Arts & Entertainment Community

Harbor Happenings | Film Festival, Cider Swig and Pier Into the Night

The Gig Harbor Film Festival opens Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Galaxy Theatres in Uptown with a line-up of 85 independent films, including the world premiere of “The Dawgfather: The Legacy of Don James.” 

Billed as a “filmmakers’ film festival,” it also features discussions with the directors, producers, crew members and even actors from many of the films. The festival continues through the awards ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 29. Download the festival program here.

As of Monday, a few $400 VIP passes were still available. VIP passholders get priority seating as well as access to special events. Email [email protected]  for VIP pass information. General admission passes cost $50 and provide access to all four days of the festival. Get GA passes here. 

Other film festival highlights include:

• “First We Bombed New Mexico,” directed by Lois Lipman, which tells the story of multigenerational Native and Hispanic cancer victims whose illnesses were tied to nuclear bomb testing in New Mexico. “First We Bombed New Mexico” shows at 11:25 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, and 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.
• “Fish War,” directed by Jeff Ostenson, Charles Atkinson and Skylar Wagner, about legal battles over tribal fishing rights in Washington state. “Fish War” shows at 6:15 p.m. Friday and 4:05 p.m. Saturday.
• “Last Lap,” directed by Andrew Yardy, about Gig Harbor championship runner Doris Brown Heritage. “Last Lap” shows at 3:40 p.m. Friday and 1:15 p.m. Saturday.

Flashback Cinema

The Flashback Cinema movie at the Galaxy on Wednesday, Sept. 25, is “Psycho,” Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller starring Anthony Perkins. Showtimes are 12:15 and 6 p.m.  The Flashback movie on Sunday, Sept. 29, is “The Shining,” Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic based on Stephen King’s best-selling novel. Showtimes are 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Flashback movies are just $5.

Pier into the Night 

The season’s first Pier into the Night takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Maritime Pier. Biologists and volunteers from Harbor WildWatch will use underwater cameras to photograph sea life lurking under the pier, and will talk about what appears on the big video screen. All ages are welcome. Dress for the weather. Free, but donations are always appreciated. 

Cider Swig 

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation’s annual Cider Swig has moved to the LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma. It takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 and features more than 130 ciders (plus wine, mead, spirits and beer), live music, games and food trucks. Proceeds support the foundation’s environmental programs. Get tickets here.

All about books 

The Gig Harbor Library’s nonfiction book club meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, to discuss this month’s selection, “Under a White Sky” by Elizabeth Kolbert.  The library is at 4424 Point Fosdick Dr.

Learn how to make Latinx comics from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Point Fosdick Library. Local graphic novelist José Alaniz will discuss the history of Latin comics, followed by a workshop to create short comics. Geared to ages 9 and older. Free. 

Invitation Bookshop hosts a silent reading party at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, at Kimball Coffeehouse. Bring what you’re currently reading or another favorite book, and join other book-lovers in the cozy Kimball atmosphere.

Things start to get spooky at the library from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, with a “Spooky Paint and Sip.” Teens ages 13 to 18  can paint eerie scenes with local artist Coliz while sipping fruit punch.

At wineries

Melanie Vaile and friends play a musical stir-fry of jazz, pop, country, disco and blues Friday, Sept. 27 at the Olalla Winery. Music starts at 6:30 p.m.  On Sunday at the Olalla Winery, Sept. 29, it’s Boots and Bubbly country line dancing starting at 5:30 p.m. Purchase tickets to winery events here. 

The tasting selections at Two Loons winery on Sunday, Sept. 29 include a 2023 Alvarinho; a new release 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon; 2018 Moo-Zhur-In (100% Malbec) and 2019 Sheryl’s Syrah (named for the late wife of one of the winery owners). Tasting hours are 3-to-5 p.m. at 9422 22nd Avenue NW. 

 Civic engagement 

Gig Harbor Police Chief Kelley Busey, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Booth and City Administrator Katrina Knutson will talk about public safety during an Engage Gig Harbor event starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Club at the Boatyard, 3117 Harborview Drive (upstairs).  

The Gig Harbor City Council meets for a study session at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in the community rooms at the Civic Center on Grandview Street. Agenda items include amendments to the Skansie Netshed Foundation’s lease agreement and proposed changes to downtown parking standards. The study session can also be accessed via Zoom.