Things to do this week in Thurston County

A blind date turns into a funny high-stakes dinner in the play “First Date” produced by Harlequin Productions. The musical comedy explores the world of digital dating in a fun and unexpected way. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through July 23 at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E. Tickets are $42 general admission, $37 senior/military and $20 student/youth. Go to harlequinproductions.org for more information.

Part of the Hands On Children’s Museum’s Summer Splash series this year is the Fire Rescue Spectacular from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Get a chance to explore Olympia’s emergency fleet, meet Sparky the Dog, see a vintage fire truck while enjoying refreshments at the museum at 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia. Street activities are free to the public, special activities in the museum are free with admission. For more information, go to homc.org/summersplash

Help kick off the Summer Reading Program when Book-It Repertory Theatre comes to the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, for a presentation of “El Deafo!” the Newbery-honored graphic novel by Cece Bell. The book will be staged in both English and American Sign language. Attendees can learn about the summer reading program and learn about about hearing loss at the event at 2 p.m. Saturday. After the presentation, third- through sixth-graders will be able to work with the performers to create their own play. Space is limited for the workshop, so register by calling 360-352-0595 or stopping by the Youth Services Desk. The presentation is free.

The Annual Olympia Experimental Music Festival takes over downtown this weekend. With 24 diverse experimental music projects, it’s going to be a weekend of unpredictable audio-visual performances. Some local artists featured include Rachel Carns, Derek M. Johnson Love, Kevin Doria and China Faith Star. Performances start at 8 p.m. Friday at Obsidian; at 1 p.m. Saturday at Le Voyeur and Obsidian, and at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Olympia Artesian Commons and the Brotherhood Lounge. A full festival pass is $23, 8 p.m. shows are $8, matinees are $3, and its free at the Artesian Commons. Go to facebook/olyexperimentalmusicfest for more information.

With a goal of spreading healing energy, the annual Om in the Dome is planned for Sunday at the Capitol Rotunda, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, Olympia. For one hour — 10-11 a.m. — Sunday, join in gentle yoga movements or come to watch. Bring a yoga mat if you want to participate. The event is free, donations will be accepted. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Go to tinyurl.com/ybmuznqt to find out more.

Learn about local bats and join in a walk with local expert Greg Falxa at the Bat Talk & Walk at Traditions Cafe, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia. Find out about bat biology, habitat needs and life strategies and then head out to find some bats. It starts at 7 p.m. Friday (June 23), register at streamteam.info/getinvolved/calendar.

Join the South Puget Sound Community College drama program for its production of “Bat Boy, The Musical.” Based on a story in The Weekly World, this play is a musical comedy/horror show that touches on current topics. Playing at the campus’ Minnaert Center for the Arts’ main stage, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, it opens Friday (June 23) and continues through July 2. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 seniors/military and non-SPSCC students, and free to college students, staff and faculty. Go to washingtoncenter.org for more information.

The Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz Festival has been bringing jazz lovers and performers from around the region together to celebrate live Dixieland jazz since 1989. This year’s event includes four venues on the Saint Martin’s University campus. There will be dance lessons, bands, large dance floors and fun. Hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15-$55 or all-day event tickets for $100-$15. Go to olyjazz.com for more information.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Things to do this week in Thurston County."