Aug 08 Saturday
In summer 2026, MOHAI will be one of only eight venues nationwide to host the Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation—a landmark exhibit from the National Archives created in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Inspired by the Freedom Train, which carried historic documents across the country during the Bicentennial, the Freedom Plane National Tour shares original founding-era records from the National Archives with a limited number of cultural institutions nationwide.
Selected as one of only eight venues nationwide, and the final stop on the national tour, MOHAI will host the Freedom Plane National Tour from July 30–August 16, 2026, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Pacific Northwest to experience these original records before they return to the National Archives vaults.
In alignment with MOHAI’s mission and the significance of America’s 250th anniversary, the Freedom Plane National Tour exhibit will be presented free and open to the public during its run at MOHAI. Additional visitor information will be shared closer to the exhibit opening.
MOHAI will showcase original founding-era documents on loan from the National Archives, central to the creation of the United States.
These fragile, irreplaceable documents are traveling together for the first time as part of the Freedom Plane National Tour. After appearing at a limited number of cultural institutions nationwide, the tour will conclude at MOHAI before the documents return to the National Archives.
Jazz & Oysters is held at the Port of Peninsula where freshly harvested oysters and other shellfish are brought in daily. Come celebrate, listen to our line-up of amazing performers, dance, enjoy delicious food, drinks and the spectacular view of the bay and Willapa Hills!
Schedule11:00 – 12:00 High School Jazz Band12:30 – 2:00 Midnight Serenaders2:45 – 4:15 Mel Brown B3 Quartet5:00 – 6:30 Davina & the Vagabonds
Doors Open: 10 AM
Squawk hello to parrots with the Parrot Ambassadors!
Feel the power and impact parrots have on our planet as they soar overhead, kiss you with their beaks, roller skate, talk, recycle, and more.
Presented by Small to Tall Pediatric Dentistry
“Every piece I create, from the humblest tumbler to the most baroque sculpture, makes a statement about isolation, striving, access, perseverance, boundary pushing, and the pursuit of excellence. I believe my presence in the field as a working-class Black man, striving and excelling in a field occupied chiefly by society’s most privileged (whitest), is a powerful artistic and political gesture. “—Jason McDonald
Glass vessels evocative of the highly ornamented Baroque style, black silhouettes embedded in scenes on ancient pottery vessels, and medallion reliefs of Black figures all abide in the deliberate, expansive practice of Jason McDonald. McDonald’s visual language is deeply rooted in research of ancient histories, traditional techniques, and race. Here, contemporary ideas blend and transform tradition with caring attention to detail, precision in thought, and beauty. Motivated by glass—with its magical properties, myriads of endless possibilities and potential—McDonald’s devotion lies in the desire to refine the craft, making his hands more familiar and knowledgeable with each replication. Through his repetition and re-imagination of these historical forms, the objects transform into sculptures and vessels of time, carrying with them the essence of centuries-old traditions, as well as McDonald’s commitment and insertion of the representation and notions of Black identity. With a commitment to the craft that transcends his own work, McDonald diligently carves out space for those who will follow him through mentoring and the creation of his own glass studio, which he has named Ideal Conditions.
Organized by Tacoma Art Museum and curated by Victoria Miles.
Each week brings new adventures during the Summer Splash! Festival of Fun! Our event calendar is filled with exciting activities and special guests that spark creativity, curiosity, and wonder. Enjoy roller-skating parrots, circus performers, inspiring artists, border collie athletes, sand carvers, a 25-foot rock wall, and so much more!
Presented by WSECU
Join artist Chiyo Sanada to paint with Sumi-e brushes and explore the beauty of Japanese calligraphy!
As an artist, Chiyo’s passion has always been Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo). Shodo is essentially an art of movement, using ink, brush, and paper to express thoughts and emotions in characters. Chiyo’s goal is to make connections with people from all over the world through her art.
Supported by NEA
August 8, 2026 • 10am–5pm • Free!
Join us for the return of Glass Fest Northwest at Museum of Glass! Glass Fest Northwest puts art and the Pacific Northwest center-stage by bringing together local artists and artisans, live glassmaking demonstrations, food, drinks, music, and hands-on activities. Enjoy artist booths, food vendors, music, and more on the Museum Plaza, and explore exhibitions and installations in the Museum with FREE admission for the day.
In the Hot Shop, Glass Fest Visiting Artist Dan Friday joins us in collaboration with IN THE SPIRIT Arts Market & Northwest Native Festival, held at Washington State History Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and Museum of Glass.
MOPOP is now serving the Brunch Bundle, a weekend experience that includes museum admission and brunch for two for just $100. Reserve your spot in advance and indulge in a morning of specialty entrées and endless discovery. Come hungry for eggs, icons, and everything in between.
The Brunch Bundle Menu
Each bundle includes coffee or juice, plus one brunch entrée per guest from a curated menu:
- Eggs Your Way: two eggs, toast, choice of bacon or sausage, hashbrowns or side salad
- Black Garlic Caesar: romaine, black garlic dressing, croutons, parmesan crisp
- Seasonal Fruit Dutch Baby: local seasonal fruit compote, whipped cream, maple syrup
Please note: alcohol and gratuity not included. Advance online purchase is required.Party of three? No problem. Add additional guests (up to four total) for $50 each.
Join us Saturday, August 8, for a chocolate tasting made for summer—bright, fruity, refreshing, and just a little unexpected.
We’ll be offering tastes of a colorful lineup of bean-to-bar chocolates featuring flavors like passion fruit, strawberry, mango, banana, lychee, and tropical fruit punch. Some are tangy and vibrant. Some are soft and floral. Others taste like a tropical vacation somehow found its way into a chocolate bar.
It’s a chance to taste across different fruits, cacao styles, and chocolate makers (Kasama, Likkle More, Levêlez, and more!) while discovering how well chocolate can play with juicy, tart, and aromatic flavors. Compare favorites, find a new summer treat, and see whether you’re drawn to something sunny and familiar or a combination you’ve never tried before.
Come by, taste your way through the selection, and bring a friend—because comparing chocolate opinions is half the fun.
Childhood's End Gallery presents Form a Line, a group exhibition of new work by four distinct Pacific Northwest artists. Finding common ground in bold representation of the natural world, Kathy Anderson, Colleen Cotey, Sara Gettys, and Julia Janeway each bring a practiced sensitivity to their chosen mediums. Through processes that remove material or add it, these four artists present new works rooted in an intimate knowledge of place and material.
