It’s January 2024 – can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday we were worrying about our computers exploding at the stroke of midnight in 1999, and here it is almost a quarter of a century later! (I realize some of the people reading this weren’t even alive in 1999…). If you’re like me, January is a time to plan out the fun things I want to do during the new year. To help, here is a list of 24 things to do in Thurston County in 2024.
1 – Volunteer at Providence St. Peter Gift Shop
The Providence St. Peter Gift Shop provides comfort and convenience to those visiting or staying at the hospital. They are looking for more volunteers and that could be you in 2024.
2 – See a Show at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
It’s time to get back out there again! The Washington Center for the Performing Arts has a season full of shows that will have you laughing, crying and foot-tapping. Get tickets to a future performance.
3 – Do a Coffee Tasting
It should be no surprise that in the Pacific Northwest, you can go to a coffee tasting. Dancing Goats Coffee (forming Batdorf & Bronson) lets you experience coffee from around the world with all five of your senses.
4 – Make Some Art
The OlyPlywood Project is inviting anyone to make a piece of art to hang on 200 feet of fence line at the corner of Carlyon Avenue SE and Henderson Boulevard SE. The only requirement is that the art has a positive message.
5 – Enjoy Dinner at the Cove
The Cove Restaurant, which opened in October 2022, is a great place to put on your list of things to do in 2024. It’s perfect for date night or family night, with a menu that reflects the diversity of our region.
6 – Hitch a Ride with the Olympia Ski Bus
Looking for a ride up to the mountain to ski? Or maybe you want to ski, but don’t want to go alone. Hitch a ride with the nonprofit Olympia Ski Bus! They will not only get you up the mountain, but will help you make friends in the process.
7 – Get in Shape at Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club
If your New Year’s Resolution involves getting more active, head to the Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club. They have everything you need to stay motivated about being more active in 2024.
8 – Learn to Sail a Model Boat
The Olympia Model Sailors club is looking for new members and would love to have you join them in 2024. If you enjoy time spent with friendly people by the water, this is the club for you.
9 – Experience Theater Artists Olympia
Theater Artists Olympia is a nonprofit that brings live productions and performances to the west side with their location inside the Capital Mall. Go see a show, or get involved in one!
10 – Take a Walk at The Evergreen State College
If you are looking for new walking spots that have paved trails, check out the lovely wooded pathways at The Evergreen State College.
11 – Help the Oly Camp Kitties
If one of your resolutions is to do a little more good, then add Oly Camp Kitties to your 2024 To Do list for Thurston County. You can help by volunteering or with donations.
12 – See the Beauty of the Puget Sound from a Kayak
We have some beautiful waterways in our backyard, make 2024 the year you finally go out and experience it! Kayaking at Budd Bay is a great way to start.
13 – Stay Up All Night Playing Games
Whether you like board, roleplaying or video games, add the PLAYlive Nation Game Nights to your 2024 list of things to do in Olympia. It’s a great way to meet fellow gamers.
14 – Learn to eFoil
Want to learn a new hobby in 2024? Try eFoiling! This hot new sport is taking water lovers by storm and we have a seasoned eFoiling instructor right here in Thurston County waiting to give you lessons at RadRide.
15 – Tour the Bigelow House
The Bigelow House has reopened and now includes tours to the second floor, so add this must-see historical spot to your bucket list.
16 – Go on a Public Art Hunt
It’s easy to walk or drive quickly by places we see every day – on our way to work or the grocery store, we just sort of stop noticing things. In 2024, take time to notice the amazing public art throughout Olympia.
17 – Join the Climbing Community in Lacey
What’s better than being more active, meeting new people with shared interests and getting out of the house? You can do all three by joining the Cirque Climbing Club in Lacey in 2024.
18 – Sign Your Kids Up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
If you did know, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library gives children under the age of 5, a free book everything month. Program came to Thurston County in 2023, so make sure you sign your child up for it in 2024.
19 – Engage at the Pacific Northwest’s Irish Workshop
The Irish Cultural Society is open to all who have a love for anything Irish – from the music and language to the food and crafts. Each year they put on a workshop in the Spring. Make 2024 the year you join.
20 – Get Involved with the Thurston County Food Project
This unique nonprofit helps your neighbors get food. All you have to do is fill the provided green bag with non-perishable, healthy food items over the course of two months. The Thurston County Food Project then distributes the food to those in need.
21 – Learn a Little More About Our Area
Do you know what type of seabirds call Olympia home? Or how they’ve adapted to our city? Go on a walk with the Puget Sound Estuarium in 2024 and find out.
22 – Indulge in a Gourmet Hot Dog
You may not usually equate gourmet with hot dogs, but Pints Dog House is changing that with their incredibly unique and high-quality dogs. Make 2024 the year you try them!
23 – Get Your Medieval On with Buhurt Armored Combat Group
The Buhurt Armored Combat Group launched in 2023, so if you haven’t joined – make 2024 the year you do! It’s a fun way to get exercise, learn about historical fighting styles and meet new people.
24 – Join the Joggernauts
If you like to walk but are need of walking buddies, join the Lacey Joggernauts Run/Walk Club in 2024. You won’t regret it!
