It’s Almost Time to Hunt for Monkeyshines!

Updated for 2021

Yes, Tacoma, it’s almost time for Monkeyshines! Maybe? We think?

When Are Monkeyshines Out in Tacoma and Where Should You Look for Monkeyshines?

Are you ready to hunt Monkeyshines? Every year there seem to be more monkeys than ever getting in on the act with their own fun treasures for you to find, and we are crossing our fingers for lots more finds in 2021. 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.

You can look for the #monkeyshines hashtag on Twitter and other social media to see where they’ve been found so far, or check the official Monkeyshines fb page. 

That page also has info. on how to support this effort, and I think arts movements are worth supporting now more than ever!

If you’d just like some more back story on Monkeyshines, Grit City Magazine has a lovely article. 

When to go looking?

Traditionally, Ms. Monkey has begun hiding around the Lunar New Year, which is February 12th this year. Of course, only Ms. Monkey knows if she’s sticking to that calendar!

In years past more have gone out in the following weeks. And thanks to, “Rogue monkeys,” hiding other creations of their own, your odds of finding a special treasure are probably better than ever! Some are also so well hidden that they’re found months later!

Keep in mind that part of the magic of this is no one can say for sure except Ms. Monkey and her secret band of helpers! Following the Monkeyshines Fb page is probably your best bet if you need to know for absolute certain before you start your hunt.

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! Please also be careful today in places that are icy and cold (so pretty much everywhere, right)?

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 below.

 

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!