While our weather does its normal spring yo-yoing and school winds down, it’s time to plan the next couple of months of fun! No matter the weather, there are things to do in Thurston County that make the most of your summer. From barbecue and boat festivals to the Thurston County Fair and music concerts, your calendar will fill up quickly. Check out this list of summer events near Olympia.
Tumwater Dog Days
June 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pioneer Park
Bring your doggo to a day of fun at Tumwater Dog Days! There will be contests, demonstrations, vendors and more! Register for the dog costume contest and owner/dog look-alike contest. Take a stroll on Peak’s Pups Trails ‘N’ Tails Loop and more!
Strawberry Festival at the South Bay Grange
June 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3918 Sleater Kinney Road NE, Olympia
Who doesn’t like strawberries? Eat your fill of shortcake, enjoy the live entertainment, shop vendors and more! If you have an active Dad, sign him up for the Short K Fun Run/Walk at 8 a.m.! For more information, visit the Strawberry Festival Facebook page.
Olympic Airshow
June 20-21
Olympic Flight Museum
7637 Old Hwy 99 SE, Tumwater
See incredible antique aircraft in action, working demonstrations of museum pieces and even take a ride! There will also be a beer garden, vendors, food and kids’ activities and more. Purchase tickets on the Olympic Air Show website.
Rochester’s Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival
June 19-20
Swede Hall
18543 Albany Street, Rochester
The Swede Day Mid-Sommer Festival in Rochester a summer tradition for many. There will be a parade (June 20), court social (June 19) and lots of other fun things to see and do! Enjoy a Swedish pancake breakfast, learn some history and join the maypole dance.
FIFA 2026 World Cup Fan Zone
June 19, 24, 25, 26
Port Plaza
701 Columbia Street NW, Olympia
Soccer fans won’t want to miss this! It’s as close as you can get to the action without leaving Thurston County! The Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone will have large screen, vendors, activities and more. Learn more in this article and purchase your ticket – for just $10 – today!
Taste of the Sound
June 27-28, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Thurston County Fairgrounds
3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey
Celebrate local flavor and community at Taste of the Sound! This vibrant, two-day hybrid food festival brings together the best local food trucks, dessert makers, beverage companies, and artisan vendors alongside plenty of family-friendly activities. It’s an inclusive, all-ages experience that does more than taste good—every bite helps raise vital funds for TOGETHER!, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth and families throughout Thurston County.
Lavender Festival
July 10 -11
Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm
9733 Evergreen Valley Road, Olympia
Enjoy the lovely lavender and shop local vendors at the first annual Lavender Festival at the Evergreen Lavender Farm! Cool off with ice cream, lavender lemonade and more.
Olympia Dragon Boat Festival
July 10, 5 p.m.
July 11, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Port Plaza, Olympia
Free
This fun event includes dragon boat races, with over 40 teams competing! On July 10, kick it off with an opening ceremony and live music and performances. Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne will “awaken the dragon”. It will be followed by a lion dance performed by Olympia Kung-Fu and Tai-Chi Club, followed by live music from local bands The Jacked Lords and Mukana Marimba. Kids are welcome to attend and will have an activity provided by the Hands On Children’s Museum.
On July 11, there will be food vendors and other activity tables for those spectators who come out to see the competition. Both community teams and dragon boat clubs can register on our website at ODBF Event Info – Olympia Dragon Boat Club. Standard team registration is $900 for both Women’s and Mixed, while community teams can register for free with two practice sessions included. For more information about the event, visit OlympiaDragonBoat.org or contact the club at olympiadragonboatclub@gmail.com.
Thurston County Fair
July 30-August 2
Thurston County Fairgrounds
3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey
It’s not summer without a trip (or two) to the Thurston County Fair! Check out the 4-H project, enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides and games and of course all the fair food you can handle! Maybe you want to enter an open class this year? All the details are on the Thurston County Fair webpage.
Stories in the Park, Stories in the Dark
August 8, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Squaxin Park
2600 Eastbay Drive NE, Olympia
Experience the magic of live storytelling with the South Sound Story Guild at the East Grove Shelter (behind the Rose Garden). Enjoy a mix of humorous folktales that shift into spooky stories as darkness falls. This event is perfect for groups, so bring your friends, lawn chairs, snacks, and a trusty flashlight!
Movies at the Marina
August 21, September 5
Port of Olympia
1022 Marine Drive NE, Olympia
Free
Watch a free movie at the Port of Olympia on August 21 (SING) and September 5 (Jumanji). Both movies are family-friendly! Concessions available to purchase.
South Sound Block Party
August 28-29
Port of Olympia
1210 Marine Drive NE, Olympia
If you love music, you don’t want to miss the South Sound Block Party! Each day is full of incredible concerts. Refresh yourself in the beer garden and food vendors. There are tickets for general admission, weekend passes and VIP. Find the full lineup on the South Sound Block Party website.
Lacey in Tune Concert Series
June 23, July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11
6:30 p.m.
Huntamer Park
618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey
Free
Enjoy free entertainment at Huntamer Park throughout the summer with Lacey in Tune! Each date has something different, from orchestras and science to bands and comedy acts! Find the lineup on the Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation website.
Olympia Harbor Days
September 4-6
Olympia Waterfront
Free
Enjoy the last weekend of summer at the water! There will be Budd Bay cruises, boat tours, live entertainment, tribal cultural sharings, LEGO builds for kids, pirates and more! You won’t want to miss the Olympia Harbor Days.
