Fun things to do in Thurston County this week

Meet film director Quinn Costello, an Evergreen State College graduate, and local ecologist Tara Chestnut at Olympia Film Society’s screening of Costello’s film “Rodents of Unusual Size.” Costello’s film tells the tale of tough Louisiana residents and their fight against the South American nutria. The film not only highlights the invasive species and the residents’ campaign to rid the swamp of them but also the delicate balance of so many of our country’s wetlands. A Q&A will follow the 7:30 p.m. Sunday showing at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $9, $6 for OFS members.

Shoshana Bean, who lived in Olympia part of her childhood, is best known for her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway. These days she is performing her own music as well as American songbook classics. With the release of a new album this year, she is touring the country and will open the new season for the Washington Center for Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE. The show is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Tickets are $27, $37 and $47. Get yours by phone or online; 360-753-8586, washingtoncenter.org

“Corduroy” is the tale of a bear on a destructive chase through a department store looking for his missing button. Adapted to the stage by Barry Kornhauser, Olympia Family Theater, 612 Fourth Ave. E., will bring the story to the stage starting Friday and continuing through Oct. 31. Tickets are $15-$20, available by phone or online; 360-570-1638, olyft.org

Harlequin Productions regular Ann Flannigan is directing “Dry Powder,” a winner of the 2016 Laurents/Hatcher Foundation Award. The play considers the price of success and the real cost of getting the deal done. It opens Thursday and will continue through Oct. 27 with showtimes of 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E. Tickets are $35 general admission, $32 for seniors/military, and $20 for students and youth. Get yours by phone or online; 360-786-0151, harlequinproductions.org

The Olympia Downtown Alliance has come up with an ingenious way for you to discover the array of food and wine experiences downtown: Sip, Savor, Stroll is an exclusive progressive meal that offers a behind-the-curtain peek at the local food scene. Participants will meet chefs, brewers and restaurant owners. Guides will usher participants from venue to venue to sample signature dishes and drinks. It beings at 2 p.m. Saturday with music at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, then participants will make four stops from 2:30-4:30 p.m., and end with dessert at Rhythm & Rye, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Tickets are $55 and available at tinyurl.com/sip-savor-stroll

Fall has fallen, and Oktoberfests are popping up throughout the region. This weekend, there are two right in our backyard:

▪ In its fourth year, Oly Taproom is hosting the Annual Oktoberfest Extravaganza this weekend. Raise your glass in celebration of beer with plenty-o-festbier on draft and pizza to go with it. The first 100 people through the door from noon-9 p.m. Saturday can purchase a commemorative glass. There is no cover charge and there are free pretzel necklaces for everyone. Oly Taproom is at 312 Columbia St. NW.

▪ Fish Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest is celebrating 25 years and partnering with the Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association, Chelsea Oyster Farms, and Hama Hama to offer special oyster dishes while you enjoy 12 seasonal beers, cider and wine. They also will debut their Fish Food Truck. There will be live music by the Aqua-Nets and games to round out the event from 4-10 p.m. Saturday. 21 and older only. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and includes three 10-ounce tastes. A portion of the proceeds will go to the PCSGA. Fish Brewing is at 515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia. 360-943-6480 fishoktoberfest.brownpapertickets.com

The annual Nisqually Watershed Festival celebrates the Nisqually River and nature itself with art, discovery and music. The free, family-friendly daylong festival offers educational activities, music, walking tours and a salmon barbecue. It runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge off Interstate 5 at exit 114. Festival parking is at River Ridge High School, 350 River Ridge Drive, Lacey, with a free shuttle to the refuge running every 15 minutes.

This story was originally published September 28, 2018 at 7:04 AM.