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Can you believe we are just four years away from 2030? With New Year’s Eve 2026 just around the corner, it’s time to plan what you will be doing when the clock strikes midnight! There are plenty of fun parties, events and activities for all ages in our area. Check out the 2026 New Year’s Eve events in Olympia and throughout Thurston County.

December 31: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hands On Children’s Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE, Olympia

It can be hard for kids to stay up to midnight to ring in the New Year, so Hands On Children’s Museum has your back! Attend any one of their many Times Square ball drop parties, happening every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 31, 2025. Come in your pjs, play, design, engineer and imagine with fun activities, including making a stuffed toy, sparkly sand art, silkscreen printing and more! Purchase tickets in advance for members and general admission tickets.

December 31, 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Cup of Swords Tavern
1004 4th Avenue E, Olympia

Celebrate the Cup of Swords Tavern’s 2nd Anniversary on New Year’s Eve with an unforgettable party with Renaissance flair! Don your favorite garb, raise a goblet or tankard, and toast the New Year with music and fun.

December 31, 5 p.m.
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE, Olympia

If you are looking for a fun event for a pre-party on New Year’s Eve, be sure to get tickets to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts presentation of the “Olympia Orchestra Presents: Dance.” Dress to the nines for this masquerade ball – masks will be provided at the door! – and enjoy a symphony of sights and sounds. Conductor Alexandra Arrieche will lead the symphony in a mix of favorites, from Strauss and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet, to the playful energy of Kabalevsky, and bold, iconic hits by Cher, Lady Gaga and more. Get your tickets on the Washington Center for the Performing Arts website.

December 31, 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
225 State Avenue NE, Olympia

Celebrate the opening of Altitude 15 at this elegant event! Ring in 2026 with a hosted bar,  gourmet appetizers and games. Tickets include a couple of complimentary beers, wine or signature cocktails. There will be palm readers and a Vegas-style casino benefiting Olympia Downtown Alliance & Union Gospel Mission. This is a formal event. Purchase your tickets on Eventbrite.

December 31, 6:30 p.m.
Wild Child
414 4th Avenue E, Olympia

Head to Wild Child for a full-course dinner, drag performances, queer comedy, a live band and a DJ and more. At midnight, there will be a burlesque performance. Get your tickets on All Events.

There are events for all ages on New Year’s Eve in Thurston County. Photo courtesy: Hands On Children’s Museum

December 31, 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Olympia Elks Lodge #186
1818 4th Avenue E, Olympia

Ring in the New year at the Olympia Elks Lodge #186! Live music by Seattle musician Andy Burnett will have you dancing the old year out. Delicious appetizers will be available throughout the night, along with prize drawings and party favors. Stay for the New Year’s breakfast served at 12:15 a.m. Members and guests are welcome. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

December 31, 8 p.m.
South Bay Garage
3918 Sleater Kinney Road, Olympia

Dance in 2026 with The Spantickles and Eric Curl calling at this fun Contra Dance. There will be live fiddlers, guitarists and mandolins. Held at the South Bay Garage. Admission is on a sliding scale.

December 31, 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Tenino #564 Fraternal Order of the Eagles
349 Sussex Avenue W, Tenino

Celebrate the end of 2025 with the Tenino Eagles! Their event features live music by BackLash. Members and nonmembers welcome.

December 31, 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Olympia Stake Center
600 Overhulse Road NW, Olympia

If you need a safe teen New Year’s Eve Party, check out the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ event. For kids ages 12 to 18, they will have games, a movie and snacks. Sparklers provided at midnight! Get tickets on Eventbrite.

December 31, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Beat Drop Kitchen and Event Center
1225 Ruddell Road Southeast  Unit F, Lacey

If you love the roaring ‘20s, head to the Beat Drop Kitchen and Event Center on December 31, 2025, to celebrate a new year in style. Dress in your favorite flapper apparel and don’t forget your mask! For ages 21 and over. Get tickets on Eventbrite.

Have a New Year’s Eve 2026 event to add? Email us at submit@thurstontalk.com.

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