Fun things to do this holiday week in South Sound

Dec. 27

A last hurrah for the ugly sweater

Senior Services for South Sound’s Oly Bingo Night is keeping the Christmas spirit going till Friday with Ugly Sweater Bingo. Not just for serious players, the bingo bash features an ugly sweater contest, comedic calling by storyteller/actor/emcee Elizabeth Lord, a full bar and even Jell-O shots. It’s open only to ages 21 and over. The games begin at 7 p.m. at the Olympia Senior Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia. It’s $20 for a pack of cards for regular games; bring extra cash for beverages and cards for the special games. For more information or to reserve a table for six to eight people, call at 360-586-6181.

Dec. 28-29

Something wild at Northwest Trek

Northwest Trek’s Winter Wildlands, happening Saturday and Sunday, mixes holiday cheer with a chance to observe the park’s abundant Northwest wildlife. Activities include a tram ride through the park’s free-roaming area, chances to watch animals play with cardboard “gingerbread” houses, holiday trees with edible decorations and more. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Winter Wildlands is free with park admission of $10-$33. Get details at nwtrek.com/wildland.

Dec. 28 to Jan. 2

Mad for mushrooms?

“Fantastic Fungi,” a look into the mysterious world of mushrooms that stars Olympia mycologist Paul Stamets, is back on screen at the Capitol Theater starting Dec. 28. The film — which boasts a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes — is attracting attention for its gorgeous time-lapse photography and animation and for its sense of hope about the fate of the planet. The first Olympia screening sold out with surprising speed, said Jonah Barrett of the Olympia Film Society, so it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance for this run, scheduled to continue through Jan. 2 at the theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $5-$8. Find out more at olympiafilmsociety.org, or call 360-754-6670.

Dec. 28

To Africa and beyond

Warm up (in spirit, at least) with the multicultural mélange of music on tap Saturday at Rhythm & Rye. African sounds will be in the spotlight at the show, which features Mazigazi, an Olympia nine-piece with African roots, diverse musical inspirations and lyrics in both Swahili and English. Also on the bill: kora player Chet Corpt of Seattle and Olympia singer-songwriter Lakota Doris. The music begins at 9 p.m. at the bar, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia. The cover charge is $10. For details, call 360-705-0760.

Dec. 31

Greet 2020 with The Commodores

Tacoma’s Emerald Queen Casino is celebrating the new decade with 1970s-’80s favorites The Commodores, who’ll perform at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday in the casino’s I-5 Showroom, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma. The concert is free, but you’ll have to spend a lot of time at the casino to get the bracelets needed for admission. Here are the rules: Numbers will be distributed at the showroom escalators beginning at 3 p.m., and those with numbers can return when the doors open at 7:30 p.m. to receive two bracelets. Find out more at emeraldqueen.com.

Dec. 31

Go back to the future with The Retros

Apparently, the past is the place to be as the new decade dawns. If The Commodores don’t do it for you, you can enter the new year with The Retros, a Seattle band that’s keeping the now-old New Wave alive. “It’s like MTV coming to life,” KGY DJ Michael Stein told The Olympian. Go back to the days when “Video Killed the Radio Star” at 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Lucky Eagle Casino, 2888 188th Ave. SW, Rochester. Tickets are $10. Get tickets and details at luckyeagle.com, or call 360-273-2000.

Jan. 1

Dive in — if you dare

The courageous and cold-resistant can go jump in the lake Wednesday at the City of Lacey’s annual Polar Bear Plunge. Those who shiver at the thought are welcome to watch the action at Long Lake Park, 2790 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey. The event begins at noon, with the actual plunge at 1 p.m. (it does take some time to park and get to the lake, though, so event organizers suggest arriving at least by 12:45, or even earlier if you’re coming with children.) It’s free. For more information, call 360-491-0857.