Aug 08 Saturday
Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music unveils the profound legacy of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul artists who shaped the soundscape of American culture and used their music as instruments of resistance, identity, and representation.
Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul embody the profound influence of African American music on culture and history. From the spiritual foundations and transformative movements of Gospel hymns to the revolutionary improvisations of Jazz, the Blues’ Southern roots rising from the Mississippi Delta, and Soul’s powerful amplification of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, these genres have defined the unique sound and undying spirit of a nation that continues to echo through contemporary Black music today.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum proudly presents The Birth of the American Supercar, a groundbreaking exhibition guest curated by renowned automotive innovator Steve Saleen. This one-of-a-kind display invites guests on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of American supercars. From early speed pioneers to cutting-edge modern marvels, visitors will experience a stunning lineup of vehicles that have redefined engineering, speed, and style, built by a wide range of American automotive manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Saleen himself, and even some more obscure ones like Vector, Cunningham, and Hennessey. From roaring V8s to sleek carbon-fiber bodies, discover how American automakers pushed boundaries, challenged European rivals, and redefined what a supercar could be. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most thrilling and historically significant American-made performance vehicles ever built—all under one roof.
This is a permanent exhibition. Since time immemorial, Tribal nations have existed in this place we call Washington. This Is Native Land invites visitors to understand Washington State through the lived experiences and voices of its Native people.
Tribal nations are sovereign nations. Today, Native history, culture, and community thrive in our state. Through everyday acts of sovereignty – big and small – Indigenous peoples demonstrate they are still here, they have persevered, and they will always be here.
This Is Native Land is guided by three teachings:We are of the land and watersWith knowledge comes responsibilitySovereignty protects people, lands, and waters
These teachings are shared through multimedia, artwork, and interactive objects designed for guest engagement. They represent a contemporary continuation of Tribal stories and traditions.
Over 100 Native contributors from more than 60 Tribes shaped the exhibition’s stories and content. We thank the Native Advisory Committee and all community participants for their contributions.
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 2026 - Saturday, August 8 Port of Peninsula
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 VagabondsDoors 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
Sun’s out, music’s everywhere, and the block is bursting with art—the BIMA Block Party is back!
Our FREE Block Party is a jam-packed day filled with live music, good food, local vendors, a beer garden, and the kind of summer energy that makes you forget about everything else.
Five stages mean the music never stops! Wander between sets, grab something to eat, browse the market, explore our exhibitions, create at the art activity stations, or settle into the beer garden and let the afternoon wash over you. Bring the family, bring friends, make a day of it!
What to expect:
Live music across 5 stagesLocal PNW vendor marketFood vendorsArt activitiesFree museum admission and access to exhibitionsBeer gardenThe party isn’t just at BIMA either—we mean it when we say Block Party! On the plaza outside of BIMA, you’ll also find Fletcher Bay Winery, Bainbridge Brewing, Agate Restaurant, KiDiMu, and Bluehouse Interior all open for you to check out. There’s truly something pulling you in every direction during the Block Party—even up the street (Ravine Lane) at Rockin’ Ruby’s Records, who are joining the party with their own special stage and musical roster for the day!
Free admission. All are welcome. Come join the vibes!
