What’s happening this week around Thurston County

Sunday, April 27

End of the legislative session: Provided both houses of the state Legislature have been able to approve a multi-billion dollar budget package to send to the governor, this day will be “sine die,” the final day of the 2025 session. At the end of the day, both chambers will swing down the gavel a final time and go home until next year.

Tuesday, April 29

Free Vaccine Clinic in Shelton: Molina Healthcare of Washington, with Mason Public Health Department and Birds Eye Medical, will offer a free vaccine clinic as part of a community resource fair hosted by Faith Lutheran Hope Church on Tuesday, April 29. The clinic will be free to the public, and attendees are encouraged to pre-register. The fair also will feature a variety of community resources, free snacks, and a chance to connect with families in the area. The vaccine clinic will run from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 1212 Connection St., Shelton.

Wednesday, April 30

Webinar for federal workers on Washington state benefits and reemployment: The Washington state Employment Security Department, along with state and local partners, will conduct a webinar for federal workers who work and live in Washington state from 10 a.m. to noon April 30. The webinars, part of the state’s rapid response efforts for large layoffs, are intended to help federal workers who were laid off, are facing a furlough or expecting a workforce reduction. The information will help affected workers navigate available unemployment benefits and reemployment resources. Through April 23, 1,229 federal employees have filed for unemployment benefits in 2025 compared to 717 at this time last year — a 71% increase. The free webinar will cover unemployment benefits, how to file and any assistance needs; what to do about health care benefits; expanding job skills through training and educational programs; career guidance, job search assistance, and other resources. Participants should register in advance for the April 30 webinar; another is planned for May 29.

Thursday, May 1

Labor Council celebrates International Workers Day with film screening: The Thurston – Lewis – Mason Central Labor Council will present a free screening of the classic labor film “Salt Of The Earth” at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Based on a true story, the film depicts the attempt of a New Mexican mining company to break a bitter union strike against unsafe working conditions in 1950-52. Released during the height of the McCarthy era, the film was suppressed for decades — but is now among the 100 films the Library of Congress has chosen to preserve for posterity. Doors for the screening will open at 6 p.m. and the film will start at 7 p.m. There will be a post-film discussion with Migrant Education Project Nurse Cecilia Pérez, union organizer Jorge Torres, Professor Peter Bohmer and historian Dr. Natasha Varner.

Schmidt House History Talk on Spring Birds: George Walter, writer and longtime bird observer, will share funny, insightful, and heartwarming stories about spring birds — what they’re up to, what they’re saying, and why this season brings so much activity to the skies and trees. Walter also will share local birding tips and trip ideas to explore and enjoy nature. The talk begins at noon (doors open at 11:30 am, with first come, first seated) at Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, contact Karen Johnson at 360-890-2299 or karen@olytumfoundation.org.

Saturday, May 3

All Labor March: The Thurston – Lewis – Mason Central Labor Council will keep the May Day spirit alive on Saturday, May 3, with an All Labor March in Olympia for single-payer healthcare, immigrant rights, and essential public service. Marchers are encouraged to meet at the Tivoli Fountain at the State Capitol, 103 Capitol Way S, Olympia, at noon and to wear their “union colors.” For more information, visit the Labor Council website.

Saturday Passport Fair: The Thurston County Auditor’s Office will hold a Passport Fair on Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to noon at the Thurston County Atrium Building, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia. As the only provider of full-time passport services in the county, the Auditor’s Office is dedicated to ensuring accessible passport services for community members. Passport services are available for first-time applicants and those whose passports expired more than five years ago. Service is available on a walk-in basis only. The Auditors Office also will provide photo services to anyone who needs a new passport photo. Thurston County staff are trained to ensure that photos meet the strict requirements set by the State Department for passport submissions, whether for renewals or new applications. For more information on Passport Services, visit the Thurston County Auditor’s website. After May 7, passengers on domestic flights will be required to have a passport or enhanced driver’s license to fly. Obtaining a passport now will ensure smooth travel transitions in the future.

WET Science Center hosts Robot Buddies: Get ready to make new friends — of the robotic kind! Step into a world of coding, competition, and robot craft construction. Join activities from 11 am to 3 pm to drive real robots brought by OlyRobots, Olympia High School’s FIRST Tech Challenge Club. Admission is free for the all-ages event. The WET Science Center is at 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia.

Furniture Bank open: The nonprofit all-volunteer Thurston County Furniture Bank is open the first and third Saturdays of every month from 9 am 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 further information, visit the Furniture Bank’s website.

All-ages board games and puzzle exchange: Head to the Lacey Timberland Library from 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, to trade, swap, and talk about board games and puzzles. You may find that hidden gem that’s just right for you and your family. Board Games and jigsaw puzzles must be in good condition and have all pieces. The library is at 500 College St. SE, Lacey.

Humanities Washington presents “UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men In Black:” The Elma Timberland Library will host this free talk at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, with lawyer and indie film producer Steve Edmiston. The library is at 119 N. First St in Elma. On Aug. 1, 1947, the tragic crash of a B-25 bomber in Washington state triggered an FBI investigation of “The Maury Island Incident” — an infamous Northwest UFO sighting, and history’s first alleged encounter with the so-called “Men in Black.” The FBI’s records from 1947, which were sealed for decades, reveal Cold War fears, jurisdictional disputes, cover-ups, false confessions, a courageous FBI Special Agent, and the hands-on involvement of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Relying on the FBI records, this talk exposes a Washington story that shapes our current UFO narratives, from 1950’s pulp magazines to the ubiquitous X-Files and Men in Black film franchises. Also examined: how the Northwest’s unique position in UFO history is challenged by others that assert contradictory narratives.

Sunday, May 4

SLURP your seafood: The Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association is again hosting this fundraising event, the Shellfish Lovers Ultimate Rejuvenation Party, or SLURP. Dubbed Olympia’s premier shellfish event, it features top chefs, local wineries and breweries, live music and lots of fresh shellfish. The event runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Port Plaza, 701 Columbia St NW, Olympia. Tickets are $125.

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 April 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM.