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.