As we embarked on our quest to bring you, “The Greatest Guide to Leap Day in Downtown Tacoma Ever.” It dawned on us; we weren’t exactly sure what leap day really is. Disclaimer, it has nothing to do with frogs. To deepen our understanding of this mysterious day, we went to the world’s foremost expert on all things, Wikipedia. Through hours of intense research, this is what we learned. It takes the Earth 365 days and 6 hours to orbit the Sun. That means every 4 years there are an additional 24 hours that we have accumulated. What do you do with an extra 24 hours? You add it at the end of the shortest month. Hence we get “Leap Day” on February 29th.
You might be asking though, what makes the day leap? In common years, those that don’t include a leap day, fixed dates like Christmas advance one day in the week each year. With the insertion of a Leap Day, fixed dates move ahead two days instead of one. For example, last year Christmas was on a Wednesday. Seeing as this year includes a leap day, Christmas will leap over Thursday and land on Friday, December 25th, 2020. There you have it! – that’s what makes the leap day leap.
You know what they say, “What happens on Leap Day, can only happen again 4 years from now.” We’re not exactly sure who “they” are in this case, but that’s neither here nor there. We created “The Greatest Guide to Leap Day in Downtown Tacoma Ever” to equip you to seize this once in every 4-year opportunity. So read this guide, find a friend, and leapfrog your way into some Leap Day fun in Downtown Tacoma.
1: So Northwest Women’s Show at The Tacoma Dome: Ladies leave your fellas at home and grab your gals at enjoy food, fashion, firefighters and fun at the So Northwest Women’s Show at the Tacoma Dome. February 29- March 1. 10 am -4 pm. Learn more here.
2: Warehouse Sale at Alma Mater: You don’t want to miss this end of the season pop-up from some of the best retailers in our region. Shop Satori, Cocobolo, Bleach, Lapis and more. Saturday, February 29 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm at Alma Mater. Get there early to get the deals. Learn more here.
3: Witch Dog Brewing Launch Party at Tacoma Brewing: Do you love beer and barbeque? You don’t want to miss the launch of Witch Dog Brewing. Come enjoy pilot and experimental beers along with Texas-style BBQ barbeque from BBQ2U. Saturday, February 29 from 2-9 pm. Learn more here.
4: Shane Koyczan at Theatre on the Square: Come see award-winning spoken word artist Shane Koyczan perform live at Theatre on the Square. February 28-29 at 5 & 7:30 pm. Learn more here.
5: Pastor Prime with Biblioteka & Enfuft at The Spanish Ballroom: Get baptized by Whiskey and listen to new wave influenced by Blondie and the Runaways. Saturday, February 29. Doors a 6 pm. Show at 7 pm. $5. All ages. Learn more here.
6: Oils & Drinks at The Swiss: We have heard about pairing wine & cheese, but what about essential oils and drinks? It is not really a pairing but come learn more about Essential Oils while you drink. February 29 at 3 pm. Free and All ages. Learn more here.
7: Haunted Tour at the Foss Waterway Seaport: A deep dive into the ghostly and mysterious stories of Commencement Bay and the Tacoma waterfront. Hear about everything from shipwrecks to sea-creatures. Saturday, February 29 from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm. $21. Purchase tickets here.
8: Carrie Akre with Danny Newcomb at Alma Mater: Come hear these two well known Pacific Northwest musicians. Carrie Akre is known for her work with Seattle bands Hammerbox and Goodness. Newcomb for his work with Goodness and Shadow. Saturday, February 29. Doors at 8 pm. $15. 21+. Purchase tickets here.
9: Got 90’s at The Swiss: TLC, Salt-N-Peppa, NSYNC. Got ’90s will be performing all of your favorite 90’s throwback hits. Dance the night away. Saturday, February 29 from 9 pm – 1 am. $10 cover. 21+ Learn more here.
10: Overture at Urban Grace: The Tacoma Young Artists Orchestra presents “Overture.” The concert will include Brahms’ tragic Overture, Franck’s Symphony in D minor and more. Saturday, February 29 from 7 pm- 10 pm. Tickets sold here.
11: Sousa Spectacular at The Pantages: A biennial salute to John Philip Sousa and his band. Join the Tacoma Concert Band as they return with the Sousa Spectacular. The event is free to those under 18 years old. Saturday, February 29 from 7:30 – 9 pm. Purchase tickets here.
12: Tales from the Hood playing at The Grand Cinema: Welcome to the “hood of horrors.” The Weird Elephant at The Grand Cinema is thrilled to bring this Spike Lee produced, Rusty Cundieff directed 90’s classic. Saturday, February 29 at 11 pm. Tickets here.
