Summer is all about bare feet in the grass, blankets in the shade, and music in the air. Bring the whole family—or sneak out for some solo R&R—to one of the many musical opportunities around town this summer. Whether you prefer performing or applauding, there’s something for every style, taste, and schedule.
Check out listings for music almost every night of the week.
City-Wide Freebies
Music in the Park
The Olympia Downtown Association hosts Music in the Park beginning July 6 every Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Sylvester Park. Friday, August 5 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. there’s an additional show on the waterfront at Port Plaza.
Bands run the gamut from classic rock to country, funk to jazz. All shows are free, bring blankets and folding chairs.
Lacey In Tune
With concerts held at Lacey’s centrally located Huntamer Park, the Lacey in Tune Summer Concerts in the Park series takes place Wednesdays at noon (through August 3) and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. from July 16 – August 6.
Performers are from across the region and from every musical background. The Saturday night shows are followed by a movie shown at dusk on a large, outdoor screen.
Lots of free street parking is available, bring chairs, blankets, and money for snacks sold by local concessionaires.
Smaller Venues & Open Mic Nights
Tunes on Tuesdays
From 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. every Tuesday the Oly Taproom hosts local musicians on the downtown waterfront. There is no cover and info on that week’s performers can usually be found on their Facebook page.
Blue Heron Bakery Sunday Sounds Series
Every Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. the Blue Heron Bakery hosts open mic night. These are often followed by local musicians and performers from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Check their Facebook events page for details.
Swing Wine Bar
Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Swing hosts Vince Brown on the jazz guitar. Come take in the soaring Capitol Lake views with a wine flight or small plate treat.
Traditions Café
World musicians from near and far take the stage at downtown Olympia’s Traditions Café. They host everything from bluegrass and acoustic music jams every third Sunday to low-cost global performers. Check the calendar often for that week’s offerings.
Arbutus Acoustic Open Mic
The second Monday of the month is a donation-only open mic night at Arbutus Folk School. Arrive between 6:00-6:45 p.m. if you want to perform during the 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. performance window.
Performers play for free and audience members are encouraged to donate toward the school’s hands-on mission.
Rhythm and Rye
Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. are a hosted Open Mic night at the Capitol Way hotspot. Check out their Facebook events page for details on that and other musical treats.
Oly Underground
Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. are Open Mic night and Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. are Throwback Thursday Dance Nights at Oly Underground. Come to their Legion Way location with your voice warmed up for two nights of superstar vocals.
Local Casinos
Weekly Live Music
Rochester’s Lucky Eagle Casino offers free live music Friday and Saturday nights from 9:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. Events are for 21+ and held in their CraftHouse Sports Bar.
Starlight Lounge
Little Creek Casino’s Starlight Lounge in Shelton has many free music options. Every Friday and Saturday from 9:00 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. there is live music and Thursdays from 8:00 p.m. until midnight there is a DJ hosting a 21+ dance party.
Nisqually Red Wind Casino
Close to home the Red Wind offers music throughout the summer. Show times vary from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and provide something for everyone.
