What’s happening in South Sound this week
May 29
Waterside Memorial Service: The annual Waterside Memorial Service will be hosted by the Thurston County Veterans Council starting at noon at Percival Landing in downtown Olympia. The Memorial Service will honor soldiers, sailors, Marines, Merchant Marines, Coast Guard and anyone who was lost or buried at sea.
Love Oly Shop & Dine Week: Participating businesses give out ‘passports’ to customers or they can be accessed and printed through the Olympia Downtown Alliance website. When a customer purchases an item that is $10 or more, they will receive a “Love Oly” sticker that will be placed on their passport. Once a customer has five stickers, they can redeem their passport for a Love Oly gift. The promotional week wraps up Sunday. 360-357-8948 or https://downtownolympia.org/
PNW Barn Hunt in Centralia: Head to the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds’ Blue Pavillion at 1909 S Gold St, Centralia from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday to see this safe and fun sports competition for dogs. The event provides an opportunity for dog owners to test their dogs’ skills in getting rid of vermin on farms, in barns and crop storage areas. Any dog is allowed to enter if they can fit through an 18-inch-wide by bale-height tunnel.
May 30
Memorial Day Ceremony: Hosted by the Thurston County Veterans Council, this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Capitol Rotunda on the state Capitol Campus, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, Olympia. The Olympia American Legion Band will perform.
May 31
Olympia’s Climate Future -- Mitigation and Resilience through Estuary Restoration: This community forum hosted by the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team will feature speakers with environmental backgrounds and provide discussion surrounding the present and future implications of climate change. Restoring estuaries is a way to mitigate climate change and will be the main focus of the forum, which will run 5-8 p.m. at The Olympia Center: 222 Columbia St NW.
June 2
Pun Intended Punslam @ Cryptatropa: Pun Intended Punslam is a slam-style pun-making competition. Only 10 intenders will compete in front of judges from the audience. The champion will be up for debate. The winner will receive specials. Proof of vaccination is required. Cryptatropa is at 421 Fourth Ave E in downtown Olympia. The event runs 6-9 p.m. Admission on a sliding scale from $8 to $18.
June 3
Friday Salsa Dance: The Friday Salsa Dance happens weekly at Equal Latin’s Restaurant & Bar. Dancers will be able to dance to a variety of music ranging from Salsa to Bachata and Cumbia. Intro lessons run from 8:30 to 9 pm.; dancing until midnight. COVID policies can be found on the website. Sponsored by Oly Dance. Admission is $10. Info: 360-970-9881
June 4
Capital City Pride: This year’s theme is Resilience & Brilliance. LGBTQIA+ performers, artists, non-profits, organizations and businesses will be at Port Plaza in downtown Olympia from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be 16 local entertainers and more than 30 local booths at the event. This is a sober event. Free, public event with a suggested donation of $5.
2022 Lacey Rotary Duck Dash: The 33rd annual event has changed locations and will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Lacey. 30 winners will be drawn out of 8,000 Duck Dash tickets. Info: https://laceyrotary.org/duck-dash/
Smiski at Captain Little: Smiski are collectible figures that glow in the dark. This event includes Smiski giveaways, a Smiski scavenger hunt, a raffle for a Captain Little gift card, and a visit from a Smiski. The event is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Captain Little is at 121 Fifth Ave SE, Olympia. Info: 360-352-5441.
Trails Day in Tumwater: The city of Tumwater will be celebrating National Trails Day through a volunteer work party from 9 a.m. to noon at Tumwater’s Jim Brown Park. Visit the National Trails Day event page to register to volunteer. Jim Brown Park is at 535 Bates St. SW, Tumwater.
Tiny Tides Storytime: The Tiny Tides Storytime will occur at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month. This is a chance to step inside the Estuarium before it opens to the public at 11 a.m. Participants will be able to hear estuary-themed stories, explore the exhibit and feed the animals. Registration is mandatory due to limited space and registration closes at 10 am the Friday before the event. Price: Admission is $15 for an adult and child; additional children are $3 each. The Puget Sound Estuarium is at 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia. Info: 360-915-0773.
JoAnne Tompkins author event: JoAnne Tompkins is a Port Townsend writer. Her first book, “What Comes After,” will be featured at this appearance at 4 p.m. Saturday at Browsers Bookshop, 107 Capitol Way N, Olympia. Info: https://browsersolympia.com/events
Tenino Farmers Market: The Tenino Farmers Market kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday and will be every Saturday until September. It is located at 213 Sussex Avenue W., Tenino. Info: https://teninofarmersmarket.org/
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