Elephant Ears. Princesses. Parades. Giant stuffed animals. Yes – it’s Capitol Lakefair weekend. Hugging the shores of Capital Lake is our annual celebration of community. With special events, music and a fireworks show, you’ll want to take a look at the full schedule before making your plans. And, if Lakefair is not your thing, we have a full list of other area events, including walks and hikes in still, quiet woods and beaches – for those looking to escape the crowds.
- Read a history of the first Lakefair in 1957 before walking the midway 60 years later.
- Escape the city on one of these 5 hikes with spectacular views.
- Shop the massive Panorama Patio Sale on Saturday.
- Enjoy music and activities at 50+ in the Park on Friday, part of the Lakefair festivities held at Sylvester Park.
- Enjoy Happy Hour at the Governor’s Cellar on Capitol Way while the kids explore Lakefair.
- Visit a Farmer’s Market. Markest are open from Yelm to Tenino this weekend.
- Sign up your athletic kid for Evergreen’s Camp Speedy.
- Head to the cool shores of Hood Canal on a geocache hunt.
- Watch live theater. Theater shows all weekend are displayed here.
- Listen to the Olson Bros. Band and watch the Lego Batman Movie on Saturday for Lacey in Tune at Huntamer Park.
- Hit the beach. Stay cool and have fun – for free.
- Order a HOPE note and send deserving children to summer camp this year.
- Be inspired by Keith Edgerton’s dedication to vision impaired children – and send this link to any child you know who might want to attend his summer camp.
- Book an adventure with the Travel Program at Senior Services of South Sound.
- Cheer for Colleen, and all the riders, riding in the STP this weekend.
- Pick your viewing spot for Sunday’s Lakefair Fireworks Show.
- Root for the Oly Town Artesians at their Saturday night home game.
- Take your date to “First Date”, Harlequin Productions’ musical comedy getting great reviews.
- Sweat out your elephant ear calories at Saturday’s Zumba in the Park on the East Bay Public Plaza.
- Enjoy the remodeled (and free) WET Science Center. Special activities all weekend.
- Save your spot for the Lakefair Grand Parade, Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m.
- Plan a chocolate tasting experience (yes, really!) at Aunt Kate’s Chocolates.
- Attend to a broken bone or strain at the ROC Clinic – now open in West Olympia.
- Sign up your child for Video Game Development Camp at Saint Martin’s.
- Visit the Hands On Children’s Museum. Special Superhero and Stunt events and guests feature all month long.
- Grab a few friends for the Olympia Beer and Bike Tour. It’s fun!
- Pick fresh berries. This list gives you some u-pick ideas.
- 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.
