point State Park, 321 158th Ave SW in Lakebay, starting at 1:30 p.m. Meet on the lawn near the restroom. Beach walks are free and family friendly, and happen rain or shine.
Every Thursday at 2 p.m. during the Waterfront Farmers Market, the WildWatch team can be found on Jerisich Dock talking about the marine environment and the creatures lurking on, under and around the dock. Stop by the WildWatch booth at the market for information about this week’s dock walk and other activities.
Guided “Wonders of the Waterfront” walks happen from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays along Harborview Drive between Donkey Creek Park and the Old Ferry Landing. WildWatch guides describe how the coastline has changed over the last 1,000 years and other interesting facts. The “Wonders” walks are a partnership with the Waterfront Alliance and 7Seas Brewery. Walks are free and are one-way, so participants need to arrange for transportation back to the starting point.
TCC anniversary
The Gig Harbor branch of Tacoma Community College celebrates its 30th anniversary Thursday, June 26 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. TCC is located at 3993 Hunt Street NW.
Poetry workshop
Ansley Clark and Kathleen Byrd will teach a free poetry workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Invitation Bookshop, 3119 Judson St. The theme is inherited objects, family stories and ancestors. Following the workshop, Clark and Byrd will read from their work. Space is limited and reservations are required. RSVP here.
Summer reading program
The Gig Harbor Library’s summer reading program kicks off with a party at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28. The library has reading lists, audio books, e-books and printed books for children, teens and adults for a summer filled with reading adventures and inspiration. The library is located at 4424 Point Fosdick Drive.
Live music
Steel Magic Northwest provides the music at this week’s Waterfront Farmers Market in Skansie Park. The market takes place every Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m.
The Trailer Park Kings play 70s rock at Kimball Coffeehouse starting at 7 p.m. Friday, June 27. It’s free and family friendly. Kimball hosts an open mic every Thursday with sign-ups are at 5:30 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m.
Also on Friday, 3 Trick Pony takes the stage at Olalla Winery with funky, classic rock at 6:30 p.m. Reserve tickets here.
Robbie Vee provides the music at Hidden Harbor Wine Library, 8805 N. Harborview, Suite 204 from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Bring a picnic or snack to go with your wine purchase.
At the movies
The Gig Harbor Film Festival presents a special one-time-only screening of “The Cry of Granualle” on Monday, June 30. It’s the story of a grieving American filmmaker and her Irish assistant who wander through western Ireland gathering information for a film about a legendary 16th century rebel and “pirate queen” named Granualle. The film blurs the divide between history and myth, fact and fiction. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Galaxy Theatres in Uptown.
This week’s Summer Fest movie at the Galaxy is “Transformers One” showing Wednesday, June 25 at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 26 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Starting Friday, June 27, it’s “The Bad Guys,” an action comedy from DreamWorks Animation based on the best-selling book series about a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws about to attempt their most challenging con yet—becoming model citizens. “The Bad Guys” plays Friday, June 27 at 10 am. and 4 p.m.; Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at 10 a.m.; Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1 at 10:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Summer Fest movies are just $2.
The Flashback Cinema movie at the Galaxy on Wednesday, June 26, is the original “Top Gun.” Showtimes are 12:30 and 6 p.m. The Flashback movie on Sunday, June 29, is the original “Ghostbusters.” Showtimes are noon and 6 p.m.