6-Pack of Things To Do: Friday August 14 2020

Summer may be winding down, but this area’s cultural activities are just winding up. Gig Harbor hosts concerts; Fort Nisqually opened the gate; Central Co-op has added a movie theater. Keep reading for six things to do today — some virtual, some in person, some free, some paid — and all worth your time. Enjoy 6-Pack of Things To Do: Friday August 14 2020.

POP-UP DRIVE-IN MOVIE: There are certain cultural touchstones that we’ve all agreed are part of the human experience (whether we like them or not), and familiarity with them enables us to get around in casual conversations. The Goonies is one such important touchstone. One of the most beloved movies to come out of Oregon, The Goonies was filmed in Astoria in the mid-’80s, and the movie’s landmarks remain a major source of tourism for the northern coastal town. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece is PG-gold, and if you still haven’t seen it, try to blend in with the film’s fans at the Central Co-Op Tacoma Pop-Up drive-In tonight. The store will remain open an hour later for grab and go snack items and vegan eats from Quickie Too. 9-11 p.m., Central Co-Op, 4502 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, no cover, photo courtesy of wallpaperset.com

BEER FLIGHT: Today marks our last salute to the canceled Tacoma Beer Week 2020. We’re going to focus on the characters of local beer. No, we’re not talking about the brewers and beer reps, although that works. They’re definitely characters. Rather, we’re focusing today’s to-go flight of local beer characters: Mo, Edward Resin Hands, Hop of the Walk, Pinky The Cat and OCTO. Stop by our craft beer lodge and take home Peaks and Pints Pilot Program: Tacoma Beer Characters On The Fly. Thanks for supporting Tacoma beer this week, and every week (legally and distance-responsible, of course). 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Peaks & Pints, 3816 N. 26th St., Proctor District, Tacoma

MEDITATION: Right inside the gates of Point Defiance, near the duck pond/waterfall deal, there is a giant sequoia, which is a Tree-dimensional Tacoma tree. If you can make the leap from the ground to the lofty branches of this massive champion, cling with all your might and lift your legs up until they are able to wrap around the branch. This affords you some time to work up the strength to twist your body around the branch until you are straddling it like you would ride a dolphin. On this first branch of this particularly large arbor, wedge yours hands free into a lotus position and begin the rhythmic breathing that will save us from these terrible times. Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma

FORT NISQUALLY: Prior to becoming a park in 1888, Point Defiance was used as an early trading post and later, a federal military reservation. Visitors interested in the history of the land can visit the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, located in the southwest corner of the park. The museum gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in an authentic account of the culture, buildings and crafts at the trading post during the 19th century. In order to maintain public safety standards, guests are required to purchase admission online, wear an appropriate face covering for all those over five years of age, maintain social distancing recommendations of six feet or more, and abide by reduced capacity within the facility. Guests are encouraged to safely visit with living history interpreters located throughout the museum to hear about the Fort’s history, experience 19th century activities and walk through the Fort’s gardens. Be sure to check out the heritage breed chickens and greet the Fort cats Mahsie and Eena. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, 5519 Five Mile Drive, Point Defiance Park, Tacoma, family $30 (two Adults + up to six children); children 3 and younger admitted free

FARMERS MARKET: In an effort to keep their vendors and community safe amid the public health crisis the Lakewood Farmers’ Market moved the operation to giant Fort Steilacoom Park with drive-thru and walk-thru options. Cars can drive in a horseshoe slowly through the middle of the market, while pedestrians will walk around the exterior, using the sidewalk. Vendors will have both sides of their booths open, to allow customers to shop. Vendors will offer farm fresh produce, specialty goods, desserts and they’ll have food trucks such as Burrito Boy, Bliss Small Batch Creamery, Stacks Burgers, And The Old Red Barn Popping Company. 3-7 p.m., Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave. SW, Lakewood

MUSIC: The City of Gig Harbor, Uptown Gig Harbor and the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation join Band Together for another a free live/virtual concert at Uptown. Concertgoers can watch the shows live, or watch them live on Facebook, YouTube, as well as broadcast on KGHP (89.9FM). Tonight, “Band Together: Small Business Relief Concert Series” continues with Budapest West, a world-belly-dance-groove” band based in the Pacific Northwest that blends modern electronic instruments with unique and rare instruments to create a sound unlike any other. Donations will go toward a relief fund for small businesses suffering in the pandemic, and they’ll be distributed through a “people’s choice” process. 6-8 p.m. Uptown Gig Harbor, 4701 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor, donations accepted