Olympia Events Calendar

The ThurstonTalk Events Calendar shares things to do around Thurston County including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and beyond. Find fun activities and adventures throughout the region on our comprehensive events calendar.

Have an event that isn’t listed? Please email events@ThurstonTalk.com with the following information:

  • Name of Event
  • Date, time and location (name of business if applicable and complete address)
  • Organizer(s) name
  • Cost
  • URL to purchase tickets
  • Website URL
  • SHORT description of event
  • Photo

Our editors will review and post within a few business days.

Aug
6
Wed
Green Drinks Olympia @ Lakeside Tap Millersylvania
Aug 6 @ 5:30 pm
Green Drinks Olympia @ Lakeside Tap Millersylvania

Just a quick reminder that Green Drinks Olympia is happening again this month! It’s a great chance to connect with others working on or interested in sustainability, climate action, and community building.

This month’s gathering is especially welcoming to newcomers to the area, so feel free to bring a friend or forward this along to your networks!

Aug
9
Sat
Summer at the Schmidt – a 1950s Garden Party @ Schmidt House
Aug 9 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Summer at the Schmidt - a 1950s Garden Party @ Schmidt House

Swing Into Summer with a 1950s Garden Party at the Schmidt House

Break out the pearls, pinstripes, and your best Rat Pack swagger—Summer at the Schmidt is bringing vintage glam to the garden on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the historic Schmidt House.

This isn’t your average garden party. It’s a swingin’ soirée where cool cats and classy dames gather for a night of mid-century magic—all in support of local students and community history.

Expect:

  • A 1950s-inspired garden party set against the stunning backdrop of the Schmidt House
  • Live tunes to get your toes tappin’
  • Delicious local fare and summer refreshments
  • An opportunity to support the Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s college scholarship fund and the Tumwater Youth Music program

“Summer at the Schmidt is our way of blending timeless style with a timeless cause,” said Todd Cutts, Executive Director of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. “It’s Frank Sinatra meets fundraising—and it’s gonna be a gas.”

So grab your favorite hep cat, throw on your vintage best, and join us for Glam in the Garden, Giving with Heart. You’ll be making a difference while having the time of your life.

Aug
10
Sun
Spidermonkey Tattoos 25th Anniversary Celebration @ Spidermonkey Tattoos
Aug 10 @ 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Spidermonkey Tattoos 25th Anniversary Celebration @ Spidermonkey Tattoos

Spidermonkey Tattoos, the longest-running tattoo shop in Thurston County under original ownership, is proud to mark its 25th anniversary with a public celebration on Sunday, August 10, from 3 to 8 p.m. at its downtown Olympia location.

The event will feature a special art show highlighting large-scale backpiece tattoo art created by current Spidermonkey artists and special guests. The show offers a rare opportunity to view the artistry and detail of expansive tattoo work in a gallery-style setting. The celebration is free and open to the public, with refreshments provided.

Since opening in 2000, Spidermonkey Tattoos has been a fixture in Olympia’s creative and counterculture scenes, known for its commitment to quality work, ethical practice, and a welcoming environment. Over the years, the shop has served thousands of clients and supported generations of tattoo artists.

“This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating our own achievements, it’s about recognizing how many people helped us get here,” said Bryan Childs, founder and co-owner of Spidermonkey Tattoos. “Everyone who’s ever worked at Spidermonkey, every customer who’s trusted us to put art on their body, the City, and all the businesses that breathe life into downtown—we feel connected to all of it. Olympia is a weird and wonderful place, with more culture and community than most small cities.

“My wife, our artists, and I have felt supported and accepted since the day we opened. This is our town, and we want to say thank you. We love tattooing, and we love Olympia.

“When we chose this spot to start Spidermonkey back in 2000, we weren’t thinking about where we’d be in 25 years. In that time Olympia has changed a lot, and so has tattooing. But who knows, I can see us being here another 25.”

Aug
12
Tue
Drop in Lactation and Infant Feeding Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Aug 12 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lactation Support Group led by a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. There will be opportunities to ask questions, meet other lactating parents, and receive support. There will also be weekly lactation topic discussions and weight checks.

South Sound Sailing Society General Meeting @ Olympia Yacht Club
Aug 12 @ 7:00 pm
South Sound Sailing Society General Meeting @ Olympia Yacht Club | Olympia | Washington | United States

It’s easier than you may think to get involved in sailing in Olympia.  You don’t even need to own a boat!  Come on down to a Sailing Society meeting and find out how you can get involved.

The South Sound Sailing Society is a group of over 200 sailors who enjoy racing, cruising, day sailing and generally messing about in sailboats.  For those interested in racing, we have an active dinghy fleet (small boats with 1-2 people), a STAR fleet (nimble 2-person race boats) and a PHRF fleet (3-8 people).  New members who want to race can learn as they go as crew in one of these fleets

Aug
13
Wed
Fast Friends, Olympia! @ Wild Child
Aug 13 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Fast Friends, Olympia! @ Wild Child

Fast Friends is an original live show that blends comedy, connection, and just a little drama into a hilarious and heartfelt experience. Mash of a game show, friend speed dating, and comedy. Audience members take the stage in one of three ways:
● Meet a brand-new friend for the first time, on stage!.
● Introduce two of your friends to each other.
● Work out some petty beef in front of a supportive crowd, mediated by professional comedians.
Created by comedian and community-builder Forest Ember, this show invites people to share moments in a space that centers queer joy, audience participation, and so much whimsy!

AND the pair voted “Best Friends” wins an immediate corny photoshoot!

21+ audience

TICKET LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fast-friends-olympia-tickets-1493534625269?aff=oddtdtcreator

Aug
14
Thu
Bereavement Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Aug 14 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Empowering families affected by fetal, infant, or child loss. We welcome you to join our bereavement support group. Anyone who has been affected by a miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or child loss can attend.

Aug
26
Tue
Drop in Lactation and Infant Feeding Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Aug 26 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lactation Support Group led by a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. There will be opportunities to ask questions, meet other lactating parents, and receive support. There will also be weekly lactation topic discussions and weight checks.

Sep
2
Tue
Lacey South Sound Chamber Military Affairs Meeting @ O'Blarney's Irish Pub and Restaurant
Sep 2 @ 8:00 am

We work to enhance communications and business opportunities between the Thurston County business community and local military installations and units.

Representatives from various units on JBLM, the National Guard and Reserve Forces provide an update on their ongoing activities and current events.  If you want to take the opportunity to develop relationships with our local military individuals and be aware of their activities, please consider attending the meeting.

Sep
9
Tue
Drop in Lactation and Infant Feeding Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Sep 9 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lactation Support Group led by a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. There will be opportunities to ask questions, meet other lactating parents, and receive support. There will also be weekly lactation topic discussions and weight checks.

South Sound Sailing Society General Meeting @ Olympia Yacht Club
Sep 9 @ 7:00 pm
South Sound Sailing Society General Meeting @ Olympia Yacht Club | Olympia | Washington | United States

It’s easier than you may think to get involved in sailing in Olympia.  You don’t even need to own a boat!  Come on down to a Sailing Society meeting and find out how you can get involved.

The South Sound Sailing Society is a group of over 200 sailors who enjoy racing, cruising, day sailing and generally messing about in sailboats.  For those interested in racing, we have an active dinghy fleet (small boats with 1-2 people), a STAR fleet (nimble 2-person race boats) and a PHRF fleet (3-8 people).  New members who want to race can learn as they go as crew in one of these fleets

Sep
11
Thu
Bereavement Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Sep 11 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Empowering families affected by fetal, infant, or child loss. We welcome you to join our bereavement support group. Anyone who has been affected by a miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or child loss can attend.

Sep
20
Sat
Thurston County Emergency Preparedness Expo @ The Olympia Center
Sep 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thurston County Emergency Preparedness Expo @ The Olympia Center

Preparedness starts with you! Come learn how organizations are preparing and how you can prepare yourself and your family for emergencies. This is a free, family-friendly event.

Sep
23
Tue
Drop in Lactation and Infant Feeding Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Sep 23 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lactation Support Group led by a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. There will be opportunities to ask questions, meet other lactating parents, and receive support. There will also be weekly lactation topic discussions and weight checks.

Oct
7
Tue
Lacey South Sound Chamber Military Affairs Meeting @ O'Blarney's Irish Pub and Restaurant
Oct 7 @ 8:00 am

We work to enhance communications and business opportunities between the Thurston County business community and local military installations and units.

Representatives from various units on JBLM, the National Guard and Reserve Forces provide an update on their ongoing activities and current events.  If you want to take the opportunity to develop relationships with our local military individuals and be aware of their activities, please consider attending the meeting.

Oct
9
Thu
Bereavement Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Oct 9 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Empowering families affected by fetal, infant, or child loss. We welcome you to join our bereavement support group. Anyone who has been affected by a miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or child loss can attend.

Oct
14
Tue
Drop in Lactation and Infant Feeding Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Oct 14 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lactation Support Group led by a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. There will be opportunities to ask questions, meet other lactating parents, and receive support. There will also be weekly lactation topic discussions and weight checks.

South Sound Sailing Society General Meeting @ Olympia Yacht Club
Oct 14 @ 7:00 pm
South Sound Sailing Society General Meeting @ Olympia Yacht Club | Olympia | Washington | United States

It’s easier than you may think to get involved in sailing in Olympia.  You don’t even need to own a boat!  Come on down to a Sailing Society meeting and find out how you can get involved.

The South Sound Sailing Society is a group of over 200 sailors who enjoy racing, cruising, day sailing and generally messing about in sailboats.  For those interested in racing, we have an active dinghy fleet (small boats with 1-2 people), a STAR fleet (nimble 2-person race boats) and a PHRF fleet (3-8 people).  New members who want to race can learn as they go as crew in one of these fleets

Oct
28
Tue
Drop in Lactation and Infant Feeding Support Group @ Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
Oct 28 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Lactation Support Group led by a Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. There will be opportunities to ask questions, meet other lactating parents, and receive support. There will also be weekly lactation topic discussions and weight checks.

Oct
30
Thu
Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn @ The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Oct 30 @ 7:30 pm
Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn @ The Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Serial Killers with Dr. Scott Bonn! Spend a deliciously chilling evening with renowned criminologist and serial killer expert, Dr. Scott Bonn, as he takes you inside the minds of the world’s most savage and prolific murderers.