Planner: Your guide to fun in the South Sound

Thursday —Sept. 12

Scout this out

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Harlequin Productions brings “To Kill A Mockingbird” to the stage. It brings to the forefront issues as relevant today as they were in 1960: racial prejudice and social injustice. It opens Thursday and will continue through Sept. 12 Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the State Theater 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are $20-$29 with rush tickets available at the box office half an hour before curtain. For more information, call 360-786-0151 or visit harlequinproductions.org.

Bring a pillow

It’s going to be three days of music, food, camping, dancing and swimming at the Helsing Junction Sleepover this weekend. K Records is hosting the festival that will feature 30 recording acts, independent films, homemade organic food and two night of camping in the orchards. Join in the tradition at the farm, 12231 Independence Road, Rochester, and take in some great music. Tickets are $65 for the weekend, including camping, and are available at helsingjunctionsleepover.com/tickets.

Long live the King

Elvis may have left the building, but he lives on when Jess Thomas takes the stage. Performing music from the ’50s through the ’70s, Thomas’ show is a tribute to the undisputed “King of Rock and Roll.” See him in two shows — 7:55 p.m. Saturday and 1:55 p.m. Sunday — at the Olympia Little Theatre, 1925 Miller Ave. NE. Come dressed in styles from the Elvis era and join in the fun. Tickets are $15 and are available at brownpapertickets.com/event/1888075.

A dancing fantasy

With a theme of pure Northwest fantasy, join the Olympia Dance Convergence for a weekend of dancing, fireside storytelling, talent showcases, music, workshops, radical play and much more. The event kicks off Friday with a gourmet meal, opening dance, acoustic set and late-night dance; Saturday includes workshops and Steampunk Speakeasy; and Sunday includes a potluck, fountain dance and afterparty, with lots of music and fun mingled in. Events are in the Boston Harbor area of Olympia and camping is allowed at the main venue. Register online at olydance.com/olympia-dance-convergence.

Rock out

Come out and support the work of the Stonewall Youth Queer Rock Camp participants at its annual showcase at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. The showcase is a culmination of a weeklong music camp for queer, gender variant, gender non-conforming and allied youth and their hard work. The public performance is at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $10-$12 on a sliding scale and are free for anyone 21 and younger. Call 360-754-6670 for more information.

Sophisticated twang

Olympia’s own Blackberry Bushes Stringband draws from the deep roots of American traditional music performed with both twang and sophistication. Join them in a CD release party and show for their new album “Three Red Feathers.” Come out Saturday to Rhythm & Rye, 311 Capitol Way N., Olympia. The music begins at 9 p.m. For more information, call 360-705-0760.

Soul in the park

This week’s installation of the Music in the Park concert series will feature the soulful sounds of Cee Cee James and the Mission of S.O.U.L. Known for a mix of blues, roots, James is an internationally known performer. Bring your chair and blanket for a night of soulful sounds at Sylvester Park in downtown Olympia. The music beings at 7 p.m. Wednesday and is free.

This story was originally published August 13, 2015 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Planner: Your guide to fun in the South Sound."