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.

Agenda
Agenda
August – October 2025 Aug – Oct 2025
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Aug
16
Sat
Free Community Block Party @ Olympia Lacey Church of God
Tickets
Aug 16 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Free Community Block Party @ Olympia Lacey Church of God

Our Community Block Party is a FREE event for the whole family! Mark your calendars for August 16th from 11:00am to 2:00pm! We will have: Giveaways, Insert Coin Video Games, Mr. Twister Balloons, Sensory Toolhouse, Inflatables, Face Painting, Haircuts, Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy, Italian Sodas, and more!

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Categories: Family Events Festivals, Expos, and Parade Food & Beverage Kids Outdoor Recreation
Aug
23
Sat
DEMFEST 2025: Politics, Pizza & Performances in the Park! @ Kneeland Park
Tickets
Aug 23 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

DEMFEST 2025: Politics, Pizza & Performances in the Park!

Speakers include Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck,
State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, Shelton Mayor Eric Onisko

Join us for DEMFEST, an all-ages community celebration, happening Saturday, August 23,11 AM – 4 PM at Kneeland Park, 100 Turner Ave in Shelton.

Hear from your leaders — including Lt. Governor Denny Heck, State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, Shelton Mayor Eric Onisko — and a lineup of local candidates ready to connect with you and hear your voice.

Enjoy live music all day featuring:

  • The Shel-town Strummers
  • Karl Johnson
  • Lisa Ramsauer
  • Tugboat Annie’s Irish Session
  • The Lugs
  • The Mistaken
  • Rhythm & Sass

Fuel up with free pizza, ice cream, and live tunes – and help support local Democratic candidates with a purchase from our bake sale.

Hosted by the Democratic Party of Mason County, this is your chance to celebrate community, get informed, and be inspired.

Don’t forget to bring a chair!

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Categories: Family Events Festivals, Expos, and Parade Food & Beverage Local Government Music Concerts
Sep
14
Sun
Ratapalooza @ Thurston County Fairgrounds Expo Center
Tickets
Sep 14 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ratapalooza @ Thurston County Fairgrounds Expo Center

Ratapalooza is an annual family-friendly pet rat show event for people of all ages. We have games, raffles, pet rat shows where you can win ribbons, vendors selling rat merch, and pet rats the public can meet and greet! Ratapalooza is organized and funded by volunteers from RatsPacNW Rat Fanciers Club, a 501(c)4 non-profit organization.

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Categories: Family Events Festivals, Expos, and Parade
Sep
27
Sat
36th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival @ Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Tickets
Sep 27 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
36th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival @ Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The Nisqually Watershed Festival returns this fall to Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for its 36th annual celebration of nature, culture, and community! Join us on Saturday September 27th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, for a free, family-friendly event that honors the people, wildlife, and history that shape the Nisqually Watershed.

For more than three decades, this event has brought together thousands of community members, partners, and nature lovers in support of collaborative conservation. “It was over 50 years ago that the mouth of the Nisqually River was made a National Wildlife Refuge and now as we’re seeing the return of local salmon populations once thought lost, it’s clear the difference a community can make working together towards a healthier watershed,” said Justin Hall, Executive Director of the Nisqually River Foundation.

Throughout the festival, guests can explore and discover the wonders of the watershed through interactive exhibits, hands-on education activities, and a variety of performances and presenters! Highlights include:

  • Live Performances: Kick off the day with rousing bagpipes as the Olympia Highlanders perform alongside local dancers followed by drum and song from the Nisqually Indian Tribe Canoe Family
  • Up-Close Animal Encounters: Don’t miss seeing everything from snakes and alligators to vultures and owls as The Reptile Lady takes the stage in the morning followed later in the afternoon by The Falconer
  • Interactive Exhibits & Activities: Step inside a 25-foot salmon replica in Critter Corridor, decorate your very own salmon print t-shirt, and meet fascinating creatures in the Insect Extravaganza!
  • Hands-On Learning: Join environmental educators and local scientists for fun, educational activities for all ages featuring salmon and dogfish dissections, invasive species archery, survival crafting skills, and walks through the Refuge’s nature-filled trail system.
  • Delicious Local Food: Enjoy a salmon barbecue lunch with fish provided by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, plus local food vendors offering burgers, coffee, sweet treats, and more.

“The Nisqually watershed community has been working hard to protect and restore this unique place for years,” said Hall, “The festival serves as a showcase for what makes Nisqually special. It’s where we all come together to celebrate what we have accomplished.” Mark your calendar and join in the festivities Saturday, September 27th!

For more information, visit: https://nisquallyriver.org/festival

Parking: Free parking and a continuous shuttle will be available from the Hawks Prairie Park-N-Ride (2548 Hogum Bay Road NE, Olympia). Google Maps link

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Family Events Festivals, Expos, and Parade Kids Local History Outdoor Recreation
Oct
3
Fri
Olympia Weavers Guild Annual Show and Sale @ Thurston County Fairgrounds, Heritage Hall
Tickets
Oct 3 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Olympia Weavers Guild Annual Show and Sale @ Thurston County Fairgrounds, Heritage Hall

Beautiful, one of a kind, handmade items for sale. Enjoy hands-on spinning and weaving demonstrations. Enter to win raffles and door prizes. Open to the public, free parking, faster checkout system. Support our local Guild!

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Festivals, Expos, and Parade
Oct
4
Sat
Olympia Weavers Guild Annual Show and Sale @ Thurston County Fairgrounds, Heritage Hall
Tickets
Oct 4 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Olympia Weavers Guild Annual Show and Sale @ Thurston County Fairgrounds, Heritage Hall

Beautiful, one of a kind, handmade items for sale. Enjoy hands-on spinning and weaving demonstrations. Enter to win raffles and door prizes. Open to the public, free parking, faster checkout system. Support our local Guild!

Read more
Categories: Arts and Entertainment Festivals, Expos, and Parade
August – October 2025 Aug – Oct 2025