September 28, 2023 | News

Tukwila Is Buzzing With Art

No matter where you go, the feeling in Tukwila is always electric. Whether you’re buzzing after a game-winning goal at Starfire Sports, feeling the tingle of spice from traditional Congolese food at Spice Bridge, or getting shivers gazing at a space exhibit in the Museum of Flight, every experience packs a jolt of excitement and wonder.

Even the actual electrical current that runs through our city and powers businesses and homes has been given the Tukwila treatment. Over the past few years, our city has enlisted the help of local artists to dress up utility boxes around town, using them as their very own blank canvases. The result was a bloom in creativity seen all over the city. We absolutely love coming across one of these beautiful pieces out in the wild. Take a tour of this unique urban gallery below and then go see the real pieces for yourself!

Interurban Ave South:

Transition 21

Jennifer L. Towner

All the Homes We’ve Made in the Margins

Clare Johnson

Tukwila Wildlife Relief Prints 

Susan Hass

Southcenter Boulevard:

Dancing Night

Nikita Ares

Succession 

Cable Griffith

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Hoa Hong

Tukwila International Boulevard:

Roses

Julisha Kim

Going Places

Stephanie Krimmel 

All Are Welcome 

Cecelia “Mousy DeVilla” Deleon

Southcenter Parkway

Baker Boulevard:

Seeking 

Elizabeth Gahan

Taking Flight 

Elizabeth Gahan 

Other:

Our Food Is Immigrant-Led

Sophia Fang

Full of Sparkles

Xin Xin

Rainbows of the Day & Night

Blanca Santander

Cul-De-Sac

Taylor Tingshi 

River Trail Block Party

Carmel Mercado 

Volunteer With Tukwila’s Public Art Program

Inspired by all the amazing utility box art? Well, now you too can help beautify our city with art. Simply sign up for one of the listening sessions below to learn more about the program and help us plan the future of Tukwila art!

First Community Session (virtual)
Tuesday, October 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Second Community Session (virtual)
Thursday, October 12, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Third Community Session (in-person, Tukwila Community Center)
Saturday, October 14, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Language interpretation support and activities for participants with children to be provided.

Can’t wait to see you there!

August 14, 2023 |

Back to School Beach Bash

It’s that time of year again. Time to start the long, slow goodbye to summer and begin loading up on the school supplies.

But it doesn’t have to be all gloom. In fact, it can be a party! A bash, even!

Join us at Joseph Foster Memorial Park on August 26th for a very special Back to School Beach Bash! Fun activities for all ages, including beach sand volleyball, live music, and delicious food from a local favorite—Soul Fusion Food Truck!

Hope to see you there.

August 14, 2023 |

Tukwila’s Favorite Trucks

On August 19th, Tukwila will become Truck-wila!

Come on down to Westfield Southcenter Mall to see all the amazing trucks that help drive Tukwila.

Trucks used by Tukwila Police, Tukwila Public Works, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, Washington National Guard, and many more! This is a perfect opportunity for kids to get inspired and big kids (adults) to live out their childhood dreams! 

July 27, 2023 | Activities

Make Your Summer a 10: Things to do in Tukwila

This summer has been unusually sunny—so much so that people all over the Pacific Northwest are at a loss for what else to do with all the sunshine. Well, we’ve got you covered. Tukwila is overflowing with activities and experiences perfect for those long summer days. Check out a few of our favorites below, inspired by the winners of our recent photo contest—Mikkell Jackson Roeland, Rene Hough, and Ric Meyer!

Catch Some Shade at Duwamish Hill Preserve and River 

Starting things off, we have the perfect remedy for these crazy-high temperatures. A walk through the Duwamish Hill Preserve or along the Duwamish River is a great way to cool down and find some shade from the sun while still enjoying the outdoors.

Power Up at Family Fun Center 

All this extra sun means tons of extra energy to put towards games! Dip into Family Fun Center for bowling, putt-putt, go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, laser tag, arcade games, pizza, and much more. Honestly, you could spend all summer inside this place! 

All Fore Fun at Foster Golf Links

Other golf courses just have golfing. In Tukwila, we do it a little differently. One of our favorite summer experiences is “First Fridays” at Foster Golf Links. Enjoy live music and a movie at sunset out on the green while loading up on your favorite food from Billy Baroo’s restaurant just a few steps away. 

Soar Above the Heat at the Museum of Flight 

What would a trip to Tukwila be without a visit to the Museum of Flight? A staple of our city for decades, the Museum of Flight is a favorite way to soar above the heat and explore the history of flight.

Make a Splash at the Tukwila Pool 

Dive into one of the coolest places in Tukwila, the Tukwila Pool! But make sure it’s only in the deep end! This favorite summer pastime never fails. Enjoy a leisurely float, jump off the diving board, or sign up for classes today! 

Book Your Summer with Fun

The Tukwila Library not only has a large selection of books, but also a whole calendar full of exciting activities and experiences, like Math Club, Arabic Story Time, Arts & Crafts, and plenty more.

Try a New Lane at Bowlero Bowling 

Strike off a classic summer activity on your list with Bowlero Bowling. At Bowlero, they pull out all of the stops to make your bowling experience unforgettable. In between games, you can enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, billiards, a full arcade, and more. Bowling sure has changed since we were kids! 

Experience Tukwila on Two Wheels 

The summer fun never tires in Tukwila! At 14 miles, the Interurban Trail is a favorite among cyclists and runners. It’s the perfect way to take in all of the sights and sounds of Tukwila. Think you can conquer it in a single day? You probably could—14 miles is long but not, like long-long. 

Kick the Heat at Starfire 

Still stuck on ideas? Here’s an assist: grab a soccer ball and take to the pitch at Starfire Sports! Anyone can reserve a spot to play a pickup game, host a party, or even go all in on a full tournament. Inside and outside fields available. Champions train in Tukwila, and many of their careers begin right here at Starfire. You could be the next star! Or just a casual weekend player—that’s cool too! 

Freshen Up at the Farmers Market

There’s nothing more refreshing than fresh food, and we know just the place to fill your tote with locally grown fruits and veggies. Tukwila Village Farmers Market is your classic community market, providing locally grown produce. When you shop here, you’re also supporting local immigrant and refugee growers. Take a stroll through the market every Wednesday afternoon, now until mid-October!

Now it’s time to get out there.

Phew! That was a lot of activities and experiences to get through—we’re breaking a sweat! Time to go cool off at one of the many amazing restaurants in Tukwila…or maybe we’ll see a movie…or maaaaybe we’ll go to the VR arcade! Oh wow, so many more things to do in this town. Guess we’ll have to compile another list soon! 

We hope this list was helpful and will bring you some more summer joy. Enjoy your time in Tukwila!

July 6, 2023 |

Bark in the Park

Surprise your little fur babies with a visit to “Bark in the Park.” It’s the perfect place for dogs and humans to enjoy the lovely summer sun with wide open spaces, best friends, and delicious local cuisine.

And this year, they’re also hosting a Best Pet Costume Contest! So throw a tutu on that furry little behind and join in on the festivities!

June 7, 2023 |

Concerts in the Park Are Back!

There’s nothing quite like sitting out on a lawn underneath the summer sun and enjoying live music.

This summer, Tukwila has a lineup you won’t want to miss.

The Stacy Jones Band and Chris Eger Band are bringing rock, blues, country, and soul to Tukwila’s center stage this Thursday from 5-7pm.

Don’t miss out on these two incredible artists!

May 8, 2023 |

Macadam Winter Garden Walk and Talk

“I believe that gardening together helps us learn to care for plants, animals and one another. This is a pathway to peace.”

Lisa Taylor is a Master Composter gardener that wishes to share a passion for organic gardening with the world.

Whether you’re no stranger to a harvest or a first time gardener, Lisa will share valuable knowledge and skills to help improve your garden game.

Join Lisa on May 19th for a Walk and Talk event hosted by Cascade Gardener at Tukwila’s Macadam Winter Garden.

May 8, 2023 |

Gully Gardens Walk and Talk

Master Composter Lisa Taylor is back and ready to share more lovely gardening tips and tricks.

Join Lisa for another walk and talk event hosted by Cascade Gardner. This time, Lisa is taking you through the beautiful Gully Gardens.

In honor of Paul and Betty Gully, these gardens host rows of scrumptious plants, including its famous pea patch! Sign up for this free event now to cultivate more gardening experience!

March 7, 2023 |

Restoration Party

Tukwila is well known for its incredible selection of shops, thrilling sports teams, and abundance of entertainment centers. Complementing these many attractions is a variety of beautiful outdoor spaces where you can go to relax or play. But it takes a community to keep them thriving. Luckily, Tukwilans are all about giving back, and stay on top of restoration efforts.

Join a group of volunteers gathering at Riverton Park for a restoration work party on March 8th. Led by Forest Steward, Debbie, volunteers will help remove invasive plants like English ivy and holly to help the local foliage thrive. 

All tools, materials, and training will be provided.

November 22, 2022 | Activities

10 Things To Do in Tukwila in the Rain

AHHHH! WHAT IS THAT?! 

Oh right, rain. 

After what felt like an eternity with that giant mass of fire in the sky, the rain has once again returned to its rightful realm: the Pacific Northwest. And what makes this place so special is how unbothered everyone is by a little water. Simply put, it’s all a matter of perspective. If you fight the rain, you only fight yourself. Accept the rain and you free yourself to enjoy all the amazing things this region has to offer. 

Buuuuuuut, if you really just don’t want to deal with it all, then we have a few recommendations on where to spend a nice rainy PNW day right here in Tukwila. So go ahead, check out our Top 10 Rainy Day Activities in Tukwila!

 

Escape in a Game Room

Does the rain have you wanting to escape to a new reality? Maybe one where you’re not stuck inside seeing daylight rainy skies move into dark rainy skies at 4pm? Then stop by Tukwila’s premier gaming destinations—Dimension XR and Legacy Gaming—and get transported to a new dimension filled with adventure where anything and everything is possible.

 

Get a Thrill at iFly

Feeling couped up inside? We have the perfect place for you: iFly. The indoor skydiving craze has taken over the country, and now you can try it for yourself. Like Superman in training, don the fancy jumpsuit and helmet and then shoot off into the stratosphere* with guidance from one of the skydiving professionals. 

*more like 20 feet, but you can use your imagination.

 

Fill Your Belly at Spice Bridge

Rain + gray = give me cozy comfort food right now. Duck on into one of Tukwila’s most vibrant displays of world cuisines: Spice Bridge. This global food hall is home to immigrants and refugees who bring with them insane culinary talents. With a rotating selection of food businesses, there’s always a new exciting dish to try. It’s the perfect place to cozy up with a hot meal.

 


Hit the Lanes at Bowlero

Bowling is an absolute classic rainy-day activity. So, it should come as no surprise that Tukwila has one of the best bowling spots around, Bowlero. What more do you need to know? It’s bowling. You get it. Ball, lane, pins. Done. Now go do it and have a killer time inside not getting wet.

 

Race at SyKart

There’s a common joke in this area that people don’t know how to drive in the rain even though it’s raining all the time. What that says to me is that more people need to hit the go-kart track for some high-intensity practice. Sykart is the place for all your go-kart needs. Situated right here in Tukwila, it’ll provide the much-needed boost on a gloomy rainy day.

 

Jump Around at Defy

If you hate jumping in puddles, might we recommend jumping into giant pits filled with foam instead. That’s just the start of the fun at Defy, a trampoline park in Tukwila. Foam pits, trampolines, rock walls, basketball, this list goes on. This one-of-a-kind action park is filled with challenges that are fun for the whole family. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t feel the FOAMO. Visit Defy today!

 

Watch a Movie at AMC Southcenter

When it looks like Waterworld outside, it’s best to stay inside and watch a movie… like Waterworld. Research studies show that the best place to watch new movies is in a movie theater, and I definitely didn’t just make that up. Regardless, Tukwila is home to AMC Southcenter, featuring Dolby Cinema and IMAX theaters. Escape the rain and immerse yourself in a story far far away.

 

Stay Active at Mayweather Boxing

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t still stay active. Train like the champion you are at Mayweather Boxing and Fitness. The studio offers four different styles of classes throughout the week formulated with the perfect combination of boxing, strength, and cardo conditioning. Get drenched in sweat, not rain.

 

Visit a Meadery

Breweries are everywhere in the Seattle area. But only a few special places have meaderies. And situated right here in Tukwila is one of the best around, Oppegaard Meadery. Warm your belly and your spirits in this Viking-clad tasting room.

 

Go on a Hike

Okay, you got us. This activity won’t protect you from the rain. In fact, it puts you directly in its path. BUT, hear us out. Taking a walk or run along the Green River Trail or at the Duwamish Hill Preserve in the rain is a really unique activity that many won’t experience. So, if you work up the courage, grab that rain jacket, lace up those boots, and just lean into it.

 

As you can see, Tukwila is filled with all kinds of activities that make a rainy day actually something you will look forward to. So next time the clouds roll in and the rain starts falling, just make your way over to Tukwila to help brighten up your day.

Until then, head on over to our Activities and Events pages to stay up to date on all the exciting things going on in our city.