Out and About: Watch fireworks, see a parade or hear music outdoors

Go Fourth

Monday is July 4, and whether or not you’re feeling patriotic, the holiday weekend’s community events promise lots of dazzle in the South Sound. That’s a good thing: Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater all have a ban on personal fireworks, so taking in the professional displays is a good option.

• In Lacey: There’s something new on offer at the Lacey Fireworks Spectacular, beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 3, in Rainier Vista Park, 5475 45th Ave. SE. The fireworks, at 10 p.m., have a 3D effect -- if you get the 3D glasses are available in advance at Lacey Collision Center and Capital Collision Center and at the event while supplies last. Providing live music in the park: Beat Frequency at 5 p.m. and Good Vibrations at 8 p.m. Parking and shuttles to the free festivities are available from neighboring schools.

• In Tumwater: Tumwater celebrates on Monday, July 4. The city’s Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Capitol Boulevard and Lee Street, Tumwater, and moves up Capitol. The Artesian Family Festival and Thunder Valley Fireworks Show begins at 6 p.m. at the Tumwater Valley Golf Course, 4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE. The festival and fireworks are free; there’s a $10 charge for parking.

Tons of tunes

South Sound’s parks are the places to be this week as both Olympia and Lacey launch their summer music series. On Sunday, July 3, the Olympia Downtown Alliance’s Music in the Park returns. The Brothers Hammond will play their blend of R&B, jazz, blues and gospel at 1 p.m. at Port Plaza, 701 Columbia St. NW, Olympia.

Lacey in Tune’s Concerts in the Park launches Wednesday, July 6, with the Washington National Guard’s Full Metal Racket. The rocking Racket has been part of Lacey in Tune since 2008 — except in 2020, when the event didn’t happen. The concert happens at noon in Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE.

And in Olympia’s West Central Park, the community-supported nonprofit park at 1919 Harrison Ave. NW, the Rainier Quartet will bring the jazz at 7 p.m. July 2. The concert is free, with donations welcome.

Also cranking up the melodies:

• Three Magnets’ Scherler Sundays free outdoor concert series continues July 3 with Michael Hurley, a musical storyteller whose tunes have been covered by the Violent Femmes and Cat Power. The music begins at 3 p.m. behind the Carnegie Library, 620 Franklin St. SE, Olympia.

• New Traditions Fair Trade Café will host melodious Boston singer-songwriter Spencer LaJoye July 6. The show begins at 7 p.m. at the café, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia. Masks are required except when seated and eating. Call 360-705-2819 for tickets ($15-$20) and dinner reservations.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore is ready to pull out her picnic basket. She talks about what’s happening in Olympia and beyond with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.

This story was originally published June 30, 2022 at 5:00 AM.