The tree is barely recycled, it’s true, but if you don’t start planning your special date night, you may miss out! Tickets to date night events sell out and restaurants with Valentine’s Day dinner specials fill up, especially when Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, as it does in 2026. So, check out this list of Valentine’s Day activities in Thurston County and make your plans to celebrate the ones you love. There is something for everyone on this list, from free dates ideas in Olympia to full weekend festivals.
Valentine’s Jewelry Making
January 31, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Lacey MakerSpace
Baran Drive Southeast, Zaverl Hall, Bldg 5, Lacey
This year, surprise the one you love with a necklace and a pair of earrings that you made yourself! This two-hour class will teach you everything you need to know. Get tickets on Eventbrite.
Galentine’s Market
February 7, 1 p.m.
Kravins Coffee Cove
112 Yelm Avenue East, Yelm
Have a fun Galentine’s Day event on February 7 at Kravins Coffee Cove! There will be plenty of fun things, including piercings, permanent jewelry, mini tattoos, make-your-own trucker hat, make-your-own shirt, flowers, crafts, girl scout cookie sales and more!
Wine Not Be Mine Paint and Sip
February 7, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Mill Lane Winery – Tenino
16607 Bucoda Highway Southeast, Tenino
Celebrate a week early for a fun date night, or give your creation as a gift on Valentine’s Day at this fun heart-themed paint and sip. You have a choice of nine designs and all paint supplies plus instructions are included. Enjoy one complimentary glass of Mill Lane Wine while you paint. Get your tickets on Eventbrite.
Oly Old Time Festival
February 12-15
South Bay Grange and Arbutus Folk School
3918 Sleater Kinney Road NE, Olympia
For $30, you can spend a weekend listening, learning and participating in old-time music! Jam sessions, concerts and workshops fill the weekend. Learn more on the Oly Old Time Festival website.
Couple’s Paint Class
February 13, 6:30 p.m.
Insert Coin
3430 Pacific Ave SE, Ste D1, Olympia
Bring your Galentine or Valentine for this fun paint class at Insert Coin hosted by The Enchanted Palette. Ticket will be available soon on The Enchanted Palette Eventbrite.
Comedy Dinner Sam Miller
February 13, 6:30 p.m.
Olympia Ballroom
116 Legion Way SE, Olympia
Comedy and dinner sounds like a great mix to kick off the Valentine’s Day weekend! First, enjoy dinner by Charro Mexican Restaurant. Then, Sam Miller, a nationally recognized comedian, is guaranteed to make you laugh until your sides hurt. There will also be raffles, prizes and a silent auction. The evening benefits the Oly Soccer Foundation and Oly Town Artesians. Purchase tickets online.
PNW Burlesque
February 13, 7:30 p.m.
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE, Olympia
If you are looking for a spicy and fun date night for Valentine’s Day, get your tickets to the PNW Burlesque’s “Bottom’s Up!” at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The show promises sensational performances and circus acts for all – whether your happily in love or happily single – or somewhere in between!
Jazz and Small Plates
February 14, 7 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
New Traditions
300 5th Avenue SW, Olympia
Enjoy a Valentine’s Day date night at New Traditions in Olympia! Enjoy small plates and drinks with live Lavon Hardison with South Sound Express. LaVon Hardison sings jazz standards, and her own eclectic, compelling arrangements of popular songs. She will be accompanied by South Sound Express: Eugene Bien on piano, Osama Afifi on bass and Craig Cootsona on drums. Price $35/$22. Find out more on the New Traditions website.
‘Love, Luck and Laughter’ Silent Movie Double Feature
February 15, 2 p.m.
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE, Olympia
Looking for a sweet, nostalgic Valentine’s date in Olympia? Get your tickets for the Buster Keaton double feature, “Seven Chances,” and “The Three Ages” at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
Free Valentine’s Day Events Olympia
The Tale Telling Heart
February 11, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Harbor House
217 Thurston Avenue NW, Olympia
Award-winning storyteller Sandra Niman invites you to the Harbor House for an early Valentine’s date night put on by the South Sound Story Guild. Featuring classic stores you love (Poe included!) and ones you may have never heard, it will be a night to remember. At the end, audience members are welcome to tell their stories during Story Swap (8-minute limit).
Singles Mixer
February 14, 7 p.m.
Insert Coin
3430 Pacific Ave SE, Ste D1, Olympia
Looking for love? Insert Coin is having a Singles Mixer on Valentine’s Day. Make new friends, find your player 2, and connect in just minutes! Free event, sign up online at their Eventbrite page soon. Ages 21+ ID Check required. Questions? Email insertcoinevents@gmail.com.
Love is in the Sea + Tour
February 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WET Science Center
500 Adams Street NE, Olympia
If you are looking for a free activity on Valentine’s Day, check out LOTT’s event and learn all about aquatic courtship and care with fun crafts and hands-on activities. Tour the wastewater treatment plant at 10 a.m.
Do you have a Valentine’s Day activity or event? Email submit@thurstontalk.com for it to be considered!
