Fun things to do this week in Thurston County
March 29-31
Fun with ‘Frankenstein’
The too-curious-for-his-own-good doctor and his monstrous creation are at the center of Broadway Olympia’s “Young Frankenstein,” happening this weekend at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Check out the musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ camp classic at 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $22 and $25. Details are available at broadwayolympia.com.
March 29
Are you brave enough … for the library?
When the Tumwater Timberland Library closes on Friday night, the lights go off and the battle begins. The Battle of Tumwater Library, for teens, includes capture the flag and other games of subterfuge. The battle will be raging from 7 to 10 p.m. at the library, 7023 New Market St. SW, Tumwater. For more information, call 360-943-7790.
March 29 and 30
Movin’ on Up
Up With People, an ever-smiling and ever-changing crew of youthful singers and dancers from around the world, began touring its upbeat musical performances in the 1960s — formed, it’s been said, as an alternative to the hippie counterculture. The traveling troupe, made up of students who participate for one or two semesters each, performed at four Superbowl halftime shows between 1976 and 1986. In 1989, the globe-trotting troupe performed at George H.W. Bush’s inauguration, and in 2015, it performed for Pope Francis I. On Friday and Saturday, you can see a new generation of People in Olympia. Performances are at 7 p.m. both days at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE. Tickets are $25-$60. Find out more at upwithpeople.org/lacey. (The visit is sponsored by the North Thurston Kiwanis Club, and the cast members have been staying with host families in Lacey.)
March 30
Something Wild
Olympia nonprofit Wild Grief hosts hikes for grieving adults and children, supporting them by helping them connect with nature and with other people. On Saturday, the nonprofit’s volunteers will trade in their hiking shoes for dancing shoes as Wild Grief hosts the Mad Hatters Waltz, an all-ages dance party. The musical mix will include original indie rock by The True Olympians; covers of songs by the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty and the like by Chrome Bettery; and Beatles and Van Morrison tunes by The Crescents. The by-donation evening happens from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Eagles Ballroom, 805 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Find out more at wildgrief.org. If you’re planning to go, get your name on the guest list by emailing info@wild grief.org.
March 31
Blintzes and bagels and books, oh, my
Yes, this weekend is Blintzapalooza, Temple Beth Hatfiloh’s annual community celebration of carbohydrates. The much-loved event, happening for the 31st time on Sunday, is also a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The fest of sweet cheese-filled pastries and bagels (with cream cheese and lox, if you like) happens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 201 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia, and for early birds, the book sale starts at 9:30. Admission is free; bring cash for treats and literature. Find out more at 360-754-8519 or bethhatfiloh.org/blintzapalooza.
March 31
Waiting for the last ‘Shoe’ to drop
Entertainment Explosion’s 13th annual “A Really Big Shoe” fundraiser, set for Sunday, will be the group’s swan song. As they did last year, internationally known folk group The Brothers Four will headline the event, which has raised more than $300,000 for Thurston County students with financial need. Members of Entertainment Explosion will entertain before and after the show and at intermission. The performance begins at 2 p.m. Sunday — with lobby music beginning at 12:30 — at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $20-$40. Get tickets and details at 360-753-8586 or washingtoncenter.org.
April 4
A sign of the season
Ah, spring. It’s the time when the flowers begin to bloom, when the temperatures begin to rise — and when the Olympia Farmers Market bursts into its full glory. Though it’s open Saturdays throughout the winter, the market is celebrating the return of growing-season hours Thursday with bell ringing and entertainment. From April through October, the market, at 700 Capitol Way N., is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Get details at 360-352-9096 or olympiafarmersmarket.com.