It’s time for barbecues, fun runs, parades and fairs! If you are looking for family-friendly summer events and activities in Olympia and throughout Thurston County, you’ve come the right list! There is so much to do in Olympia during June, July and August, you are going to have a hard time choosing which events to do. Summer weekend events in Thurston County are full of everything your family loves: food, fun, shopping, activities and shows! Here is a list of some of the 2024 summer events in Olympia and throughout Thurston County.
Rochester’s Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival
June 14-15
Swede Hall
18543 Albany Street, Rochester
The 45th annual Rochester’s Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival will have a parade, food, activities, live music and more. Check out this article on the 2024 Swede Day for more information.
Annual Strawberry Festival
June 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South Bay Grange
3918 Sleater Kinney Road NE, Olympia
Head to the Strawberry Festival at the South Bay Grange for a family-friendly day of fun! This summer event in Olympia includes a fun run, vendors, live music and amazing food, including plenty of strawberries. For more information, visit the Strawberry Festival website.
Olympic Airshow
June 15-16
Olympic Flight Museum
7637 Old Hwy 99 SE, Tumwater
The Olympic Airshow is a family-friendly activity in Tumwater that includes aircraft displays, demonstrations and even tours and rides! There will also be a beer garden, vendors, food and kids’ activities and more. Purchase tickets on the Olympic Air Show website.
Yelm Prairie Days
June 21-23
Downtown Yelm
Head to Yelm Prairie Days for tons of fun! You will find summer kids activities, vendors, food, and even a mushball tournament! This free event is perfect all ages. Learn more at the Yelm Prairie Days website.
LoveOly SummerFest
June 21-23
Downtown Olympia
LoveOly SummerFest is a free, family-friendly summer event in Olympia that has something for everyone, including live music, a beer garden, vendors, food trucks and more. Everyone will love the Pet Parade!
Shoestring Circus
June 28 – July 7
Marine Drive NE and Market Street NE, Swantown
Kids of all ages – and adults too! – will enjoy the Shoestring Circus. Their show is a medieval fantasy spectacular full of human talent – no animals. Get tickets online for the Shoestring Circus in Olympia show.
Summer Nights at the Port
June 22, June 29, July 13
Port of Olympia
These free events in Olympia take place three Saturdays during the summer and feature live music, a beer garden and vendors. Find out more on the Port of Olympia website.
Summer Splash! Festival of Fun
June 22 – September 2
Hands On Children’s Museum
Spend the summer at the Hands On Children’s Museum, with plenty of kids activities in Olympia to keep the busy! The whole family will enjoy Summer Splash! Festival of Fun, with themed events, special guests and more. Visit the Hands On Children’s Museum website for more information.
Lacey Fireworks Spectacular
July 3
Rainier Vista Community Park
5475 45th Ave SE, Lacey
A summer event in Lacey you won’t want to miss, the Lacey Fireworks Spectacular happen every July 3. Be sure to put it on your calendar!
South Sound BBQ Festival
July 13, 2024
Festival 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Beer Garden 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Huntamer Park
618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey
Sink your teeth into this family-friendly event in Lacey! The South Sound BBQ Festival has food, contests, live entertainment and more. Learn more in this article.
Capital Lakefair
July 17-21
Downtown Olympia
Capital Lakefair is happening again in 2024 and is the perfect summer event in Olympia for the entire family. Carnival rides, food, vendors, a car show, parade, fireworks and more await you. For more information, visit the Capital Lakefair website.
Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally
July 27, 2024
Yelm City Park
Who doesn’t need more summer barbecue? The Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally is a great, family-friendly summer event in Yelm. Eat your fill of all things grilled while enjoying kids’ activities and entertainment! Learn more in this article.
Thurston County Fair
July 31 – August 4, 2024
3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey
The Thurston County Fair has all kinds of fun in store for the whole family. If you are looking for summer activities in Lacey, don’t miss the Thurston County Fair! Check out this article for more information, and purchase tickets on the Thurston County Fair website.
South Sound Block Party
August 23-24
NorthPoint
1210 Marine Drive NE, Olympia
The South Sound Block Party is Olympia’s premier summer music fest! They will have more than 15 live music acts, food and lots of fun. Learn more in this article.
Olympia Habor Days
August 30 – September 1
Olympia
Head to the docks for Olympia Harbor Days and finish your summer off right! This family-friend event in Thurston County boasts tugboat races, a LEGO harbor build, pirates, tribal cultural sharing, sand carving boat tours and more! Learn more at the Olympia Harbor Days website.
