Bikini Kill is back in town, Theater Artists Olympia are out of town and other tips for weekend fun
Bikini Kill by the bay
Olympia’s own Bikini Kill — which should be promoted from riot grrrls to riot queens by now — is headlining the South Sound Block Party, happening Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24. The outdoor music festival at the Port of Olympia’s NorthPoint, 1022 Marine Drive NE, features a diverse lineup of bands plus food trucks and a beer garden. Playing Friday, when doors open at 3 p.m., are Cole Scheifele, Ghost Fetish, Glitterfox, Black Ends, Devotchka and Bikini Kill. And Saturday, doors open at 12:30 p.m. with Eel Sallad, Manic Pixie Dream Boat, Seaside Tryst, Small Paul, Lake, Hillstomp, Oblé Reed, Crane Wives, Surfer Girl and X. Tickets are $45 per day or $80 for both, with children younger than 12 admitted free.
Oh, that smell
It’s time once again for what is arguably the state’s most fragrant — or odoriferous — festival, the Washington State Garlic Fest. At the 2024 fest, happening Friday through Sunday, Aug. 23-25, you can eat lots of garlic, buy various types of garlic, shop for garlic-inspired crafts, learn about garlic and watch cooking demonstrations focused on, yes, garlic. You might also encounter the festival’s mascot, Garlicious, who is, of course, an oversized garlic bulb with a big smile. There’s live music, too. (The music does not appear to be garlic-related, but perhaps a competition for best ode to garlic would be a fun addition.) The fest is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Sunday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1909 S. Gold St., Centralia. Admission is $7, with children 6 and under admitted free.
Theater in the garden
Theater Artists Olympia is taking its show on the road with a lighthearted adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing,” happening at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, and Sunday, Aug. 25, at Lakewold Gardens, 12317 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood. (It’s not as far as you might think.) The family-friendly production, adapted by Kate Ayers and directed by John Serembe, runs less than 90 minutes and features such respected local actors as Michael and Heather Christopher (playing Benedick and Beatrice), Ayers, Teresita Brimms, Christian Carvajal and Dennis Rolly. Tickets are $20.
Talents of tomorrow
Ballet Northwest’s 13th Young Choreographers Showcase, happening Sunday, Aug. 25, includes 20 dances in styles ranging from ballet to hip-hop. “As our dancers became more and more comfortable with different dance styles, they started to show an interest in choreography,” Ballet Northwest’s co-artistic director Ken Johnson said in a press release. “We created the showcase to give these dancers the opportunity to stage their creativity.” The showcase is at 7 p.m. at the Capital High School Performing Arts Center, 2707 Conger Ave. NW, Olympia. Tickets are $20.
Freelance writer Molly Gilmore 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.