This year Dads are sharing their day with Juneteenth events, giving us all lots of things to celebrate! Take time on June 18 and 19 to celebrate Juneteenth and then honor Dad with a fun day out at a festival! Or maybe you need help coming up with the perfect card or gift, Thurston County has events to help you there too! Here’s what’s happening for Juneteenth and Father’s Day in Thurston County.
41st Juneteenth Celebration
June 18
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Regional Athletic Complex Shelter C, Lacey
This year’s annual Juneteenth Celebration is happening on Saturday, June 18 at 12 p.m. The free event includes a barbecue lunch, games, entertainment and a presentation. For more information, visit the City of Lacey’s website.
Juneteenth Golf Tournament
June 19
7:30 a.m.
Capitol City Golf Club, Olympia
The Juneteenth Golf Tournament at Capitol City Golf Club is an annual fundraiser for the Juneteenth Scholarship fun. Come play a fun scramble round of 18-holes with prizes for hole-in-one, longest drive and closest to the pin. First through third play trophies are awarded as well! This is something your Dad will love too! Register now on the Juneteenth Golf Tournament website.
Juneteenth Celebration: Omo Africa
June 19
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Fertile Grounds Garden
311 9th Avenue SE, Olympia
The City of Olympia is also hosting a Juneteenth Celebration in partnership with local organizations. The event includes live music, performances, food and more. For more information, visit the City of Olympia Facebook page.
Father’s Day Cardmaking
Now-June 19
Hands On Children’s Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE, Olympia
The Hands On Children’s Museum is giving guests a way to honor the dads and father figures in their lives by making fun cards in the art studio now through June 19 during operating hours. Get your tickets today by visiting the Hands On Children’s Museum website.
Father’s Day Gift Making
June 18
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
WET Science Center
500 Adams Street NE, Olympia
The WET Science Center is having a special event to help you celebrate the dads and father figures in your life by creating a special card and gift that you can give the next day! It’s recommended that you reserve time before hand. Drop-ins will only be accommodated if space and time allows. Sign up the WET Science Center website.
Olympic Airshow
June 18-19
Olympic Flight Museum
7637 Old Hwy 99 SE, Tumwater
For Dads that love planes and history, the Olympia Airshow is a great way to spend Father’s Day weekend! There will be aerobatic demonstrations and will feature aircrafts from World War II to modern times. Don’t miss the P-51D Mustang, American Beauty, or the AH-1 Cobra Gunship helicopter. There will also be amazing historical displays to enjoy. It’s a great way to spend the day! For tickets and more information, visit the Olympia Airshow website.
For some extra fun, take Dad to see the new Top Gun movie at the Capital Mall before or after the airshow!
Father’s Day Artisan Market
June 18
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Capital Mall
625 Black Lake Boulevard SW, Olympia
Is your dad into crafts, shopping local and meeting creators? Then bring him to the Father’s Day Artisan Market at the Capital Mall on June 18! This free market will have plenty of things for Dad to browse and purchase. Then you could grab some dinner and a movie while at the mall! Or come by yourself and find that perfect gift that is as unique as your dad. For more information visit the South Sound Artisan Guild website or the Capital Mall website.
86th Annual Strawberry Festival
June 18
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South Bay Grange
3918 Sleater Kinney Road NE, Olympia
What father doesn’t love a good festival with plenty of food, especially sweets? Happening June 18, take your dad to the Strawberry Festival for live music, vendors and lots of strawberries, including all the strawberry shortcake he can eat. For athletic dads and families, they have a fun run in the morning! For more information, visit the Strawberry Festival Facebook page.
Swede Day
June 19
Swede Hall
18543 Albany Street, Rochester
Celebrate Father’s Day at the annual Swede Day celebration on June 19. Come the day before on June 18 for the Swede Day Coronation at 6 p.m. in the main hall. On Sunday, come for the pancake breakfast, watch the parade at 11 a.m. and then stay for lunch, vendors, entertainment and more throughout the day! It’s a fun time for the entire family, even if you have don’t have an ounce of Scandinavian blood. Find out more at the Swede Hall website.
