Places to go, people to see, things to do

In this section

We're more than your local liberal arts college. We're a performing arts center. We're an art gallery. We're sports arena. We're a neighborhood park. We're a cozy coffee shop.

There's so much to do here—and you don't even have to be a student to do it! Each year we host renowned guest artists, speakers, civic leaders, and others, and invite you to campus to be part of our community of learning. Visit our event calendar to see what's happening right now.

Many of the opportunities are free, and the Puget Sound Community Card offers neighbors and their families discounted tickets for those that aren't. Get yours today!

LogJam!

We like to kick things off right. With fireworks. LogJam! is an annual event, typically on the first Friday of September, that welcomes students back to campus and kicks off the academic year. One of our best-kept secrets is that the event is also open to neighbors and their families. Bounce houses, games, and performances are standard fare. Oh yeah, and free food and a big-screen (family-friendly) movie, too. And did we mention fireworks?

Kittredge Art Gallery

See local and regional artists exhibit their work right here in your backyard. In partnership with Tacoma Art Museum, the gallery is open September to May, and is free and open to the public. The community is invited to exhibit openings and artist talks throughout the academic year.

Kittredge Gallery on Facebook

Arts and Lectures at Puget Sound

Notable guests and performers visit Puget Sound throughout the academic year through endowed lecture series, School of Music events, theatre arts department productions, ASUPS lectures and cultural events, and more. Sign up to receive arts events news and announcements.

Collins Memorial Library

Puget Sound’s Collins Memorial Library offers our community access to a wide range of services. Community members may purchase a library card for $150 per year for full access to library resources. All you need is a valid Washington ID proving state residency. For more information please contact library staff at 253.879.3669.

Athletics

Competing in the Northwest Conference, Puget Sound athletics teams host home games open to all community members. Free or discounted attendance to regular season games is available with the Puget Sound Community Card, available through the Office of Community Engagement.

Spring Lu`au and Spring Zing

Part of Spring Family Weekend, held each April, the lu`au and Spring Zing are student-run traditions. The lu`au began in 1970 and offers community members the chance to immerse themselves in Pacific Islander culture. Spring Zing is in partnership with the Proctor Business District and invites families to explore the district, sample delicious food, and enjoy a featured performance artist.