September is upon us and the later sunrises and earlier sunsets remind us that fall is truly just around the corner. However, we can all squeeze one last weekend of fun out of summer before the back-to-school, back-to-reality routine hits. And, although there is a noticeable chill in the air and the days have been a bit wet, it appears Mother Nature will bring back a few rays of sun for our long weekend.
For those of you sticking around for an Olympia “staycation”, there are plenty of happenings throughout the county to keep you busy. I recommend embracing the spirit of Labor Day weekend and celebrate hard work by doing none at all – truly play this weekend. We’ve got some great options to keep you in vacation mode listed below. And for a listing of all the options, visit our full events calendar here.
- Play with the kiddos at the Hands On Children’s Museum’s Free Friday Night starting at 5:00 p.m.
- Olympia’s annual Harbor Days festival kicks off Friday night and runs through Sunday. Full details on the fun found here.
- Tap your toes to live music and enjoy a pint at Oly Taproom’s Friday night “Curbside Party.” Event details here.
- Purchase your tickets for next weekend’s TEDx Olympia event at the Washington Center. Details found here.
- Pick up a pack of diapers when out shopping. Dry Tikes & Wet Wipes will appreciate the donation to help needy local families.
- Catch a showing of the family film HOME for free on Saturday morning at the Capitol Theater Kids Club.
- Watch the Chinook salmon migrate at the 5th Avenue bridge. Our guide to salmon watching is found here.
- Explore the options for how FirstLight HomeCare can help your loved one stay in their home longer.
- Grab your morning latte from newly opened (but a longtime Olympia favorite roaster) Hawthorne Coffee.
- Check off the last few items left on our “25 free things to do with kids” list.
- Take a drive for lunch and hit up one of these six recommended eateries along Hood Canal.
- Experience the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird brought to life on Harlequin Production’s main stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Visit the Olympia Farmers Market from a child’s perspective. Our guide to a kid’s ideal visit to the market is found here.
- Raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, and enjoy a good laugh, with comedian Bill Engvall during two shows on Sunday at Lucky Eagle Casino.
- Book your annual mammogram. South Sound Radiology is a Breast Center of Excellence right here in Thurston County.
- Stock the fridge at Urban Futures Farm on Saturday morning and learn how they are creating fresh food in an urban neighborhood.
- Plan a spontaneous getaway with your sweetie at one of these romantic destinations less than an hour drive away.
- Set your DVR for next week’s Miss America pageant and root for local Lizzi Jackson, our current Miss Washington.
- Plan the ultimate “staycation” with our ThurstonTalk guide to playing tourist at home.
- Ensure your child’s backpack fits and is safe before sending them off to school next week. Eastside Chiropractic gives six tips here.
- Get out on the water with Hood Canal Adventures on one of their kayak tours.
- Visit an open house event this weekend. Click here to see the list of Van Dorm Realty’s open houses.
Submit an event for our calendar here.
ThurstonTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Olympia. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, visit our events calendar.
