What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Jan. 26
Artist talk with Janice Arnold: Join renowned artist Janice Arnold for a free presentation and hands-on workshop at Arbutus Folk School in Olympia. She will be sharing the tradition of felt-making through time and across cultures, with a focus on Continental Asia. You will learn about the indigenous nomadic origins of felt and her work through The FELT Road. The presentation will be followed by an introductory wet-felting project that explores the art and science of felted wool. Doors will open at 6:30 pm on Sunday, Jan. 26; the presentation and workshop will run from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be limited seating available and will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Arbutus Folk School is at 705 Fourth Ave. E., Suite 101, Olympia.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Movie Night @ the Library -- “Hundreds of Beavers”: Head to the Olympia Timberland Library for a special after-hours film screening at the library! The library will screen the 2022 indie sensation “Hundreds of Beavers.” starting at 6:30 p.m. Snacks and light refreshments will be served. The library is at 313 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia.
Friday, Jan. 31
Level Up Your Library Card: Head to the Olympia Timberland Library at 1 p.m. Friday to discover hidden gems from Library staff and find out how to get the most out of your TRL Library card. Meet in the meeting room for a short presentation, followed by a Q&A and time for hands-on practice. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own device for personalized assistance.
Southwest Washington High School Chess Championships: Olympia High School Chess Club is hosting this competition for students in grades 6-12 who reside in Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific or Wahkiakum counties. Beginners are welcome. Competition is divided into Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (9-12). Individual section winners earn the titles of 2025 Southwest Washington High School and Middle School Chess Champions. Winning high school teams qualify for the 59th Washington State High School Chess Team Championships. The event runs from 9 a.m. to roughly 4 p.m. It is free to play or watch. Sign up by Jan. 30.
Olympia Funk Festival Funk Off!: Olympia will be filled with groove and celebration from Friday through Sunday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at three locations: Capitol Theater, Olympia Ballroom, and Olympia Center. Hosted by Ecstatic Sound Collective, the festival is back for its second year, showcasing renowned funk headliners The Motet, The Rumble featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr., and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, alongside top talent from Seattle, Portland, and Olympia. Attendees will enjoy live performances, food trucks, interactive activities, and a Sunday Soul Brunch. Tickets are required and can be purchased at olyfunkfest.com
Seas the Night! 90’s Night at the Hands On Children’s Museum: From 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, the museum will host a ‘90s night for adults only. ‘90s attire encouraged. Tickets are $40 online or $45 at the door, and include admission for one, a beverage ticket for beer, wine, or non-alcoholic option, and all activities. (Additional cocktail, mocktail, and non-alcoholic drinks at cash bar. Food and other beverages are also available for purchase.) The museum is at 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Lacey Cultural Celebration: This annual celebration of the many cultures of people who live in the South Sound will run from 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, Feb. 1, at Saint Martin’s University, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey. Come to hear live music, watch dance performances and learn about various world traditions through demonstrations and displays. Sample the flavors and art of the world at diverse food and craft vendors. Bring the kids for hands-on crafts. Admission is free; food is for purchase.
Thurston County Furniture Bank open: The nonprofit all-volunteer furniture bank is open the first and third Saturdays of every month from 9 a.m. to noon at 2121 Log Cabin Road. SE, Olympia. The Furniture Bank building is at the back of the parking lot. Donations of gently used furniture are accepted. Pick up of donations can be arranged but usually takes 3-4 weeks. Those looking for furniture are welcomed. For more information, go to the Furniture Bank website.
Free dental screenings: Kids get free dental screenings every Saturday in February at the Hands On Children’s Museum. Reservations are required; reserve your spot online. The screenings happen between 2-4 p.m. Saturdays and on First Friday Night Feb. 7 from 6–8 p.m. Museum admission is also free with a scheduled screening. The museum also is featuring special dental exhibits and activities.
Sunday, Feb. 2
International Guitar Night: This touring show is back in Olympia with three new guitarists making their US debuts plus Olympia favorite Lulo Reinhardt of Germany with his Latin swing music. The new guitarists are Alexandra Whittingham of Great Britain, a classical guitarist; Niwel Tsumbu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who has a Congolese percussive style, and Soenke Meinen of Germany, a leading contemporary fingerstyle guitarist. The show starts at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $29 to $69, plus a service fee.
Would you like to have your event included in our weekly What’s Happening calendar? Email the details to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days before the event. Please put What’s Happening in the subject line.
This story was originally published January 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM.