People who live for the summer sun might be missing out (just a little). There’s nothing like a lazy, balmy summer night on the water. Especially when you add in live music and cold beer or a big screen movie and buttery popcorn. Thanks to the Port of Olympia’s Summer Events at the Port, you can have it all, all summer long.
Olympia’s working waterfront hosts big ships and tugboat races, the Farmer’s Market and Hands On Children’s Museum. There is artwork, a playground, walking trails, the lookout tower and a destination for everyone. In the summer, heading downtown is an especially perfect choice.
There’s So Much More than Meets the Eye at the Port of Olympia
The Port of Olympia is so much more than just its bustling seaport, Olympia Regional Airport, Swantown Marina & Boatworks and real estate properties. Like their vital—and growing—regional and economic footprint, Summer Nights at the Port continue to go above and beyond.
Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Emily Girton explains that “community events at the Port this year will include Shoestring Circus, Olympic Airshow at the Olympia Regional Airport, Movies at the Marina, Capital City Pride, Summer Nights at the Port, Music in the Park, South Sound Block Party and Olympia Harbor Days.”
And that doesn’t include fan-favorites which have already passed in 2025, like the Governor’s Ball, Procession of the Species and On the Water with the Puget Sound Estuarium.
“The Port has a wonderful opportunity to showcase our scenic public spaces along the Olympia Waterfront,” says Girton. “Many people aren’t aware of gems like the Port Plaza or NorthPoint, and events like these give the community a chance to explore and enjoy them. These properties are also available to reserve for public and private events, including festivals, concerts, weddings and more.”
Staff also offers free Port tours of the marine terminal on the first Tuesday of each month, from June through September. These take place at 11 a.m. on June 3, July 1, August 5 and September 2, 2025. An all-ages, one-hour walking tour, reservations are required and space is limited. Simply email Tours@POrtOlympia.com to reserve your space.
Summer Nights at the Port Return with Live Music, Movies, Food Trucks and More
But for true summer bliss, grab blankets and beach chairs for Summer Nights at the Port. “I love seeing people come out to NorthPoint to take in the beautiful views of Budd Inlet and enjoy the Billy Frank Jr. Park & Trail,” says Girton. “Attendees get to enjoy the sounds of live musicians, savor local food trucks and relax in a beer garden presented by Northwest Beerwerks. All set against the stunning backdrop of the South Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.”
Summer Nights at the Port are a series of alfresco concerts which are free and open to everyone. There’s even a beer garden, food trucks and regional vendors as well. This year, beer garden proceeds benefit the work of the Olympia Downtown Alliance.
Dig out your dancing shoes and fab outfits because this year some doozies are taking the stage. On June 20, don’t miss the ABBAgraphs, a Seattle-based ABBA tribute band. June 27 welcomes Raucous and their classic rock hits which invite everyone to dance the night away. July 11, raise your glass to the Queen Mother, a Queen tribute.
Events kick off at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Vendors and the beer garden wrap up at 9 p.m. but that doesn’t mean the party’s over. Bring blankets for those chilly breezes off the water and folding chairs in case you get tired from too much rock and roll.
Movies at the Marina is All-Ages Free Family Fun…Plus Popcorn
Make sure to keep those supplies in the trunk because next is Movies at the Marina. On August 30 come for Shrek and on September 6 it’s the original Jumanji starring Robin Williams. Movies are shown at Swantown Marina alongside the Billy Frank Jr. Trail near the marina office at 1022 Marine Drive NE.
Films are free and no RSVP is required. Concessions will be available for sale because you simply can’t watch without popcorn or a little something sweet.
Summer Nights at the Port concerts will be held at Northpoint in the lot next to the Swantown Marina boat launch parking lot at 1210 Marine Drive NE. Both events have plenty of free nearby parking.
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Then get ready for another full calendar summer to remember, thanks to the Port of Olympia.
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