Updated for 2018
Are you ready to hunt Monkeyshines? They’re back this year, and there seem to be more monkeys than ever getting in on the act with their own fun treasures for you to find! No clue what I’m talking about? Keep reading!
Monkeyshines are beautiful, handblown glass balls hidden around town in honor of the Lunar New Year and community and art and all things joyful. Ben shared the one above via Twitter two years ago. Pretty, huh? They’re created and hidden by a secret group of local artists, which is pretty much everything that is cool about Tacoma right there, don’t you think?
Where to look?
Last year, Monkeyshines were found all around T-town, including spots at Fireman’s Park, Hoyt Playground, intersections in Proctor, on Ruston Way, and in Wright Park, but they could be anywhere! Ben says parks and downtown spots are your best bets, and he doesn’t think it matters when you hunt. The Exit133 blog’s Facebook page has historically been the best place to see pics and updates of finds.
Here is their most recent update as of today, February 9th.
When to go looking?
Well, Friday, February 16th is Lunar New Year this year, and historically that would make the very early hours of the 16th the time to look, but there is no official schedule.
and it does look like some Other treasures-not the glass floats hidden by the original Mrs.Monkey- but other lovely things like marbles and painted rocks-are already being found!
There have also been several, “Are you ready?” style posts on the page Today (Friday the 9th), which has me wondering if they’ll be out sooner. Maybe this weekend instead of next?? My best advice is to keep an eye on that fb page. You may also try looking for the #MonkeyShines hashtag on Twitter or Facebook.
It’s a real life treasure hunt and mystery all in one. If you find one, it’s yours to keep (Do only keep one if you’re lucky enough to come across two). As always, use sensible precautions, and obey private property laws. Ms. Monkey wouldn’t put any in dangerous spots or places where you could get in trouble, so don’t look there!
If you’re hunting with your kiddos, remind them that the fun is in the hunt and manage their expectations. We’ve had a great time tromping around Tacoma looking for them even though we’ve yet to find one. Maybe this will be our year!
We’ve shared some pics here of some finds from previous years. You’ll also likely find some art from the Beautiful Angle folks. Oh, Tacoma, you’re so fun!
Naturally, I hope you’ll let us know if you get lucky. Leave a comment (and a pic, pretty please!) here or on our Facebook page. You’re also welcome to Tweet at me! Thanks to one of our Twitter pals, M Sands, for the fun pics above.
And, remember, even if you don’t find one, you’ll be out exploring one of the South Sound’s greatest cities, and you’ll likely see other hunters to make pals with, too. Have a great time!
Found a 2016 ‘button’ at Point Defiance park earlier this year, at a vista point. fun!
So cool! Sorry we missed your comment, Frank. Thanks for sharing!
Ms .Monkey is my hero! As well as all of her other artists and helpers. Can’t wait to go on a hunt.
My son found one last year while out hiding rocks. We had just heard about monkeyshines and had to find out more about it. We were so excited to be apart of such an exciting community event and we are very much looking forward to this year’s event!!
Found a marble in a flower pot at Tahoma Terrace Apartment on Feb. 13th Love I!!!!