Olympia Events Calendar

The ThurstonTalk Events Calendar shares things to do around Thurston County including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and beyond. Find fun activities and adventures throughout the region on our comprehensive events calendar.

Have an event that isn’t listed? Please email events@ThurstonTalk.com with the following information:

  • Name of Event
  • Date, time and location (name of business if applicable and complete address)
  • Organizer(s) name
  • Cost
  • URL to purchase tickets
  • Website URL
  • SHORT description of event
  • Photo

Our editors will review and post within a few business days.

May
11
Sat
Olympia Wooden Boat Fair @ Percival Landing Park
May 11 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

The Olympia Wooden Boat Association is proud to announce the 42nd Annual Olympia Wooden Boat Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11 and 12, 2024.

The fair, a traditional community and family event, is held at Percival Landing Park in downtown Olympia on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On display will be all types of wooden boats including power, sail, row boats, dinghies, kayaks, and canoes.

There will be many local artisans featuring their handmade artwork, pottery, wooden décor, jewelry, clothing, homemade food products, and many more nautical-related items. When the family gets hungry, walk through the International Food Alley booths offering traditional burgers, seafood, and international choices, along with tempting desserts.

There will be a children’s boat building booth on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., or while supplies last. The fair is also known for showcasing local musical entertainment starting at noon on Saturday. The entertainment schedule is as follows:

The fair officially closes on Sunday at 5:00 pm. For more information, directions, or boat and vendor applications, visit our web site at www.olywoodenboat.org or send us an email at association@olywoodenboat.org. Always held on Mother’s Day weekend, bring Mom and the whole family to our FREE, fun-filled Boat Fair!

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration @ South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus
May 11 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration @ South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus

The Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of South Puget Sound, in partnership with the City of Olympia and South Puget Sound Community College, invites all to join us in celebration of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American heritage and cultures. We are currently open for registration for arts and crafts, resource and information hosting, food vendors, and performances until April 12.

Interested community groups or organizations could register using our online form at https://www.apicsouthpugetsound.org/aanhpi-heritage-month-registration to register.

The AANHPI Heritage Month celebration event is free and open to all, with fun and educational activities suitable for the entire family. So come join us!

May
12
Sun
Olympia Wooden Boat Fair @ Percival Landing Park
May 12 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

The Olympia Wooden Boat Association is proud to announce the 42nd Annual Olympia Wooden Boat Fair will be held Saturday and Sunday on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 11 and 12, 2024.

The fair, a traditional community and family event, is held at Percival Landing Park in downtown Olympia on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On display will be all types of wooden boats including power, sail, row boats, dinghies, kayaks, and canoes.

There will be many local artisans featuring their handmade artwork, pottery, wooden décor, jewelry, clothing, homemade food products, and many more nautical-related items. When the family gets hungry, walk through the International Food Alley booths offering traditional burgers, seafood, and international choices, along with tempting desserts.

There will be a children’s boat building booth on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., or while supplies last. The fair is also known for showcasing local musical entertainment starting at noon on Saturday. The entertainment schedule is as follows:

The fair officially closes on Sunday at 5:00 pm. For more information, directions, or boat and vendor applications, visit our web site at www.olywoodenboat.org or send us an email at association@olywoodenboat.org. Always held on Mother’s Day weekend, bring Mom and the whole family to our FREE, fun-filled Boat Fair!

May
16
Thu
The Aunties – Women of the Salish Sea, Episode 2 @ Washington Center Main Stage
May 16 @ 7:30 pm
The Aunties – Women of the Salish Sea, Episode 2 @ Washington Center Main Stage

The Aunties – Women of the Salish Sea features stories by Native American and First Nations Matriarchs, told live from stage to be immortalized in an online series of shorts. The term Aunties is an honorific that signifies a woman or non-binary person who holds a place of significance and respect in their communities. This original Indigenous Performance Production features women and non-binary Aunties who have spent their lives dedicated to serving their communities through the creation of hope, opportunity and connection. The Aunties amplifies their life’s work through a once-in-a-lifetime event featuring traditional storytelling, theater and multimedia arts.

We pay tribute to Aunties and the important role they play in Indigenous communities-of which they have long been recognized as vital caretakers of its connection, tradition and cohesion. Through shared storytelling, Aunties provide a space for everyone to gather to collectively reflect on their pasts and shared identity, as they look for ways towards a better future. The Aunties are the Keepers of their Community. We celebrate them now, at an especially important time due to the loss of so many elders from Covid-19. As Native and Indigenous communities bear the burden of those lost including their leadership, guidance and connections, The Aunties honors their contributions and preserves their stories for future generations to come.

In Partnership with Indigenous Performance Productions

May
18
Sat
Cultural Community Center Resource Day @ ASHHO Cultural Community Center
May 18 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cultural Community Center Resource Day @ ASHHO Cultural Community Center

Join us for an enriching experience at the heart of Thurston County as ASHHO proudly presents “Cultural Community Resource Day,” a bimonthly event designed to foster connections and showcase the wealth of free and low-cost resources available in our vibrant local community. 

Discover a myriad of opportunities to connect with fellow community members and explore valuable resources that contribute to the well-being of Thurston County. Whether you’re seeking educational support, health services, or cultural enrichment, this event provides a unique platform for networking and collaboration. 

Runia Soul Cafe will also be OPEN! We’ll be serving up hot, delicious ethnic soul food that promises to satisfy your cravings. 

Jun
15
Sat
Olympic Airshow @ Olympia Regional Airport
Jun 15 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Olympic Airshow @ Olympia Regional Airport

The 24th Anniversary Olympic Air Show launches on Father’s Day weekend at the Olympia Regional Airport. Featuring bombers, fighters and helicopters from World War II, Korea and Vietnam who will perform each day of the weekend. The B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-40 Kittyhawk are offering rides during the event.

Jun
16
Sun
Olympic Airshow @ Olympia Regional Airport
Jun 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Olympic Airshow @ Olympia Regional Airport

The 24th Anniversary Olympic Air Show launches on Father’s Day weekend at the Olympia Regional Airport. Featuring bombers, fighters and helicopters from World War II, Korea and Vietnam who will perform each day of the weekend. The B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-40 Kittyhawk are offering rides during the event.

Jul
3
Wed
Lacey Fireworks Spectacular @ Rainier Vista Community Park
Jul 3 @ 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lacey Fireworks Spectacular @ Rainier Vista Community Park

Join us for a dazzling evening at Rainier Vista for the Lacey Fireworks Spectacular on July 3rd! This FREE festival will include exciting live entertainment from Brick House with their disco performance at 5pm & a lively dance party with Mr. Pink at 8pm.
As the evening sky approaches, we will prepare for our fireworks display at 10pm to light up the night with sparkling colors! Throughout the event you can indulge in a variety of foods and delicious treats. Plus, be mesmerized by the thrilling and enchanting variety circus Vuelta La Luna, adding an extra touch of excitement to the evening.
Head to the Kid Zone where you’ll find activities including FREE rides, face painting and more! A perfect summer celebration for the whole family!