Well, what can we say? It’s been another year. These last two are definitely ones for the history books, and we all hope we can close this chapter soon. There is nothing more hopeful than celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another. Whether you want to ring in the new year during the day with your kids, spend it out by the sea or party hard, there is something for everyone on this list of New Year’s Eve 2021 events in Olympia and throughout Thurston County.
Noon Year’s Eve Countdown Party
December 31, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hands On Children’s Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE, Olympia
The Hands On Children’s Museum has the perfect New Year’s Eve party for families with kids. They can celebrate the ball dropping without having to miss bedtime! Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite fairytale character and head to the museum to dance, watch a parade and see the ball drop every hour! Meet your favorite Celtic princess, catch Dr. Science doing this thing and many more fun, fairytale- and dragon-themed activities. Online reservations required.
Oly on Ice
December 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
529 4th Avenuew W, Olympia
If you want to get a bit of exercise before heading to your New Year’s Eve party, hit the ice with Only on Ice! Put on your ugly Christmas sweater one more time (it’s still December after all!) and have some fun with family and friends. Purchase tickets online.
New Year’s Eve Clam Dig
December 31, 4:42 p.m.
Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
If you are looking for something different to do on New Year’s Eve, why not head to a clam dig? Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Copalis will all be open on New Year’s Eve 2021. Dig up some clams, have a fire and break out the bubbly for a fun night that just might become a new tradition! Check the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife website as locations and times may change.
New Year’s Eve Event and Benefit for the Foresters Hall of the Woods Project
December 31, 6:30 p.m., music begins at 8 p.m.
The South Bay Grange Hall
3918 Sleater Kinney Road NE, Lacey
This fun, all-ages New Year’s Eve Event include three bands and a ton of fun! Featuring The Purple Shadows, a western swing-style dance band, bringing romance along with heartbreakn’ honest stories; The Isotones, a trio with Chris Alpert on Hammond organ, David Minar Himlie on guitar and Ivan Gunderson- drums; and taking you into next year, the Space Invaders, formerly The Magnificent Sanctuary Band, covering a broad array of jazz, bluegrass, funk, R&B, and the Grateful Dead! There will be a food truck and party favors. There will also be a silent auction benefitting the Foresters Hall of the Woods Project. Please bring proof of vaccination or recent COVID-19 test. Mask wearing encouraged. Sliding scale $10-30. $12 suggested. Kids 12 and under free. Volunteers also needed. Call or text John at 360.970.5550
Rock the Night
December 31, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Little Creek Casino Resort
91 WA-108, Shelton
If gaming is your idea of a good time, head to Little Creek Casino Resort! They are having a Rock the Night Giveaway that gives you a chance to win your share of over $40,000! Promotion is happening December 31 from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. and January 1 from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Also happening that night at Little Creek is the WhiskeyRiver Skynyrd Tribute concert! Rock in the New Year with America’s number one Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band.
New Year’s Eve with Space Whales & Groove Lab
December 31, 8 p.m.
Olympia Ballroom
116 Legion Way SE, Olympia
The Olympia Ballroom is hosting a rocking New Year’s Eve with two far-out bands, Space Whales and Groove Lab. Space Whales offers a psychedelic blend of funk, jazz, blue and rock-n-roll. Groove Lap is an eight-piece instrumental funk band that will be sure to make you move your feet! If you want to dance your way into 2022, this is the 2021 New Year’s Eve party for you! Tickets are online or at the door, save $5 purchasing ahead.
