Upcoming Events
Airport Tavern Music Hall Presents
Wed Sep 3
The English Beat
with DJ VODKA TWIST
21+
Doors: 7:00PM / Show: 8:00PM
at Airport Tavern Music Hall
21+, $39.50-$45.00
Ska
Airport Tavern Music Hall Presents
Thu Sep 4
Coyote Island
with Cherokee Social
21+
Doors: 7:00PM / Show: 8:00PM
at Airport Tavern
21+, $15.00-$20.00
Alternative
WHAT THE DANCE PRESENTS
CRIMEWAVE - A GOTHWAVE, POST-PUNK AND DARKWAVE PARTY
Fri Sep 5
CRIMEWAVE - A GOTHWAVE, POST-PUNK AND DARKWAVE PARTY
21+
Doors: 9:00PM / Show: 9:00PM
at Airport Tavern
21+, $15.00-$20.00
Goth
Fri Sep 12
This Party Sucks! Emo Night
21+ only
Doors: 8:00PM / Show: 9:00PM
at Airport Tavern
$10.00-$20.00
Emo
AIRPORT TAVERN MUSIC HALL PRESENTS
Sat Sep 13
RiFF RAFF
with Deadly D., Lauren Napier, DJ Indica Jones
21+ ONLY
Doors: 7:00PM / Show: 8:00PM
at Airport Tavern
21+, $30.00-$50.00
Hip Hop/Rap
Airport Tavern Presents
Fri Sep 19
Likkle Jordee
21+
Show: 8:00PM
at Airport Tavern
21+, $25.00-$30.00
Reggae
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Gallery
About
The Airport Tavern is a beloved live music venue, bar, and community gathering space located at 5406 S Tacoma Way in Tacoma, Washington. The tavern gets its name from the South Tacoma Airport, which operated from 1936 to 1975 just a short distance away. This historic airfield once served as a hub for pilots and aviation enthusiasts before being repurposed into industrial space. Today, Airport Tavern honors that legacy, carrying a name that serves as a nostalgic nod to Tacoma’s aviation history.
The building itself has housed a tavern for decades, but it was in 2017 that Danno and Jessica Rankin took over and gave Airport Tavern a new lease on life. Recognizing the need for more live music spaces in Tacoma, they transformed the bar into a vibrant venue that combines Tacoma’s rich history with a forward-thinking vision for its arts and music scene.
Danno and Jessica Rankin have been major forces in revitalizing the South Tacoma Way corridor, working hard to create a walkable, music-friendly neighborhood. Their passion for music and community shines through not only in the Airport Tavern but also in projects like Reggae on the Way, an annual festival they launched in 2017. What started as a small block party has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most loved reggae festivals, bringing thousands of people to the area every summer.
As demand for live entertainment grew, the Rankins expanded Airport Tavern by adding a Music Hall—a larger concert venue within the same building. Completed in 2024, the Music Hall has allowed Airport Tavern to host bigger acts, providing a space that rivals Seattle venues like Neumos and The Crocodile while maintaining the intimate, community-driven vibe Tacoma locals love.
Today, Airport Tavern is more than just a bar or music venue—it’s a hub for creativity, connection, and culture. Whether you’re here for a national touring act, local band night, pinball, or simply a drink with friends, Airport Tavern represents the best of Tacoma’s community spirit.
Hours
Sunday:
4PM* to Midnight (or later)
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
4PM – 2AM
Wednesday:
4PM – Midnight (or later)
Thursday:
4PM – Midnight (or later)
Friday:
4PM – 2AM
Saturday:
4PM – 2AM
Parking
Street parking is available in the neighborhood or grab a spot in one of the many paid lots nearby. Save money and the planet by taking advantage of Tacoma’s public transit.
Specialties
Live Music, Pinball, Arcade, Darts, Cocktails, Mocktails and Food
Payment Methods
Amex, Cash, Mastercard and Visa
Services
Groups, Walk-ins, Reservations
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 4PM – 6PM, EXCEPT MONDAYS
Contact
General Inquiries –
INFO@AIPPORTTAVERN.COM
Booking a event –
BOOKING@AIRPORTTAVERN.COM
Phone
(253) 212-0709
Address
5406 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA, US, 98409