9 Things To Do This Weekend

TODAY-SATURDAY -- A play gets political: I hope there are still tickets for this -- they were going fast on Thursday (which is why we posted Molly Gilmore's Weekend story about it early). The Washington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice presents two staged readings of “8,” Dustin Lance Black’s play about the 2010 trial challenging the validity of California’s Proposition 8, which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry. Showtimes are 7:30 tonight and Saturday only at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. S.E., Olympia. Tickets are $10, and proceeds will be used to support marriage equality efforts. The reading will be followed by a talkback with cast, crew and others involved in the marriage equality debate in Washington state. State Rep. Chris Rekydal will facilitate. For more information, go to tickets.washingtoncenter.org or www.8theplay.com. And check out Molly's story on the play at www.theolympian.com/living.

TODAY-SUNDAY -- A jukebox musical: "BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY" kicks off the Capital Playhouse season and tells of rocker Buddy Holly’s life while showcasing his hit songs and those of Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday plus 2 p.m. Sunday at the playhouse, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are $33-$39 for adults, $28-$34 for seniors (60+) and youth (16 and younger); for the Oct. 10 show, pay what you can. (Seasons tickets also are available for $149-$176 for adults, $126-$151 for seniors and youth.) For more information, call 360-943-2744 or go to www.capitalplayhouse.com.

TODAY-SUNDAY -- A royal spectacle: The sixth annual LORD FRANZANNIAN'S ROYAL OLYMPIAN SPECTACULAR VAUDEVILLE SHOW, produced and hosted by storyteller Elizabeth Lord, concludes this weekend. The show offers music, comedy, acrobatics, juggling, burlesque and, for the first time, a dog act. Showtimes are 8 tonight and Saturday, 10 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at The Midnight Sun Performance Space, 113 N. Columbia St., Olympia. The shows are recommended for ages 16 and older only, except the Sunday matinee, which is appropriate for all ages. Tickets are $15 in advance; $15-$25 at the door (no one will be turned away); $7 for those younger than 15 for the Sunday matinee. For more information, go to professionaltalker.com/vaudeville-show.html or brownpapertickets.com

TODAY–SUNDAY -- Gender reincarnated: “GOODBYE CHARLIE,” a 1959 comedy about a womanizer who dies and is reincarnated as a woman, is the first play of the season for Olympia Little Theater, 1925 Miller Ave. NE. It runs through at 7:55 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 1:55 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12-$14. Call 360-786-9484 or go to olympialittletheatre.org.

SATURDAY -- Get outdoors for free: As part of NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY, many federal and state agencies are waiving entrance fees Saturday. That means it will be free to enter places such as Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks as well as U.S. Forest Service locales, such as Johnston Ridge Observatory at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and state parks such as Tolmie and Millersylvania. And Mother Nature is cooperating: The weather forecast calls for partly sunny and 66. So what are you waiting for? Get outside!

SATURDAY -- Getting a jump on Oktober: Fish Brewing Co. is so excited for its 14th annual OKTOBERFEST, it can’t even wait for October. The fun starts at 4 p.m. Saturday at 514 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia. Enjoy live music from Cody Beebe and the Crooks; food from Fish Tale Brew Pub; beer, cider and wine; and a silent auction to benefit Puget Soundkeepers Alliance. Tickets are $15 and include admission, a souvenir beer mug and five 5-ounce tastes. Food and additional drink tickets are available. Buy your ticket at Fish Tale Brew Pub.

SATURDAY -- Get yer keister to The Royal: JOHN KEISTER, host of the still-legendary KING5 TV show “Almost Live” – Seattle’s answer to “Saturday Night Live” – will headline a comedy show at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at The Royal Lounge, 311 Capitol Way N, Olympia. Also on the bill: Duane Goad and Monica Nevi. This is a chance to hear some of the humor likely to resurface in "The (206)," a new show Keister is developing with Pat Cashman. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door -- and it's for those ages 21 and older only. For more information, go to almostjohnkeister.com and baurice.com, and check out Molly Gilmore's interview with Keister at www.theolympian.com/living.

SATURDAY -- Banjo bonanza: It’s a bluegrass kind of weekend, and the banjos will be dueling for your attention. The DOWNTOWN MOUNTAIN BOYS will play at 8 p.m. Saturday at Traditions Cafe & World Folk Art, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia. Tickets are $12; $8 for students or those with low-income. For details, call 360-705-2819. Meanwhile, California’s NO GOOD REDWOOD RAMBLERS join the local OLY MOUNTAIN BOYS for a free show at 8 p.m. Saturday at The Pig Bar, 619 Legion Way, Olympia.

SUNDAY -- Film fest warmup: Get jazzed for the annual Olympia Film Festival in November by attending the Olympia Film Society’s all-ages FILM FEST PREVIEW NIGHT on Sunday hosted by Olympia music icon CALVIN JOHNSON. The fun starts with hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m., followed by the show at 5:30 p.m. highlighting the festival lineup. It also will feature performances by K Records musicians and offer an advance screening of “Crazy & Thief.” Tickets are $12; $8 for OFS members; free for ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available in advance at brownpapertickets.com or at the box office the night of the show. Discounted film festival passes will be available at the preview.