Fun things to do in Thurston County this week

After more than 30 years working as a librarian, bookseller and NPR books commentator, Nancy Pearl has released her debut novel, “George and Lizzie,” which follows an unlikely marriage at a crossroads. On tour supporting her book, Pearl will be at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Come out and meet the author and hear her read from her novel.

Fresh off being selected for the 2017 O. Henry Prize Stories, author Keith Eisner will be at Browsers Bookstore, 107 Capitol Way N, Olympia, to read an excerpt from his story “Blue Dot” at 7 p.m. Saturday. Meet and greet the local writer and teacher at this free community event. For more information, go to browsersolympia.com. BTW, the O. Henry Prize Stories is an annual collection of the 20 best stories published in American and Canadian magazines, written in English.

Revisiting his classic 1970 “Alone Together” album, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason will put on a concert at Olympia’s Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave SE. The show will include “All Along the Watchtower,” “Feelin’ Alright” and other favorites. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Get your tickets — $35 or $125 VIP — online at olympiaconcerts.com or by phone at 360-754-6670.

Tackling the question of whether to give birth at home or in a hospital, the documentary “Why Not Home?’ delves into the compelling stories of female health care workers who chose to give birth outside the hospitals where they practice. Sponsored by Womb Revolution and New Day Midwifery, the 2 p.m. Sunday screening of the film will be followed by a panel of experts discussing the subject at Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $17, $14 for Olympia Film Society members and are available online or at the box office. For more information, go to olympiafilmsociety.org

Ever tried to explain Olympia to out-of-town friends or family? Then you’ll want to come out for “Making Sense of Olympia” with David Sherer Water. The local author-comedian ties local history and present-day phenomena together in his book “Olympia.” It’s a book for long-time residents, tourists and newcomers. Meet him at a 7:30 p.m. Thursday book reading at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE. Admission is free. Learn more at trl.org.

Fish Brewing is hosting its annual Oktoberfest from 5-10 p.m. Saturday with live music by the Overdrive Band, food and, of course, beer and ciders. Entry — which costs $20 — includes a commemorative mug and three 14-ounce pours from your choice of beers or ciders. Go to brownpapertickets.com to get your tickets.

Help support local HIV/AIDS services by attending Oly Olio, a benefit performance festival at Le Voyeur Cafe and Lounge, 404 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Performances will run from 2 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. The 21-and-older-only event features music, comedy, storytelling and variety acts. There is no cover charge, but donations will be collected. For more information. go to tinyurl.com/OLY-Olio

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Nancy Curtis and her late husband Bert Wilson were known for their house sessions engaging top-notch jazz musicians from all over the region, as well as their band “Rebirth.” Now Nancy leads “Rebirth Reprise” with five of the original musicians. Hear them play music by Wilson and other band members at 8 p.m. Monday at Rhythm & Rye, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia. The evening is sponsored by Olympia Jazz Central. Tickets are $5-$25. Go to tinyurl.com/Rebirth-Reprise for more information.

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