What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Oct. 16
Olympia Symphony Orchestra Season Reveal Concert: The symphony will offer a sneak peek at its upcoming 2022-2023 season programs and guest artists during a pre-season concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. The musicians of the OSO and its new Music Director Alexandra Arrieche will showcase a mix of live symphonic performances and video excerpts highlighting the upcoming season, and there will be a surprise performance by a mystery musician. A post-concert reception will follow, where guests can meet Arrieche. Tickets are $45 and $65 and available through the Washington Center for the Performing Arts website and its box office at 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
Tuesday, Oct. 18
St. Olaf Orchestra concert: Conducted by Chung Park, the Minnesota college orchestra will present a free concert at Olympia High School at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday as part of its 2022 national tour. Two of its student musicians, Ann Li (violin) and Ella Cereghino (viola), call Olympia their hometown. The St. Olaf Orchestra is known for its professional-level performances. The program will feature Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 Pathétique. The concert is free for the general public, and ticket reservations are encouraged.
Habitat Conservation Plan community meeting for rural landowners: The first of two meetings will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Violet Prairie Grange, 17028 Violet Prairie Road SE, Tenino; a second is planned for 6-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Sportsman’s Club, 404 Alaska St., Rainier. Attendees will learn how farms and other rural land can provide habitat for endangered species and remain working farms and/or rural residential open space. Landowner participation in providing acres for protection is voluntary. Land protection can occur either as an outright property sale for a preserve or land can be retained by current owners who are paid to place a conservation easement on the property. Washington State University and Thurston County will give a presentation, and there will be a chance to talk to local agencies about options. Contact Sierra Smith for more information at sierra.smith1@wsu.edu or leave him a voicemail at 360-867-2165.
Friday, Oct. 21
Autumn Second Hand Safari: The public can visit craft vendors and explore a garage sale and craft meet from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey. Proceeds from booth rentals help fund Thurston County Fair Foundation projects, restorations and improvements to the grounds.
Saturday, Oct. 22
Fall Fundraiser Gala: Olympia Lamplighters, a non-profit art gallery and coworking space, will host a gala from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at 211 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. The event will celebrate three years of operation and feature a silent art auction as well as a raffle. Tickets are $20. Money received from the gala will support scholarships for memberships and classes, equipment costs and paying teachers and coordinators. Futurism will be the theme of the event. Find more information on the Lamplighters website.
Solarize Celebration Picnic: Head to Olympia’s Squaxin Park (formerly Priest Point Park) from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday for a picnic to celebrate the successful completion of Olympia Community Solar’s 2022 Solarize program. Whether you decided to contract with Solarize this year or not, you’re invited to welcome a clean energy future. The event will be at shelter #4, offering a small BBQ and some snacks, but you are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. This event is family friendly and there are playgrounds and bathrooms nearby. Carpooling is recommended because parking is limited.
“Orcas & Wolves - Rulers of Sea & Land” with Wolf Haven: Learn about the two great social carnivores of Washington state. Join staff from Wolf Haven International for a presentation at 2 p.m. Saturday at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. SE, Olympia. They will explore their differences and similarities, ecological roles, and what both species mean to this region. Related activities and crafts will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vision Gathering for the Armory Creative Campus: Visit the city of Olympia’s Armory at 515 Eastside St. SE for the Vision Gathering at 2 p.m. Saturday. After a year-long concept design and visioning phase with over 1,500 direct participants and roughly 4,500 web visitors, the city will share an Armory Creative Campus Concept Design and Operations Draft Plan with the community.
Season opening performances of Emerald City Music: Emerald City Music is starting its seventh season with a bi-coastal bang: presenting a concert featuring esteemed musicians from New York City’s Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. Pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, violinists Stella Chen and Arnaud Sussmann, violist Paul Neubauer, and cellist Nick Canellakis will perform a historically rich concert program highlighting composers who influences American music. Tickets are $30-$40 for adults or $10 for students. Learn more on the Emerald City Music website.
Sensory-friendly pumpkin patch: Sensory Tool House in Lacey will transform its community room into a pumpkin patch with space to paint or carve the pumpkin of your choice. Avoid the crowds, avoid the mess at home, and enjoy a sensory friendly space for exploration, creativity, and fun. Three sessions are available, 10 participants per session: 9:30 to 11 a.m. pumpkin painting only; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., pumpkin carving and painting; and 1:30 to 3 p.m., pumpkin carving and painting. Cost is $25 per pumpkin artist, which includes pumpkin, cider, photo with your pumpkin, paint and carving tools and more. Costumes are optional; costumes should not be scary or bloody.
Boo Bash at Hands On Children’s Museum: Dress up in your favorite costumes and bring your little ghosts, dinos, superheroes, and princesses to the Hands On Children’s Museum for Halloween-inspired activities without the fright. Special event activities operate 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. See the online event calendar for dates and times; online reservations recommended. Special activities for families of children with sensory sensitivities will be available Oct. 23 and 30 during normal sensory friendly hour (9-10 a.m.). A sensory friendly room also is available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during Boo Bash. Members receive expedited entry at the member check-in location. Pre-registered guests are guaranteed entry. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a space-available basis.
Sunday, Oct. 23
Love Local Lacey Spooky in the Park: Spooky in the Park is a family friendly Halloween event at the Lacey Depot Park, 5700 Lacey Blvd SE, featuring small local businesses, a food truck depot, and fun festive activities including community Trunk or Treat, costume contest, haunted train depot, and pumpkin carving and contests. $5 per entry. Pet friendly. Hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Pope John Paul II High School open house: The Catholic high school is hosting the first of two open houses for prospective students and parents at 1 p.m. Sunday at the school, 5608 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey. Highlights include music by the jazz band, tours of the school where you will experience science experiments conducted by students and have the opportunity to meet the teachers and coaches. Financial assistance is available. To register for the open house, visit the school’s website.