Tacoma isn’t just gorgeous waterfront views and mountain backdrops. When night falls, this city in Washington State cranks up the volume, serves up the drinks, and shows off exactly why I keep coming back for more. Trust me, that harbor view hits different when it’s lit up against a starry sky!
I’ve tracked down all the best things to do in Tacoma at night, and this list is packed with everything from brewery-hopping to catching live shows. Whether you’re craving a fancy cocktail with a view or want to belt your heart out at karaoke, I’ve got you covered. Get ready to see why Tacoma’s nightlife deserves way more credit than it gets!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this sunset sail in Seattle! They take you on a traditional tall ship for views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympics, plus a sunset cannon salute. You experience traditional sailing while enjoying drinks with the Seattle skyline backdrop. This cruise is absolutely a must-do on a Tacoma itinerary in my opinion – it’s just a quick drive to the dock!
Best Things to Do in Tacoma at Night (2025 Guide)
Are you ready to explore the most unique things to do in Tacoma at nighttime? As mentioned earlier, there’s a wide range of exciting activities in Tacoma after dark. Keep reading to find where to go in Tacoma at night!
1. Attend nighttime events at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium totally changes after dark, and honestly, it’s way cooler than you’d expect. Their biggest night event is ZooLights, running from November 28 through January 4 with over one million sparkling lights transforming the place into a winter wonderland. I went last year and couldn’t believe how different it felt walking through those illuminated paths with all the animal displays lit up.
General admission costs $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and military, and $13 for youth ages 6-18, but ZooLights requires separate timed tickets. The zoo’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm regularly, but during ZooLights they extend hours from 4:30-10pm nightly. You can actually get free admission every third Thursday from 5-8pm if you want to check out the regular zoo first.
What’s really cool is seeing the animals that are still active at night. The aquarium areas stay open during ZooLights, so you can watch the sharks and rays swimming around while everything’s all lit up outside. It’s definitely more magical than just your typical day visit, and the hot chocolate stands scattered around don’t hurt either.
2. Play retro games and drink craft beer at Dorky’s Arcade
Dorky’s Arcade is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s actually pretty awesome for a night out. They’re open Thursday through Saturday from 3pm to midnight, Sunday from 1pm to 11pm, and closed Monday through Wednesday. Located at 754 Pacific Avenue downtown, this place is packed with classic arcade games and pinball machines that’ll take you straight back to the ’80s and ’90s.
Most of the classic games cost just 25 cents to play, while newer high-tech games like Star Wars run about $1-4. I spent maybe $20 and played for like two hours straight. They’ve got everything from Pac-Man and Street Fighter to air hockey and beer pong machines. The atmosphere is super casual – think dive bar meets retro gaming paradise.
They serve local craft beers and ciders, plus pizza and snacks. The beer selection is actually well-curated, and the pizza isn’t bad either. Just heads up that parking can be tricky since they’re right downtown, but street parking is usually free in the evenings. The crowd skews pretty friendly, and it’s all ages until later in the evening when it becomes 21+.
3. Walk the waterfront path at Ruston Way
Ruston Way Waterfront hits completely different at night. The whole path lights up after sunset, and you get these incredible views of Puget Sound with the city lights reflecting on the water. I honestly prefer it to the daytime walk because there’s something really peaceful about having that cool breeze coming off the sound while you’re strolling along.
The best part is all the restaurants and bars right along the waterfront where you can grab drinks or dinner with a view. Places like Anthony’s and Boathouse 19 have outdoor seating where you can watch the ferries and boats going by. The path itself is totally free and well-lit, so it’s safe to walk even later in the evening.
You’ll run into lots of locals doing their evening walks, plus other visitors just taking in the scenery. It’s maybe a 2-3 mile walk if you do the whole thing, but you can easily just do sections and stop wherever looks good. The sunsets here are pretty incredible if you time it right, and even after dark the mountain silhouettes against the sky are worth it.
4. Catch stand-up comedy shows at Tacoma Comedy Club
Tacoma Comedy Club delivers exactly what you want from a night of laughs. Located at 933 Market Street, they’re open daily with shows starting at 7pm (doors at 6pm) and later shows at 9:45pm and 10:15pm on weekends. Tickets run $24-32 for Thursday shows and $27-37 for Friday and Saturday nights, depending on whether you want general admission or premium seating.
They have a two-item minimum, which means you need to order two drinks or food items per person. I actually don’t mind this since their food is decent and the drinks aren’t overpriced. The comedy lineup is legit – they get both up-and-coming comedians and seasoned pros who really know how to work the room.
The venue itself is pretty intimate, so you’re close to the action no matter where you sit. Premium seating gets you the front row of the balcony or front two rows, while general admission is first-come, first-served. Shows starting after 9:30pm are 21+ only, but earlier shows allow 18+ with ID. Just don’t expect to move seats once you’re there – they’re pretty strict about that even when the place isn’t full.
5. Watch live glassblowing at the Museum of Glass
The Museum of Glass becomes something totally different after hours. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm, with admission at $22 for adults. But here’s the cool part…every third Thursday they stay open late from 5-8pm with completely free admission.
The Hot Shop has live glassblowing demonstrations happening all day, every day they’re open. I watched them create this incredible vase from start to finish, and the narrator actually explains what’s happening so you’re not just standing there confused. The furnace runs at 2,100°F and they work with 1,000 pounds of molten glass – it’s honestly mesmerizing watching these artists shape something beautiful from what looks like liquid fire.
The building itself is stunning with that iconic 90-foot cone, and at night the whole waterfront area around it lights up beautifully. They also have the Chihuly Bridge of Glass right there, which is a 500-foot pedestrian overpass connecting to downtown with incredible glass installations. After watching the glassblowing, you can walk across the bridge and see more glass art all lit up. The whole experience takes maybe 2-3 hours if you really take your time.
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6. Drink craft beer at 7 Seas Brewing
7 Seas Brewing is hands down one of the best brewery experiences in Tacoma. Located at 2101 Jefferson Avenue in the historic Heidelberg Brewery building, they’re open daily from 11am to 10pm. This place is massive – we’re talking 80,000 square feet housed in a building that used to be the original Heidelberg Brewery.
They’re family-friendly all the time with separate areas for 21+ and all-ages, plus a full deck that welcomes everyone. The beer selection is seriously impressive, from crisp IPAs to rich stouts, and they’ve got local wines and ciders too if beer isn’t your thing. Food comes from their partner Canteen, which makes killer smash burgers, plus there’s in-house roasted coffee from Naomi Joe.
I love the industrial vibe mixed with that cozy hangout feel. You can actually see the brewing operation in action since it’s their main production facility. The crowd is a good mix of locals and visitors, and the staff really knows their beer. They also have a reservable event room for larger groups if you call ahead. Honestly, this is where I’d bring someone who wants to understand what Tacoma’s craft beer scene is all about.
7. Use telescopes at Tacoma Astronomical Society
The Tacoma Astronomical Society offers something completely different for your Tacoma night. They run public observation nights where you can use real telescopes and learn about constellations from actual astronomy experts. It’s way more interesting than I expected – these aren’t just casual stargazers, they really know their stuff.
The best part is seeing things through their telescopes that you’d never spot with the naked eye. Depending on the season, you might see planets, meteor showers, or distant galaxies. The society members are super passionate about sharing what they know, so you’ll learn about what you’re looking at instead of just staring into space randomly.
They hold special events throughout the year like solar viewings and themed nights focused on specific celestial objects. I went during a Saturn viewing night and couldn’t believe how clear the rings were through their telescope. It’s definitely a unique way to spend an evening in Tacoma, especially if you want something educational that’s still pretty awe-inspiring.
8. Watch independent films at The Grand Cinema
The Grand Cinema is Tacoma’s go-to spot for indie and foreign films. This isn’t your typical multiplex – it’s a cozy, community-focused theater that shows movies you won’t find at the big chains. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with comfortable seating that makes you feel like you’re part of something special rather than just another customer.
What I love about this place is the post-movie conversations. People actually stick around to discuss what they just watched, sharing thoughts and interpretations. It’s like being part of a film club where everyone’s genuinely interested in cinema beyond just the blockbusters.
The programming changes regularly, featuring everything from award-winning documentaries to international films with subtitles. They also host special screenings and film festivals throughout the year. If you’re tired of the same old Hollywood offerings and want to see something that’ll actually make you think, The Grand Cinema delivers every time.
9. Drink beer in a historic firehouse at Engine House No. 9
Engine House No. 9 is housed in an actual historic firehouse from 1907, and the history definitely adds to the whole experience. They’re open Monday through Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-11pm, and Sunday 11am-10pm. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you’re literally drinking beer where firefighters used to respond to calls.
This was actually Tacoma’s first microbrewery, though the brewing operation moved to a separate facility downtown in 2019. The firehouse location now operates as E9 Firehouse, serving E9 Brewing beers along with other craft options. They’ve got about 22 drafts including some really hard-to-find selections, plus the staff actually knows what they’re talking about when it comes to beer.
The atmosphere is exactly what you’d want from a converted firehouse – exposed brick, vintage fire equipment on display, and that authentic historic feel without being cheesy about it. I love the food here. It’s solid pub fare, but I’d come here more for the beer selection and unique setting than expecting a perfect dining experience.
10. Listen to live music at Doyle’s Public House
Looking to experience Tocoma’s amazing nightlife? If you want that cozy, unpretentious pub vibe without sacrificing quality, Doyle’s Public House in Tacoma absolutely delivers. Located near Stadium District, it’s part classic Irish bar, part Tacoma institution, and 100 percent solid for a fun night out.
Live music hits the stage every Saturday around 9:30 PM, usually featuring local acoustic acts or rotating indie talent with no cover charge. It’s just the right kind of lively…enough energy to keep things buzzing but still chill enough to have a proper conversation. Thursday nights are pub trivia with Geeks Who Drink at 8 PM, and the place fills up fast with teams competing over pints, so get there early to claim a table.
The drink menu mixes Irish staples like Guinness and Jameson with local craft beers and whiskey flights. The food holds its own too. Try the bangers and mash or the Irish nachos if you’re hungry. I once came here for trivia and ended up staying four hours longer than planned because the vibe was just that good. Whether you’re with friends or rolling solo, Doyle’s makes it easy to settle in. It’s one of those rare spots that feels like home the first time you walk in.
11. Sing along to dueling pianos at Keys on Main
Keys on Main is pure energy from the moment you walk in. The dueling pianos take center stage, and these musicians are incredible – they can play everything from classic rock hits to today’s chart-toppers, often taking requests from the crowd.
The whole experience is interactive. You’re not just sitting there watching a show, you’re part of it. People are singing along, dancing, and the atmosphere is just infectious. It’s the kind of place where inhibitions go out the window and you find yourself having way more fun than you planned.
The crowd is super friendly and laid-back, creating this communal party vibe where everyone’s just there to have a good time. Whether you know the songs or not, you’ll find yourself caught up in the energy. It’s honestly one of the most purely fun nights I’ve had in Tacoma. Just pure music, laughter, and good vibes!
12. Catch Live Music at Airport Tavern
Airport Tavern is Tacoma’s go-to spot for live music and late-night drinks. This local favorite hosts everything from national touring acts to local band nights in their intimate venue.
They just opened a new Music Hall in 2024 that can compete with Seattle venues. You can drink cheap beer, play pinball, and catch surprisingly good bands most nights of the week
I always check what’s playing before I go since they book way better acts than you’d expect for South Tacoma. Local band nights are fantastic too if you want to discover new music.
Located in South Tacoma, it’s a proper dive bar that happens to have great live music. There’s no cover charge for most shows, parking is easy, and the crowd is actual locals. The perfect spot when you want live music without the hassle of big venue crowds!
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