Upcoming Events
REGGAE ON THE WAY 2025
Dirty Heads, HIRIE, Spawnbreezie, Kabaka Pyramid and more!
Sat Jul 12
Dirty Heads, HIRIE, Spawnbreezie, Kabaka Pyramid, Bumpin Uglies, Kash'd Out, Jordan T, Stay Grounded, Two Story Zori, Dub Lounge International, Ian Ayers and the Soul Purpose, Ethan Tucker, Nine To Fyah
All Ages Outdoor Block Party Style Festival
Doors: 1:00PM / Show: 2:00PM
at Airport Tavern
Reggae
Sewer Ratz and ETT Present
Tue Jul 15
Electric Taco Tuesday
with PARROT, SBKALLDAY, DETCORD, ALGORITHMIX
A DMV Awareness Benefit in Loving Memory of Sativa Transue
Doors: 4:00PM / Show: 9:00PM
at Airport Tavern
21+, $5.00-$10.00
Electronic
Thu Jul 17
Trivia Night
with Hosted By Jared Bogi
21+
Doors: 6:00PM / Show: 7:00PM
at Airport Tavern
$0.00
Improv
Airport Tavern Music Hall Proudly Presents
Back to the 80's with Nite Wave
Fri Jul 18
Nite Wave
21+ Only
Doors: 8:00PM / Show: 9:00PM
at Airport Tavern
21+, $20.00
New Wave
Airport Tavern Music Hall Presents
Sat Jul 19
Carolyn Wonderland
All Ages, Bar w/ ID
Doors: 6:00PM / Show: 7:00PM
at Airport Tavern
All Ages, $30.00-$35.00
Blues
IT'S A 2000'S PARTY - TACOMA, WA
Sat Jul 19
Slacker University
21+
Doors: 10:00PM / Show: 10:00PM
at Airport Tavern
$15.00
DJ/Dance
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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