Fun things to do in Thurston County this week

Join in celebrating the mighty mushroom at the Pacific Northwest Mushroom Festival this weekend at the Lacey-Thurston County Regional Athletic Complex, 8345 Steilacoom Road SE. There will be cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, educational speakers, mushroom farm tours, a kids’ mushroom hunt, and more. A Glow Run, a 5k and  1/2 mile run, is planned for 7 p.m. Friday. Gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults; kids get in free; and parking is free. Go to pnwmushroomfest.org for more information.

Mark you calendar for the annual Thurston County Fair, 3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey. Opening Wednesday and continuing through Aug. 6, the fair features animals, games, competitions, entertainment, exhibits, vendors, carnival rides and, of course, fair food. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Aug. 5 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 6. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 6-14 years old, and free for kids 5 and younger. For information, go to co.thurston.wa.us/fair

Olympia Little Theater’s “The Incredible Undersea Trial of Joseph P. Lawnboy” combines comedy, science and underwater adventure. The interactive play — you’re the jury — explores scientific inquiry while also entertaining. It is recommended for ages 5 and older. Come out to the theater at 612 Fourth Ave E., Olympia. Showtimes are 2 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday as well as Aug. 5-6. Tickets are $10. Go to olyft.org for more information.

Known as “The Reggae Queen” and “Mother Culture,” Jamaican singer Sister Carol is considered an international superstar. She’s coming to the Olympia Eagles Ballroom, 805 Fourth Ave. E., with her “Are You Reggae Again?” show, which is an all-ages, family friendly benefit dance starting at 7 p.m. Friday (July 28). Also taking the stage is Silver Saturn playing funk, soul and rock. Tickets are $20 in advance, $24 at the door, and are available at Rainy Day Records and Traditions Fair Trade.

Support the South Sound Reading Foundation at its annual Books by the Bay fundraiser from 7-9:30 p.m. Friday (July 28). The evening fundraiser will feature authors Jim Lynch and Peter Stark, live music with Red & Ruby, food, drinks and a silent auction. It’s all taking place at the Port Plaza Park, 701 Columbia St. NW, Olympia. Tickets are $60 for the 21-and-older-only event. To purchase tickets, go to southsoundreading.org.

Creative Theatre Experience, a summer youth performing arts program, is bringing “Disney’s The Lion King Junior” to the stage. With classic music and story, the play will highlight the talents of local youth. Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday and Aug. 4, and 1 and 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at Olympia High School Performing Arts Center, 1302 North St. SE. Tickets are $11.

Artsplash features the work of 15 local artists and takes over West Central Park, 1919 Division St. NW, Olympia, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. The Hinges, The Lemmings, and The Magnificent Sanctuary Band are among the bands that will perform. Admission is free. For information, call 360-352-7363.

Originally released in 1980 starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton, “9 to 5” is a classic comedy taking on the subject of women in the workforce. The film grossed more than $103.9 million and is the 20th highest-grossing comedy in history. Come out for a special screening of the film at 9 p.m. Friday (July 28) at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE. It will be hosted by Lisa Prank. Tickets are $9, $6 Olympia Film Society members.

This story was originally published July 28, 2017 at 7:23 AM with the headline "Fun things to do in Thurston County this week."