What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Tuesday, March 11
Christian Women’s Connection luncheon: The Christian Women’s Connection is having their “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” luncheon at noon Tuesday, March 11 in The Gallery, next to Seventeen51 Restaurant & Bistro at Panorama, 1751 Circle Lane SE, Lacey. Lunch will be Rigatoni Pasta with Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Herb Cream Sauce, Garlic Bread Sticks, and Chocolate Mousse. Cost is $22 inclusive. A fused-glass artist will show her work, a vocalist will sing Irish melodies, and a speaker who is an “accidental author and a vocalist” will talk about “The Treasure Box”. Call Sylvia for reservations at 360-791-4698 or 360-943-0627. All women are invited.
Wednesday, March 12
South Sound Story Guild gathering: Master Storyteller Anne Penfound from Portland will tell personal stories, then there will be a Story Swap, when audience members can elect to listen or tell their own story. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Harbor House, 217 Thurston Ave NE, Olympia. Admission is free.
Friday, March 14
SPSCC Music Department presents three concerts: The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Music Department will be performing three concerts featuring SPSCC students at the Minnaert Center for the Arts Main Stage. First, the SPSCC Choirs present The Colors of Spring, an eclectic repertoire evoking the sounds and images of springtime at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 14. The concert features works by Florence Price, Johannes Brahms, Irving Berlin, Reena Esmail, and Gwyneth Walker. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, the SPSCC Symphony Orchestra will perform Make a Joyful Noise. The performance features works by Adalyn Sidon, Jerry Bock, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor. Finally, celebrate the end of the winter season with the SPSCC Jazz Band and Jazz Combo at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 18. Admission for each concert is a suggested $15 donation at the door, but admission is free to SPSCC students, staff, and faculty.
Los Lonely Boys at Lucky Eagle Casino: Grammy Award-winning Los Lonely Boys will bring “Texican Rock” to Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel event center in Rochester with a show at 8 p.m. Friday, March 14. Tickets are $40 to $60 and available online. The trio of brothers from San Angelo, Texas will bring their signature blend of rock, blues, and Tejano music. Doors open at 7 p.m. Must be 21 or older to attend. The casino is at 12888 188th Ave SW, Rochester.
Tenino Arts Spring Market: Celebrate creativity and community at the Tenino Arts Spring Market, happening March 14–16 in historic downtown Tenino. The event showcases local artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, fine art, textiles, and more. As you browse, you can enjoy the lively sounds of Irish, Celtic, and folk music. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is free. The location is the Kodiak Room at 225 Sussex W., Tenino.
Saturday, March 15
Hero Hoops Classic Basketball Fundraiser: This annual event features a team of North Thurston Public Schools staff competing against a military team from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It is organized by the community service club students at Horizons Elementary to benefit 3 community non-profit organizations: Concern for Animals, Rainy Day Ranch, and Our Ark. The game is at noon Saturday at Komachin Middle School, 3650 College St. SE, Lacey. All proceeds are donated directly to the three organizations; admission is by donation only.
Experience the arts of Japan at Tolmie State Park: This winter, experience the rich cultural traditions of Japan with a special event hosted by State Parks’ Folk & Traditional Arts Program and Arbutus Folk School at Tolmie State Park, 7730 61st Ave. NE, Lacey. Starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Chiyo Sanada will lead a Japanese Calligraphy demonstration, and talk about the history behind this art form. Attendees then will get to try their hands at it.
Furniture Bank open: The nonprofit all-volunteer Thurston County 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 Furniture Bank of Thurston County website.
Sunday, March 16
Olympia Symphony’s Open Doors concert: This concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts is a celebration of young talent and will feature youth violinists Lin Tokura and Ava Pakiam. They will participate in a Q&A with music director and conductor Alexandra Arrieche after the program. Tickets are $17.50 to $91. The center is at 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
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 March 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM.