Events Calendar | ThurstonTalk

Home 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.

Family Fun Festival @ Revival Town & The Rock Church

Aug 9 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join us for a FREE family-friendly afternoon filled with games, crafts, music, face painting, prizes, and back-to-school giveaways!
We’ll have free backpacks, school supplies, and clothes for kids (while supplies last).
Everyone is welcome—come as you are and enjoy a safe, joy-filled day for the whole family.

Categories: Education Family Events Festivals, Expos, and Parade Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Refresh, Reuse, Reboot: A Community Upcycling Workshop with Mike Kelly @ Lacey Timberland Library

Aug 9 @ 3:30 pm

Join us for an inspiring, hands-on community workshop where your old tech gets a new lease on life!

Local upcycling advocate Mike Kelly has given away more than 500 laptops in Olympia…and he’s just getting started! In this special event, Mike will share his journey of transforming unused computers into powerful, user-friendly Linux laptops ready to help our neighbors thrive

Categories: Education Volunteer and Community Enrichment Workshops, Classes and Lectures

Summer at the Schmidt – a 1950s Garden Party @ Schmidt House

Aug 9 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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.

Categories: Adult Focused Events Business Networking Events Food & Beverage Non-profit Fundraising Events Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Harlequin’s Annual Gala & 2026 Season Announcement @ State Theater

Aug 9 @ 6:00 pm

Harlequin Productions’ Season Announcement Gala gets bigger and better every year, and 2026 will be no exception. Expect delicious food and drink, live entertainment, engaging auction offerings, and of course, an immersive onstage presentation revealing Season 35. Dress to impress!

Categories: Arts and Entertainment Food & Beverage Non-profit Fundraising Events Theater Performances Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Summer Lecture Series @ Norm Dicks Visitor Center Auditorium, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Aug 13 @ 7:00 pm

38th Annual Summer Lecture Series in July and August

2025 brings an exciting lineup of great guest speakers for the 38th Annual Summer Lecture Series! This event brings high quality speakers on a variety of natural and cultural history topics to the Norm Dicks Visitor Center Auditorium, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.

Free tickets are available at the door starting at 6:30, with a limit of 100 people in the audience.

At this time the event is in-person only. Combine your visit with a stroll on the refuge trails. Entry to the refuge is free for event attendees.

July 9, Steve Albrecht, Leaving No Trace

July 16, Dr. Greg Hood, Beavers in Tidal Marshes

July 23, Dave Slater, Fascinating Lives of Five Washington Shorebirds

July 30, Jennifer Hahn, Foraging as a Passport to Place

Aug. 6, Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project

Aug. 13, Dr. Jane Mangold, Invasive Plants in the West

Aug. 20, Marco Pinchot, Running the Nisqually Community Forest

Aug. 27, Janine Gates, Saving the Nisqually Delta: Lessons in Citizen Activism

Categories: Education Family Events Local History Volunteer and Community Enrichment Workshops, Classes and Lectures

Lacey Midday Lions Business Meeting @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club

Aug 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Lacey Midday Lions, non-profit community service club meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month.

2nd Thursday is business meeting, 4th Thursday is Program speakers from the community.

Invitation to join us for lunch. Everyone is welcome! Come see what Lacey Midday Lions can do for your community. Volunteer on a fun project to see if this is what you are looking for in your volunteer life.

Categories: Business Networking Events Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Thurston County Search and Rescue Annual Mock Search @ Carpenter Road

Aug 16 all-day

Thurston County Search and Rescue will involved in a mock search on Carpenter Rd, South of Pacific Ave to Mullen Rd SE. Please be aware of vehicles, ground teams and K9 teams working the area.

This year we will will be joined remotely by facility and techs, from California Polytechnic State University, testing a new program to assist searches. The program utilize AI and related computational methods and tools to support Search and Rescue missions.

TSAR, WESAR, TC Jeep Patrol, Gssd K9 and South Puget K9

Categories: Volunteer and Community Enrichment

The Olympia Free Clinic 2nd Annual Softball Tournament @ Yauger Park

Aug 16 @ 9:00 am

Local medical groups and businesses are gearing up for The Olympia Free Clinic’s 2nd Annual Softball Tournament on August 16 at 9 a.m. at Yauger Park. All event proceeds will support The Olympia Free Clinic’s (TOFC) mission of providing no-cost medical, mental health, and specialty care to uninsured and underinsured adults in our community.

Categories: Family Events Health and Wellness Non-profit Fundraising Events Outdoor Recreation Sports Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Driven by Community Block Party @ Toyota of Olympia

Aug 16 @ 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Toyota of Olympia Hosts “Driven by Community” Event to Celebrate Cars, Culture, and Local Connection

Toyota of Olympia is proud to announce the Driven by Community Block Party, a high-energy summer event that brings together local car enthusiasts, families, and small businesses for an unforgettable evening of culture and connection.

Set to take place at the Toyota of Olympia dealership on Saturday, August 16th from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this free, family-friendly gathering will showcase custom cars, live music from local DJs, food trucks, games, and a vibrant celebration of what makes the South Sound community special.

“Driven by Community isn’t just about the cars, it’s about the people,” said Amber Markland, Marketing Manager at Toyota of Olympia. “We’re honored to support and connect with the community we serve every day, and this event is our way of giving back and creating space to celebrate together.”

Highlights of the event include:

Local DJ performances and live music
Street food and desserts from favorite local vendors
Show-stopping vehicles from car enthusiasts across the region
Family activities and giveaways
Special appearances from community partners and local talent

Toyota of Olympia will also be rolling in with a showcase of their latest vehicles, along with some surprises.

Community is what drives Toyota of Olympia—and this event is a celebration of just that.

Categories: Arts and Entertainment Family Events Food & Beverage Music Concerts Outdoor Recreation Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Connect with Capitol Land Trust at our August Social Hour @ Lacey Community Center

Aug 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Capitol Land Trust is hosting two gatherings—a casual social hour and a more in-depth fall update—and you’re invited! Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just getting to know CLT, these events are a great way to connect with the conservation community. Bring a friend and join us for one—or both! Both events are free and open to anyone interested in land conservation.

Social Hour

Tuesday, August 19
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Join us for a laid-back evening of conversation, refreshments, and pondside views. There’s no formal program—just time to unwind and connect with fellow nature-minded folks, CLT staff, and board members.
No RSVP needed—drop in when you can!
Learn more here: https://capitollandtrust.org/clt-social-hour/

Fall Update

Thursday, October 23
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Looking for a deeper dive into CLT’s work? This event includes light refreshments, time to connect, and a presentation from staff and board on recent accomplishments and what’s ahead for local land conservation.
RSVP required.

RSVP for Fall Update: https://capitollandtrust.org/fall-update-with-capitol-land-trust/

Categories: Family Events Home and Garden Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Summer Lecture Series @ Norm Dicks Visitor Center Auditorium, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Aug 20 @ 7:00 pm

38th Annual Summer Lecture Series in July and August

2025 brings an exciting lineup of great guest speakers for the 38th Annual Summer Lecture Series! This event brings high quality speakers on a variety of natural and cultural history topics to the Norm Dicks Visitor Center Auditorium, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.

Free tickets are available at the door starting at 6:30, with a limit of 100 people in the audience.

At this time the event is in-person only. Combine your visit with a stroll on the refuge trails. Entry to the refuge is free for event attendees.

July 9, Steve Albrecht, Leaving No Trace

July 16, Dr. Greg Hood, Beavers in Tidal Marshes

July 23, Dave Slater, Fascinating Lives of Five Washington Shorebirds

July 30, Jennifer Hahn, Foraging as a Passport to Place

Aug. 6, Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project

Aug. 13, Dr. Jane Mangold, Invasive Plants in the West

Aug. 20, Marco Pinchot, Running the Nisqually Community Forest

Aug. 27, Janine Gates, Saving the Nisqually Delta: Lessons in Citizen Activism

Categories: Education Family Events Local History Volunteer and Community Enrichment Workshops, Classes and Lectures

BIG Swing TOGETHER Fore Kids! @ Tumwater Valley Golf Course

Aug 21 @ 8:00 am

This year, TOGETHER! has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, an organization with a longstanding commitment to empowering youth through mentorship, to support their impactful mentoring services for Tumwater youth. Through this collaboration, proceeds from the event will be shared between the two organizations, to help meet critical student needs in Tumwater. Read more on ThurstonTalk about our partnership!

Join us Thursday, August 21 at Tumwater Valley Golf Course for a day of fun and FORE a great cause! All proceeds support youth mentorship + student needs right here in Tumwater.

Lunch, prizes, good vibes & community impact await.
Register now to golf or sponsor!

Categories: Business Networking Events Non-profit Fundraising Events Outdoor Recreation Seasonal and Holiday Events Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Summer Lecture Series @ Norm Dicks Visitor Center Auditorium, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Aug 27 @ 7:00 pm

38th Annual Summer Lecture Series in July and August

2025 brings an exciting lineup of great guest speakers for the 38th Annual Summer Lecture Series! This event brings high quality speakers on a variety of natural and cultural history topics to the Norm Dicks Visitor Center Auditorium, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.

Free tickets are available at the door starting at 6:30, with a limit of 100 people in the audience.

At this time the event is in-person only. Combine your visit with a stroll on the refuge trails. Entry to the refuge is free for event attendees.

July 9, Steve Albrecht, Leaving No Trace

July 16, Dr. Greg Hood, Beavers in Tidal Marshes

July 23, Dave Slater, Fascinating Lives of Five Washington Shorebirds

July 30, Jennifer Hahn, Foraging as a Passport to Place

Aug. 6, Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project

Aug. 13, Dr. Jane Mangold, Invasive Plants in the West

Aug. 20, Marco Pinchot, Running the Nisqually Community Forest

Aug. 27, Janine Gates, Saving the Nisqually Delta: Lessons in Citizen Activism

Categories: Education Family Events Local History Volunteer and Community Enrichment Workshops, Classes and Lectures

Lacey South Sound Chamber Forum Luncheon @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club

Sep 3 @ 11:30 am

The Lacey South Sound Chamber hosts a monthly forum luncheon at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club on the first Wednesday of every month. This is an educational event with the opportunity to network and listens to educational speakers.

Categories: Business Networking Events Food & Beverage Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Coffee & Cars @ Forza Coffee Company

Sep 6 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Remember Coffee & Cars at Forza?
If you were there, you know the vibes—nice rides, good coffee, and even better company. Well… it’s BACK!

Saturday, September 6th
10 AM – 3 PM
Our brand-new Forza Coffee location in West Olympia

Come relive the memories (and make some new ones!) with:
Coffee & food specials
Live DJ
Raffle prizes
And rows of stunning cars that make your heart race!

Bring your favorite ride—or just bring yourself—and let’s bring back that Forza magic

Categories: Business Networking Events Family Events Food & Beverage Outdoor Recreation Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Lacey Midday Lions Business Meeting @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club

Sep 11 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Lacey Midday Lions, non-profit community service club meets the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month.

2nd Thursday is business meeting, 4th Thursday is Program speakers from the community.

Invitation to join us for lunch. Everyone is welcome! Come see what Lacey Midday Lions can do for your community. Volunteer on a fun project to see if this is what you are looking for in your volunteer life.

Categories: Business Networking Events Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Destash Sale @ Gull Harbor Lutheran Church

Sep 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Find amazing deals on quality quilting cottons (yardage, fat quarters, pre-cuts), commercial patterns, notions, rulers, templates, newer books & magazines, even sewing machines. Perfect for growing your stash without breaking the bank!

Categories: Arts and Entertainment Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Thurston County Emergency Preparedness Expo @ The Olympia Center

Sep 20 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

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.

Categories: Adult Focused Events Family Events Health and Wellness Local Government Volunteer and Community Enrichment Workshops, Classes and Lectures

South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity Gala @ Saint Martin's University- Marcus Pavilion

Sep 20 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Deep roots. Strong futures.

The Habitat Gala will bring community members together at Saint Martin’s University to raise awareness about the need for affordable homeownership in the South Sound.

This whimsical, forest-themed event featuring entertainment, cocktails, and live music will raise funds to support our work to build 162 new homes in our community and sustain our education and home repair programs.

Categories: Home and Garden Non-profit Fundraising Events Volunteer and Community Enrichment

Lacey South Sound Chamber Forum Luncheon @ Indian Summer Golf and Country Club

Oct 1 @ 11:30 am

The Lacey South Sound Chamber hosts a monthly forum luncheon at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club on the first Wednesday of every month. This is an educational event with the opportunity to network and listens to educational speakers.

Categories: Business Networking Events Food & Beverage Volunteer and Community Enrichment

August – October 2025 Aug – Oct 2025