March 24, 2022 | Activities

The NEXT era of Tacoma Defiance at Starfire

The recent shake-up on the Seahawks roster got you concerned? Never fear—there’s another professional sports team with a community of die hard fans ready to take you in. And did we mention it’s just around the block?

The Tacoma Defiance are gearing up for their 8th season as a professional American soccer team, coming off of their most successful run since the organization’s debut back in 2015. With roots in Tukwila, the Tacoma Defiance are the reserve team for Seattle Sounders FC that provide the surrounding community with an exciting alternative to tier 1 sports that’s far more accessible and affordable for the average attendee. Many Sounders stars got their start wearing the Defiance jersey, like Jordy Delem, Josh Atencio, and Danny Leyva.

The fan base has grown steadily over the years, sticking with the team through thick and thin, cheering on their favorite players at both Starfire and Cheney Stadium. Last season, Sam Adeniran took fans on quite a ride by breaking the team record for most goals in a single season, landing a total of 13. Now, the team is making headlines once again with their recent announcement to join the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro.

The newest professional men’s soccer league in the U.S. and Canada, MLS NEXT Pro is the missing link that completes a pathway to the pros for rising stars. The league is also a great way to invigorate communities and introduce the youth to healthy lifestyles. As a commitment to this initiative, ticket sales for all Tacoma Defiance matches held at Starfire for the 2022 season will benefit RAVE foundation—the official charitable arm of Seattle Sounders FC that uses soccer as a way to support local communities. 

The exciting new era begins this March as the Tacoma Defiance along with 20 other clubs battle it out to be the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro champs. 

A total of 10 games will be played at Starfire this year. Catch their first match March 27th vs. Real Monarchs at Starfire Sports Complex. 

View their upcoming schedule and buy tickets here! 

January 28, 2022 | Activities

Winter Fun for Everyone

Is it cold outside? Yes. Has the sun been replaced by a moody expanse of clouds and an omnipresent drizzle that appears to be falling from all directions? Absolutely. But is that going to stop you from getting out of the house and making the most of this PNW winter? No way!

Here are a few ideas for keeping active and enjoying some serious fun this season.

Take a Tour Through Sweets and Space


Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour– After a small break, the Seattle Chocolate factory and flagship store is now accepting bookings for tours. Learn about how your favorite chocolates are made and sample some of the most decadent confections.

Museum of Flight– Pack up the whole family and head over to the Museum of Flight. This renowned collection of incredible air and space crafts, artifacts, galleries, and exhibits is just the right spark for your curiosity to light your way through the winter darkness. From the untold flight stories of World War II, to the heroic journey of the Apollo spacecraft to the moon, there’s something here to inspire everyone.

Feel the Rush of the Great Indoors

iFly Indoor Skydiving – Want a truly one-of-a-kind experience guaranteed to lift your spirits? Visit iFly Indoor Skydiving and jump into one of their state-of-the-art wind tunnels that provide a safe flight simulation experience. There’s nothing like it and unlike IRL sky falling, the weather is always memory-making perfect at iFly.

DEFY Extreme Air Sports Trampoline Park – If you’ve been all cooped up this winter and in dire need of getting those wiggles out, DEFY’s trampoline park is calling your name. It pairs safety with no constraints, offering foam pits, trapeze activities, obstacle courses, extreme dodgeball, endless trampolines, and more.

Bundle Up and Enjoy the Show

The Seawolves are Back! – The 2022 Major League Rugby season is finally here and the champion Seattle Seawolves are hosting their opener at Tukwila’s Starfire Sports on February 6 against the Toronto Arrows (booooo). Grab a hot beverage, bundle up in all your favorite Seawolves gear, and get ready for the season’s most exciting sports action in the PNW.

Want more ideas for winter fun? Check out our Activities page.

December 3, 2021 | Shopping

A Tukwila Holiday Gift Guide

The holiday gift season sneaks up on all of us. Before you know it, Black Friday is but a distant memory, and the dread of battling last-minute gift procrastinator traffic starts to set in. There’s got to be a better way!

This year, relish unmatched convenience and variety while finding something special for the most difficult on your gift list right here in Tukwila. From delicious local food gift boxes and crowd-pleasing family entertainment offerings, to unique local apparel and stocking stuffers, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Tukwila gifting highlights below. If you see something you like, we recommend purchasing as soon as possible while supplies last.

For the sports fan:

Seattle Seawolves: Grab tickets or merchandise for the region’s favorite Major League Rugby team, the Seattle Seawolves. Single match ticket pricing starts at around $30, and the team store has everything to deck out the whole family in fan gear, including mugs, hats, apparel, and more.

 

For the lifelong learner:

Museum of Flight Store: Find the perfect gift for young and old aviation and engineering fans in your life at the Museum of Flight. Browse the unique apparel and accessories, books, games, model airplanes, hands-on crafts, and more. For inspiration, check out their holiday gift guide.

 

 

For the foodie:

Spice Bridge: Grab one of their limited-edition holiday gift boxes filled with delicious treats from a variety of vendors, including hot sauce, caramelized peanuts, snack mix, and cinnamon almonds, just to name a few. Hosting a holiday party? Check out their party platters, customizable to serve up to 20 people.

 

Seattle Chocolates: For those with a sweet tooth, grab one of Seattle Chocolate’s inspired gift boxes filled with beautifully decorated, delicious chocolate.

 

 

For the whole family:

Tukwila Family Fun Center: Check out their bonus gift card offer – buy $10 in gift certificates and get $10 free. With dozens of activities to choose from, this gift is sure to be a whole-family pleaser.

 

 

 

DEFY: This indoor air park has holiday deals on punch cards, annual passes, gift cards, and more. A great gift for active, adventurous kids and adults alike. Check out the holiday deals here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 27, 2021 | News

Tukwila Welcomes Students Back to School

Last month, the small but mighty Tukwila School District welcomed students back to their classrooms.

Founded over 100 years ago, the historic district has about 3,000 students enrolled at its five schools: Cascade View Elementary, Thorndyke Elementary, Tukwila Elementary, Showalter Middle School, and Foster High School.

As one of the most diverse school districts in the county, Tukwila School District embraces the many languages spoken and different cultural backgrounds represented in their hallways and classrooms. Over 80 languages are spoken at their students’ homes and about half are enrolled in English language and cultural customs learning.

This year, students and the almost 400 district staff were greeted with some fresh amenities and upgrades that will improve student learning and campus life. Here are just a few:

  • Foster High School was built in 1992 and hasn’t had a renovation since. In 2021, the school completed a $30+ million renovation, including adding over over 15 classrooms, expanding the common spaces, overhauling the gym and weight room, and upgrading other critical building infrastructure.
  • Showalter Middle School was built in 1937, remodeled in 1996, and updated this past year with an expanded gym, cafeteria, and common spaces and upgraded building systems.
  • Cascade View Elementary, Thorndyke Elementary, and Tukwila Elementary expanded their footprints, remodeled existing spaces, and updated the building systems to be healthier and safer.

Learn more about the Tukwila School District’s diverse student body, qualified staff, and exciting new facilities here.

September 22, 2021 | News

Outdoor Art on Display in Tukwila Parks

Over the summer, Tukwila Parks and Recreation partnered with Urban Artworks to support the local art scene and add visual vibrancy to the city with the “Arts-in-the-Parks” initiative. The program solicited local artists and provided them with stipends to bring their visions to life through painting murals in select locations throughout the park system.

Check out the murals for yourself with this self-guided map and keep an eye out for the upcoming Pop-up Banner Gallery bringing art to Tukwila neighborhoods near you!

Here are just a few of the fantastic creations these talented artists brought to our community:

A Day in the Garden, Angelina Villalobos

On the site visit at Riverton Park, Angelina noticed the beautiful Gully Gardens P-Patch in full bloom. Her goal was to create a design that represented the flowers of each season in the Pacific Northwest, along with the endangered native bird, Varied Thrush.

 

Pristine Pacific Northwest, Heather Sparkles

“The location I was given for this project was the cabin at Bicentennial Park, which gave me thought as to the concept of ‘home’. I wanted the window and door panels to feel like entrances to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. My hope is that it will inspire people to treat the park and all of nature around us as we treat our own private home dwellings – with care, respect, love, and stewardship.”

 

Bird Friends of Tukwila, Annemieke Beemster Leverenz

This mural depicts a stylized vista of the Green River and Cascade Mountain Range as seen from Tukwila. The view is populated with native birds that frequent the area.

 

Starry Calamansi Night, Nikita Ares
“I was inspired by the location itself! The forms and colors were based on the energy of people constantly moving and passing by the park, and the colors of the green nature plus the playground.”

August 20, 2021 | dining

Experience Foods and Flavors From Around the Globe

There’s no better way to enjoy the distinct multiculturalism of Tukwila than through food. The Tukwila Village Farmers Market is the perfect place to sample flavors from around the globe and farm-fresh produce grown right here in our community.

Now in its third year of operations, the market offers produce grown by independent farmers who hail from the countries of Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and more. It also features an array of culinary offerings from the Spice Bridge food hall, which serves a rotating cast of global cuisines, such as Cambodian, Afghan fusion, Congolese, and Caribbean.

“They’re selling things that you won’t necessarily see at the grocery store or at other farmers markets, but [that] serve the needs of many different cultural groups,” said Kara Martin, program director of the Food Innovation Network.

The market is hosted by the Food Innovation Network — a program that supports small food business development and aims to improve local food systems in diverse communities in South King County — and acts as an incubator for urban growers and immigrant and refugee businesses.

The Tukwila Village Farmers Market runs every Wednesday from 4-7pm through October 13 and is located at the Tukwila Village Plaza (14350 Tukwila International Blvd). The market accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and SNAP (including double benefits with SNAP Market Match). Come hungry and leave happy!

Want more ideas for food options in the city? Check out our dining and shopping pages.

July 13, 2021 | Activities

Summertime Fun in Tukwila!

Summer is here and we’re ready to shake off the past year, get outside, and enjoy the season. Here are a few must-try local activities to check out before the rain rolls back in.

Bicycling is a great way to soak up the sun and get some good exercise. Tukwila has great city bicycle routes, including connections to the Green River and Interurban Trails. The Green River Trail follows the scenic Green River for almost 20 miles from Seattle to Kent. Similar in miles, the Interurban Trail (South) connects Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Algona, and Pacific along the historic route of the Puget Sound Electric Railway. Both offer great views and bike-friendly amenities along the way.

For those looking to test their swings, polo shirts, and cart driving skills, hit the greens at the Foster Golf Links, just minutes from I-5 and I-405 in Tukwila. Foster is a place for friends to develop their golf skills and enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife. Make sure to visit the course pro shop and restaurant while you’re there.

True to its name, Family Fun Center offers a broad entertainment lineup that everyone from Grandma to Junior will enjoy. This includes an assortment of outdoor attractions best paired with sunny weather, such as miniature golf, go karts, bumper boats, and batting cages. Check out the Wristband Special, which for a limited time, offers unlimited attractions at a discount price.

Perfect for those hot days with no AC, Tukwila Community Center’s Splash and Spray Park offers much needed respite from the summer heat. The park is packed with water-feature fun, like fish themed waterspouts, car wash style play areas, run through fountains, and more. It’s free for everyone to enjoy and open 10am – 8pm daily. Bring the kids and pack some snacks – it’s gonna be a long day!

Photo by Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority.

Want more ideas for summer fun? Check out our Activities page.

June 21, 2021 | Events

The City of Tukwila’s First Annual Juneteenth Commemoration

In 2020 the Council adopted Resolution 1992, declaring that Juneteenth will be recognized every year in Tukwila.  It’s a celebration of emancipation and an opportunity to honor African Americans in our community through continued learning and understanding of the impacts of slavery.

This year the City of Tukwila hosted their first Juneteenth Commemoration, “Continued Learning – The History of Juneteenth: Past, Present and Future of African American history.” Scroll down to view video highlights from this year’s commemoration, or watch the full length event video at the bottom of the page. While this inaugural commemoration was virtual due to the pandemic, the City’s goal is to grow the Juneteenth Commemoration over time into an annual Tukwila community-wide event.


A History of Juneteenth

The Commemoration of Juneteenth is a nationally-celebrated event that takes place every year on June 19, known as “Juneteenth.”  Learning its history provides understanding of how this day came to be. Juan Padilla, City of Tukwila Human Resources Director, presents an overview of the history of Juneteenth that includes a special performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” from the Church by the Side of the Road Choir.


Growing and Farming in Tukwila: History Before Southcenter Mall

Before Southcenter Mall was developed, Tukwila was a farming community and many African American families were bused in from Seattle Central District to work on these farms. Wayne Perryman discusses the history of African Americans in Tukwila and describes what it was like working on the farms before Southcenter Mall.


Honoring Joe Duffie

Tukwila Councilmember De’Sean Quinn honors former Councilmember Joe Duffie, the first African American elected to office in Tukwila and one of the city’s greatest civic leaders.


Soul Food – A History of African American Cuisine

Trish Kinlow, City of Tukwila Court Administrator, discusses the history and cultural importance of African American cuisine and shows us how to cook two soul food classics – Smothered Cabbage and Succotash.


Honoring Tukwila Community Members

Nichelle Page presents the City of Tukwila’s Community Leadership Awards to Tukwila School District’s Marva Harris and Foster High School students Alexis Mburu and Jadon Crawford.


Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward

Praxis Essentials gives us an original spoken word and movement performance.


Watch the Full Length Juneteenth Event


Continued Learning – The History of Juneteenth Resources

Juneteenth Commemoration

National Resources

Washington State Resources

King County Resources

Stream These Documentaries

  • African American: Many Rivers to Cross
  • Forgotten Four: The Integration of Pro Football 
  • High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America
  • Jimi Hendrix: Hear My Train Comin’
  • 13th  
  • Venus and Serena  
  • The Loving Story

April 30, 2021 | Activities

New Beginnings in Tukwila

Spring is a time to usher in the new, so we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few exciting new activities and openings to complement the season.   

In May, the two-time defending champion Seattle Seawolves kickoff their first homestand of the season, with games against Rugby United New York on May 2, San Diego Legion on May 9, and Rugby ATL on May 23. For those unfamiliar with the game, rugby is a thrilling mixture of team-based strategy, high-speed collisions, and skilled tackling, kicking, and dribbling — all done without pads! The games will be held right here in Tukwila at the Starfire Sports Stadiums, where every seat in this spacious, outdoor venue offers season ticket holders and casual fanatics alike an unforgettable show. Find out more about the Seawolves and how to purchase tickets to an upcoming game here.  

For those who prefer their action a little less full contact, check out the newly opened Legacy Gaming, which dazzles guests with a premium social gaming experience. Learn about the history of console gaming at the “Turn Back Time Zone,” bring the kids to the fun and educational “Kids Zone,” or just relax in the gaming lounge, which offers lightning-fast speed and performance for gamers. There’s a ton to do all under one roof, so grab a reservation today.

Speaking of relaxing, this spring also marks the grand opening of the Tru by Hilton Hotel. Tru offers easy access to the SeaTac Airport and downtown Seattle, as well as several shopping and entertainment destinations (including the Seawolves’ Starfire Sports campus, conveniently located just a few minutes away).

And finally, several popular stores are opening and reopening at our own Westfield Southcenter in the upcoming months, including AMC Theaters, Round 1, and Urban Outfitters, among others. Check out the Westfield Southcenter website for updates.

Experience something new this spring, Experience Tukwila!

April 1, 2021 | Dining

Sponsoring Seattle Restaurant Week

Experience Tukwila is a proud sponsor of Seattle Restaurant Week — a bi-annual celebration of the greater Seattle area’s culinary community. This past year has been especially challenging for the restaurant industry, with COVID-19 forcing many operational changes. Seattle Restaurant Week, which runs April 1 – 3o, is the perfect opportunity to show your support for local restaurants and sample some delicious food while you’re at it.

Throughout the month of April, participating establishments will offer special prix fixe menus, with $20 lunch and $35 and $50 dinner options. Venues will offer a variety of dining options to allow guests to choose whatever format works best for them, including takeout, ready-to-heat, delivery, meal boxes, and indoor and outdoor dining as permissible by public health guidelines. 

A full list of participating restaurants can be found here, where you can sort by neighborhood, cuisine, dining options, diet, and ownership to find the perfect place to match your location, taste, and values. 

Participating Tukwila restaurants include Spice Bridge vendors — Afella Jollof Catering, Jazze’s, Moyo Kitchen, Seatango, Taste of Congo, Theary Cambodian Foods, Wengay’s Kitchen, and WUHA — Juju’s Caribbean Kitchen, Duke’s Seafood Southcenter, and Waterleaf Restaurant & Bar. Spice Bridge vendors are also offering a Buy One, Give One option, where you can add $10 to your order to support the Food Innovation Network’s free community meals program.

Here’s sample of some menu items to get your taste buds watering: 

  • Afella Jollof Catering: Chicken Yassa with samosas and fried plantains
  • Taste of Congo: Chicken Moyo with fried plantains
  • Theary Cambodian Foods: Duck curry with vermicelli noodles and toppings
  • Waterleaf Restaurant & Bar: Bacon chips n’ dip, smoked beef ribs, and cedar-infused pound cake
  • Wengay’s Kitchen: Chicken Inasal, garlic rice, pancit bihon, and veggie lumpia
  • Juju’s Caribbean Kitchen: Haitian style spaghetti, chicken gravy bowl, and Haitian crispy fried pork sandwich
  • Duke’s Seafood: Award-winning clam chowder, rockfish tacos, fish and chips, and crab cakes

Full, detailed menu options can be found here. Time to eat your way through the city!