From concerts to interactive art installations, this annual festival promises to be a truly special event. The Olympia Downtown Alliance is ecstatic to present the return of the cherished LoveOly SummerFest, a vibrant, free three-day event taking place in beautiful Downtown Olympia. Enjoy live music, family-friendly entertainment, a pet parade, food trucks, a Biergarten with local favorites and independent vendors from all around the area. Starting Friday, June 23, enjoy an afternoon of festivities followed by a night market, all on 5th Avenue and Washington Street.
“This event is about kicking off summer and embracing the spirit of community,” says Desiree Freeland, downtown projects manager for Olympia Downtown Alliance. In previous years, the LoveOly Summerfest was spread out across weeks, but this year the festival is a three-day affair.
“I’m excited about so many things, the format of the festival is different this year, so I’m excited to see how it all plays out and that our live music consists of regional and local talent.”
Events in Olympia for LoveOly Include Music, Activities and Vendors
Join the community of Olympia on Friday for an exciting lineup of activities, buskers, and food truck vendors starting at 1 p.m. Later in the afternoon, prepare to be graced with the inspired musical stylings of Kim Archer, Down North, Kate Dinsmore, Jason Webley, and Blitzen Trapper. Take advantage of this one-of-a-kind festival boasting a diverse and entertaining selection of performers.
“People are excited to be downtown, discovering new things, engaging in the community,” says Desiree. Saturday will continue with even more fun and entertainment. Start off with the highly anticipated pet parade curated by Hands on Children’s Museum, then head over to the Biergarten, where this year’s partnerships include Well 80 Brewhouse, Whitewood Cider, Percival Creek Brewing (SPSCC’s brewing program label) and Three Magnets Brewing.
There’s something for everyone, from activities for children such as a Super Smash Bros competition to marvelous performances by buskers, Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, Winehouse, Kelsey Magnuson, McNeil and The Prisoners, Terror Cactus, and concluding with the Cave Singers. “It’s all about striking this balance of marrying the festival feel with the activation of our downtown storefronts,” adds Desiree. It will be a memorable day that you won’t want to miss.
Finally, finish the weekend of excitement and adventure on Sunday morning with Dino Crew Children’s Programming. Then stick around, because you won’t want to miss the spectacular, Diva Drag Show!
All weekend long you can enjoy some refreshments at the beloved Biergarten before filling your bellies with yummy food from vendors such as The Oyster Boys, Chicory, Dirty Tomato, and Ember Goods Coffee at the Diva Drag Brunch.
Explore Local Businesses in the Olympia Night Market
Enjoy some local night market favorites as they join us for the festival this year. The selection of unique and high-quality products in Olympia will surely provide you with the perfect items for your home or gifting needs. From all-natural candles and hand-crafted guitars to custom ceramic pieces and garden art, these vendors have something special to offer everyone and make it easy to support the local businesses of Olympia.
“When we bring in vendors, we are working to complement our existing brick-and-mortar businesses, and hopefully bring them new customers.,” Desiree says. “I think of how incredibly fortunate we are to have the support of local businesses. If it weren’t for their continuous feedback and encouragement, we would be for naught.”
Thurston County Unites at LoveOly Summerfest
LoveOly Summerfest 2023 amplifies what downtown Olympia is about. Thanks to their sponsors, the activities and experiences are free. “There’s a lot that goes into developing an event free for the community to come out, and it’s not just for our downtown residents, but for those who don’t traditionally go out of their way to see what downtown is all about,” shares Desiree. “There is this harmonious aspect to it all. This harmony of being mindful of our brick-and-mortar stores, and extending the footprint, encouraging our visitors from outside of downtown to participate in what downtown has to offer.”
Having citizens from outside of the city come and enjoy all that downtown has to offer is a beautiful way to build community and create lasting memories with friends and family. Attendees will enjoy this unique opportunity to make art together, share new foods and contribute to this sense of community that runs strong through the streets of Olympia. This year’s LoveOly Summerfest will surely be an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!
LoveOly SummerFest
June 23-25
Downtown Olympia
Sponsored
