Submitted by Experience Olympia & Beyond
Experience Olympia & Beyond, Thurston County’s destination marketing organization, welcomes guests near and far to experience an exceptional array of public events this spring and summer – many of them free so they’re accessible to all! These community-centric events range from vibrant festivities to music in the park, lively beer festivals, block parties, enchanting harbor days, and much more, Thurston County promises the upcoming seasons will be filled with excitement.
Lacey
- Lacey Spring Fun Fair: Let loose at this lively, free, community event filled with games, rides, and entertainment for all ages! (May 18 + 19)
- Washington State Senior Games: Now in its 27th year, the Washington State Senior Games is the largest Olympic-style multi-sport event in the state. (Starting June 7 and happening through Aug. 10)
- Juneteenth Celebration: Join in on this community celebration at the Regional Athletic Complex with a free bbq lunch, live music, free haircuts and a short program where you’ll learn a little! (June 15)
- July Fireworks Spectacular: An impressive evening awaits at Rainier Vista for the Lacey Fireworks Spectacular on July 3rd! This free festival will include exciting live entertainment, rides, face paintings and more leading up to the grand finale of the night – fireworks! (July 3)
- South Sound BBQ Festival: Four words: chicken wing eating contest. This event, on behalf of the Lacey South Sound Chamber, will also feature live entertainment, kids activities, a beer and wine garden and much more. (July 13)
- Thurston County Fair: An event not to miss! There is something for everyone, and you’ll leave wanting to come back to explore more. Tasty fair food, entertaining performances, and fun-filled competitions await. (July 31-Aug. 4)
- Lacey In Tune: This series of events over the summer will provide entertainment for all! Concerts, a Reptile Man (yes, you can hold a python), a magic show, and much more are in store. (Select dates)
Olympia
- LoveOly SummerFest: The Olympia Downtown Alliance has announced LoveOly SummerFest 2024, the annual free street festival in historic downtown which includes live music and performances, activities for kids and families, local vendors, and more. (June 21-23)
- Capital City Pride: Get ready to ignite pride and celebrate love in all its vibrant forms at this three-day festival with electrifying performances, live music, and an after-party (you have to go to find out!) (June 28-30)
- Capital Lakefair: Enjoy five thrilling days of fun and excitement at Capital Lakefair where you can delight in exhilarating carnival rides, live entertainment, a captivating car show, parade, and fireworks display. (July 17-21)
- South Sound Block Party: Experience a two-day music festival on the water with regional and national touring live bands, local vendors, a beer garden, and food trucks at the Northpoint of The Port. (Aug. 23-24)
- Olympia Harbor Days: Olympia Harbor Days is an annual free family celebration of maritime heritage over a weekend of entertainment, food, art, and history, hosted by the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association and supporting the tugboat tradition since 1974. (Aug. 30-Sept. 1)
Rainier
- Rainier Bluegrass Festival: Celebrating its 30th year, all are welcome to enjoy music played continually during the day, corn hole competitions, and more! (Starting Aug. 23)
Rochester
- Swede Day: Swede Day is an annual event of family activities including vendors and entertainment, serving a traditional Swedish lunch to attendees. (June 15)
Tenino
- Tenino Family Fun Day: This day will be special – the Quarry Pool will have its grand opening! Kick off summer with fun activities at Tenino City Park with bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, and more. (June 22)
- Oregon Trail Days: The festival will feature 40 hands-on activities for families, a parade, live entertainment, and much more! (July 26-28)
Tumwater
- Olympic Air Show: Celebrating its 24th anniversary, the Olympic Air Show launches on Father’s Day weekend featuring bombers, fighters, and helicopters from World War II, and special rides will be offered during the event on the B-17 Flying Fortress and the P-40 Kittyhawk. (June 15-16)
- Tumwater Artesian Brewfest: There will be more than a hundred beverage choices in all, not to mention delicious food, fun games, and captivating entertainment. (Aug. 17)
Yelm
- Nisqually Valley Spring Expo: While celebrating community, local small businesses, and fun shopping experiences, guests can enjoy a car show, a seed-swapping event, and more during this two-day event. (April 27-28)
- Clues & Brews Pub Crawl: You won’t want to miss this new, fun, and exciting pub crawl which starts at Uptown Lounge, benefiting The ACU foundation. (May 4)
- Yelm Centennial Celebration: It’s Yelm’s 100th year! Gather friends, pack a picnic basket, and be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Yelm City Park for a Party on the Prairie! (June 22)
- Nisqually Valley Barbeque Rally: Expect a mouthwatering array of bbq of all kinds for purchase, a beer garden, dance routines from local studios, a pie-eating competition, and of course, a bbq competition. (July 27)
- Yelm Jazz in the Park: Yelm City Park will turn into a relaxing evening in August where visitors will be serenaded by live jazz bands while enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier. Bring the family and a picnic basket for a zen evening on the grass. (Aug. 2-3)
To find more events in Thurston County, and specifics on ticket prices, locations, and more visit experienceolympia.com/events.
