Here’s a comprehensive guide to events and activities happening in and around Olympia, Washington.
- 0.1 Weekend Extravaganza: Fireworks Over Capitol Lake
- 0.2 Monday Musings: Author Talk and City Planning
- 0.3 Mid-Week Merriment: Music and Mayhem
- 0.4 Thursday Thrills: Drums and Mariachi
- 0.5 Friday Fun: Boat Building, Board Games, and Beach Vibes
- 0.6 Saturday Sensations: Space Water, Beer Fest, and Birthday Bash
Weekend Extravaganza: Fireworks Over Capitol Lake
Mark your calendars for a dazzling display of pyrotechnics! The annual Capital Lakefair concludes with a spectacular fireworks show over Capitol Lake. The grand finale is scheduled for 10 p.m. Sunday, and the fireworks will be visible from various vantage points around the lake and the Capitol Campus. Don’t miss this vibrant end to the beloved five-day festival.
Monday Musings: Author Talk and City Planning
Meet Young Adult Author Vanessa L. Torres
Aspiring writers and fans of young adult fiction, take note! Olympia-based author Vanessa Torres will be hosting an interactive question-and-answer session about her captivating new book, “On the Wings of la Noche.” This enchanting tale blends fantasy, Mexican folklore, and a heartwarming romance, exploring the journey of a young girl balancing love and her magical identity. The free event takes place from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday at the Olympia Timberland Library, located at 313 Eighth Ave. SE. Come prepared to delve into Torres’s inspirations and her path to becoming a published author.
Public Hearing: Shaping Olympia’s Future
The Olympia Planning Commission invites the public to participate in a crucial hearing concerning the Land Use and Urban Design chapter of the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan. This hearing, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, provides an opportunity for residents to share their comments and insights before the Commission makes its recommendations to the City Council.
The chapter under review addresses vital aspects of Olympia’s development, including:
- Development patterns
- Neighborhood character
- Historic preservation
- The built environment
- Downtown revitalization
- Transitioning to a more urban community with walkable destinations
- Connections to nature, food production, and transportation networks
Residents can participate either virtually or in person at City Hall, located at 601 Fourth Ave E., Olympia. For in-person attendees, a computer with Zoom access will be available in Room 207 to facilitate participation and comment. Written comments are also welcome and must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday. Submissions can be sent to the Community Planning and Development Department, PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507-1967, or via email to olympia2045@ci.olympia.wa.us. Note that Planning Commissioners will be participating remotely. Staff reports related to the proposal are accessible on the city’s website under “Planning Commission” in the Agenda and Minutes section, corresponding to the meeting date.
Mid-Week Merriment: Music and Mayhem
Tuesday Tunes with Recess Monkey
Lacey’s “In Tune” series continues with a performance by Recess Monkey, the nationally recognized trio of Seattle teachers known for their high-energy, kid-friendly music. This free, outdoor event promises fun for the whole family and starts at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lacey’s Huntamer Park, located at 629 Woodland Square Loop SE.
Wednesday’s Dueling Crooners and Music in the Park
Lacey’s “In Tune” program presents “Dueling Crooners” at Huntamer Park, 629 Woodland Square Loop SE. at noon. Enjoy the sounds of Joey Jewell and Chris Anderson paying tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Michael Bublé and more.
Olympia Downtown Alliance’s “Music in the Park” continues at Sylvester Park, 615 Washington St.. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with Chehalis singer-songwriter Danika Rozhanica, followed by Americana music from Briarfinch at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Bring your own chairs or blankets.
Thursday Thrills: Drums and Mariachi
Taiko Drum Show at Play in the Park
Experience the captivating sounds and sights of taiko drumming with Chikiri and The School of Taiko. This free performance, part of Lacey’s “Play in the Park” series, will be held at Wonderwood Park, 5304 32nd Ave. SE, Lacey, at 11 a.m. Bring your own seating.
Mariachi Monarcas at Tumwater Craft Concert Series
Tumwater Parks and Recreation presents Mariachi Monarcas as part of its summer concert series. The performance takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Craft District Amphitheater, located at 4200 Capitol Blvd. SE. Enjoy live music alongside the Craft District’s food, beverages, and shopping opportunities. Admission is free. Bring a blanket and/or low-backed chairs for seating on the grass.
Friday Fun: Boat Building, Board Games, and Beach Vibes
Plaza Pop-Up: Boat Building
Unleash your inner engineer at the East Bay Public Plaza from noon to 3 p.m. Friday. The WET Science Center educators will guide participants in crafting boats from various materials, testing their designs in a reclaimed water stream. This free activity is suitable for all ages. The East Bay Public Plaza is located at 325 Marine Drive NE in downtown Olympia.
Board Game and Puzzle Exchange
The Olympia Timberland Library invites you to trade, exchange, and discuss board games and puzzles. Discover a new favorite for you and your family at this event, which runs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday. Donations are encouraged but not required. All items must be in good condition with all pieces present. The library is at 313 Eighth Ave. SE.
Lacey in Tune: Concert and Movie on the Beach
Lacey’s “In Tune” series heads to the beach…sort of! Enjoy an evening of food trucks, live music, and a family movie, all with a beach theme. Catch A Wave, a band that performs vocal harmonies reminiscent of the 1960s Beach Boys, will take the stage at 7 p.m. Then, at dusk, settle in for a screening of “Moana 2” (PG). Bring your own blankets or chairs. Admission to the entertainment is free, but food will be available for purchase. Huntamer Park is located at 629 Woodland Square Loop SE.
Tumwater’s Screen on the Green
Tumwater’s free summer open-air cinema continues with a showing of “The Wild Robot” from approximately 9 to 10:40 p.m. Friday. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy a movie under the stars at Tumwater Hill Park, located at 3115 Ridgeview Loop SW. Low-backed chairs are allowed. Food for sale will be available from Baby’s Dream Dogs and Kona Ice of Olympia. Popcorn will be provided by Steve’s Wicked Kettle Korn. Pre-movie activities will include robot building with Bricks 4 Kidz and “The Wild Robot” Activity Booklet (while supplies last).
Saturday Sensations: Space Water, Beer Fest, and Birthday Bash
Extraterrestrial H2O at the WET Science Center
Explore the fascinating world of water beyond Earth at the WET Science Center. Enjoy crafts and activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that highlight the H20 found in comets, space shuttles, planets, and more. At 11 a.m., there will also be a presentation exploring the many places that water exists in space! Admission is free to this all-ages event at the center, located at 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia.
2025 South Sound Beer Fest
Three Magnets is celebrating its 11th anniversary with a family- and dog-friendly event. A $29 ticket includes 10 5oz. tasters and a commemorative South Sound Beer Week tasting glass. Food will be available from O.G.’s Smokehouse BBQ and Citra Pizza. Enjoy live original music by Olympia’s own Low Wires, The Proffits, and Lonesome Bramble. Craft beverages will be provided by nearly two dozen regional breweries and cideries. At least 10 Self Care craft non-alcoholic beer varieties will be available for taster pours or full can options. A 15% auto gratuity applies to each ticket sold, of which 100% goes to the serving staff.
YWCA 80th Birthday Bash
Celebrate the YWCA’s 80th birthday with an ‘80s-style bash from 4-7 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy music, food, and games. Admission is free. The YWCA is located at 220 Union Ave. SE, Olympia.