Get a dose of Barbie pink this weekend, plus see traditional Japanese dance at Bon Odori
‘Barbie’ is everywhere
Last summer, “Barbie” was everywhere. The overwhelmingly pink film — with its perfectly replicated costumes and sets (including swimming pools with no water and cars without doors) and feminist message — took over theaters, social media and conversations. On Friday, Aug. 9, last year’s highest-grossing film is taking over South Sound’s free outdoor movie screenings. It can be seen at dusk in Lacey’s Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, as part of Lacey in Tune, and at Tumwater Valley Golf Course, 4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE, as part of the Screen on the Green series. In Lacey, Los Angeles-based Beatles tribute band Paperback Writer will perform before the film; the music starts at 7 p.m. In both Tumwater and Lacey, Aug. 9 marks the end of the 2024 outdoor film season. After all, who can top Barbie?
Drive-in ‘Rocky Horror’
The Skyline Drive-In near Shelton is going over the top on Saturday, Aug. 10, with a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The zany and fantastical story of a more or less innocent couple encountering Frank N. Furter, a “sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania,” is taking over the drive-in. The annual showing starts at 9:30 p.m. with a live pre-show including a costume contest and prizes. The film gets rolling at 10 p.m. at the drive-in, 182 SE Brewer Road, Shelton. Tickets are $8.
Bon Odori Festival going strong
Last summer, organizers for Olympia’s Bon Odori Japanese Dance Festival feared it might be the last year for the modern version of the traditional festival celebrating the ancestors. But the festival is back, on Saturday, Aug. 10, at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. “We were motivated to make it happen again because people were so really joyful last year,” said Reiko Callner of the Olympia chapter of the Japanese American Citizens’ League, which produces the festival. Participatory dances — some centuries old, others as contemporary as the Macarena — are at the heart of the festival, which also features taiko drumming, karate demonstrations and food trucks. The festival begins at 5 p.m., with dancing starting at 7 in front of the Center for Student Success (Building 22) at the campus at 2011 Mottman Road S.W., Olympia. One highlight will be Hanabi Ondo, the fireworks dance, which emulates the bursting of fireworks. Sparkling light rings that can add to the effect will be available for purchase. Experienced dancers will lead the dances. No experience is required, and all are welcome to attend an optional dance practice at 6 p.m. in front of the Center for Student Success.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore’s childhood doll collection included Malibu Barbie, PJ, Skipper and Ken along with the Sunshine Family. She also liked to play with her brother’s G.I. Joe, who was a little on the short side for Barbie but had lovely fuzzy hair and a beard. She talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.