What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Nov. 20
Arbutus Folk School Craft Market: Stop by Arbutus Folk School between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Nov. 20 for a fundraiser craft sale, with items created by its instructors out of clay, wood, wool, and more. The folk school is at 610 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia.
Free Admission Day to the Orca Odyssey Exhibit: Admission to the Puget Sound Estuarium in downtown Olympia will be free from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow people to learn about the orcas that share the waters of the Puget Sound. The exhibit consists of photos and information about the southern resident orcas. There also are real marine mammal pelts and a harbor porpoise skeleton to examine, as well as marine mammal-themed games and prizes. The Orca Odyssey Exhibit is a traveling exhibit based on the book “Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home” written by Lynda V. Maples of The Seattle Times. This book will be for sale at the Estuarium. Masks are required at this free event. The estuarium is at 309 State Ave. NE.
Interfaith celebration of community: All are welcome to Interfaith Works’ annual interfaith celebration of community, this year titled “Resetting Our Sacred Table” and hosted by Temple Beth Hatfiloh. This year’s event will feature speakers and cultural contributions from the diverse membership of the Interfaith Works faith communities and affiliated organizations. The theme is “The Path of Healing,” and includes the healing that comes through sustained anti-racist and decolonization work. The event begins at 1 p.m. at the temple at 201 Eighth Ave. SE in downtown Olympia.
Monday, Nov. 21
Community Storytelling Circle: CIELO and Window Seat Media will be co-hosting a Community Storytelling Circle from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at CIELO (Centro Integral Educativo Latino de Olympia), 1601 North St. SE, Olympia. Cristian, a Chicano advocate who has been a volunteer with CIELO since 2016, will talk about taking on the role of Community Navigator in May 2021, during the pandemic, to help people access the resources they need without shame. Since then, he has been able to distribute over $500,000 in aid. Small discussion groups will talk about accepting help. The event is offered on a sliding scale from nothing to $100. Register at Window Seat Media.
Birds & Brews: Black Hills Audubon has switched to monthly indoor gatherings of this group, which is open to non-members as well as members. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. at Fishtale Brewpub, 515 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia, but is a drop-in anytime event. The group has its own table area so be sure to ask where they are. The agenda is to enjoy each other’s company and talk about birds. The hosts are Craig and Vicki Merkel, so send questions to Craig at quetsal48@comcast.net.
Friday, Nov. 25
Tellebration! This concert of spoken tales is planned for 6 p.m. Friday at New Traditions Cafe, 300 Fifth Ave SW. It will include folktales and current-day personal stories in the oral tradition, without reading or notes. The event is hosted by the South Sound Story Guild, a group dedicated to the preservation of the storytelling arts. Admission is by $10 suggested donation. Call 360-705-2819 for early dinner reservations.
Tenino Holiday Market: The Tenino Area Chamber of Commerce and Tenino Arts are again bringing artistry and holiday shopping to downtown Tenino for the third annual market featuring 30 local artisans with hand-crafted gifts, seasonal décor and treats. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 25-27, in The Kodiak Room at 225 Sussex W., Tenino.
Black Friday Fishing: The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife has (WDFW) is stocking lakes around the state with rainbow trout that weigh up to 3 pounds and average 15-16 inches. “The Thanksgiving weekend is one of the best times of year to go fishing in Washington, and it’s also a great time to introduce visiting friends or relatives to the joy of fishing,” said Steve Caromile, inland fish program manager with WDFW. Local lakes that have been stocked include Lake St. Clair, Long’s Pond and the Black, Long, Offutt and Ward lakes in Thurston County; Fort Borst Park Pond and South Lewis County Park Pond in Lewis County; Spencer Lake in Mason County; and Tanwax, Kapowsin, American, Bonney and Harts lakes in Pierce County. Anglers must have current fishing licenses to participate. For more information, visit the WDFW website.
Saturday, Nov. 26
4th annual Turkey Trot: Tumwater Anytime Fitness will host its 4th annual burn the turkey walk/run event at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Capitol Lake in Olympia. Everyone of all ages is welcome, as are pets on leashes. Runners will make two laps around the lake, walkers will do one. The entry fee is a non-perishable food item to help local families. You can drop donations off at Tumwater Anytime Fitness, 5743 Littlerock Road SW, Suite 115.
Lincoln Winter Market: Lincoln Options Elementary School will host its Winter Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 213 21st Ave. SE, Olympia. The fair features local artists and makers, showcasing handmade goods created by Lincoln students, their families, and community members — 65 vendors in all — plus a kids market, food and drink from local businesses, and busking musicians.
Christmas Island opening night: Maytown Assembly of God now hosts the beloved Nativity display that has had a variety of different homes in Thurston County over the years. Join the church for opening night festivities beginning at 5 p.m., with the display lighting at 6. It’s all free. The display will be open for drive-through viewing from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sundays during the holiday season. The barn is open, and free coffee, cocoa, cookies and fellowship are available. The church is at 2920 Tierney St SW, Olympia.
Sunday, Nov. 27
LoveOly WinterFest: The Olympia Downtown Alliance is powering this free street festival set for noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The epicenter will be Fifth and Washington, where there will be live music from local high schools and the Olympia Symphony, activities for kids and families, a twilight tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, “snow” falling outside the Washington Center, and a hot chocolate station provided by Sofie’s Scoops and Dancing Goats. There also will be Nutcracker-themed Selfie Scenes. And kids can visit Santa at 222 Market, located at 222 Capitol Way N. The Sunday festivities kick off a month of holiday fun the ODA is calling Downtown for the Holidays. It will include a Shop & Dine Promotion that will run Nov. 25 to Dec. 24. Download the passport at downtownolympia.org or pick one up at any participating shop or restaurant.
Would you like to have your event included in our weekly What’s Happening listing? Email the details to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days before the event.