What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, July 20
Capital Lakefair fireworks finale: The fireworks will wrap up the annual five-day festival when they launch at 10 p.m. Sunday over Capitol Lake. The fireworks are visible from around the lake and from the Capitol Campus.
Monday, July 21
Meet YA author Vanessa L. Torres: Join Olympia young adult author Vanessa Torres for an interactive question-and-answer session about her newest book, “On the Wings of la Noche,” which weaves together fantasy, Mexican folklore, and romance. It’s a story about a girl deeply in love who must also navigate what it is to be a magical creature. Chat with Torres to find out what inspires her and hear her journey to becoming a published author. The free event runs from 11 am to noon Monday at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE.
Public Hearing on Land Use and Urban Design Chapter of Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan: The Planning Commission will conduct a hearing at 6:30 pm, Monday, July 21, to receive public comments prior to making a recommendation to the City Council on the Land Use and Urban Design chapter of the Olympia 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The chapter discusses patterns of development, neighborhoods, historic preservation, the built environment, downtown, transitioning to a more urban community with destinations within walking distances of most residences, and connections to nature, food production, and transportation networks. You can view the draft on the city’s website. This hearing can be attended virtually or in-person at City Hall, 601 Fourth Ave E., Olympia. To attend in-person, a computer with Zoom will be available in Room 207 to access the hearing and provide comment. Comments will be accepted in writing, in person, or via Zoom. Please note, the Planning Commissioners will attend remotely. Staff reports for the proposal will be posted on the City website, olympiawa.gov, Agenda and Minutes, under “Planning Commission” and the meeting date. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. July 21, at Community Planning and Development Department, PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507-1967 or to olympia2045@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Tuesday, July 22
Recess Monkey at Lacey in Tune: Head to Lacey’s Huntamer Park for free family entertainment at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, part of the city’s free, outdoor, children’s entertainment series. Recess Monkey, the nationally acclaimed trio of Seattle teachers who make music for kids and families that truly rocks, delivers high energy songs. The park is at 629 Woodland Square Loop SE.
Wednesday, July 23
Dueling Crooners at Lacey’s noontime concert series: Lacey is hosting a series of free, outdoor, lunchtime concerts at Huntamer Park as part of its Lacey in Tune program. The Dueling Crooners feature Joey Jewell and Chris Anderson paying tribute to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Michael Bublé and more. The concert begins at noon at the park at 629 Woodland Square Loop SE.
Olympia Downtown Alliance’s Music in the Park: This week’s concert, the third of the four-concert series, will feature Chehalis singer-songwriter Danika Rozhanica at 6 p.m., followed Americana music by Briarfinch at 7 p.m., at Sylvester Park, 615 Washington St. Admission is free; bring your own chairs or blankets.
Thursday, July 24
Taiko Drum Show at Play in the Park: Lacey is hosting a series of free shows and activities for families in city parks. Experience the sights and sounds of the taiko drums along with some Japanese culture and history at an 11 am performance at Wonderwood Park, 5304 32nd Ave. SE, Lacey. The performance is presented by Chikiri and The School of Taiko. Don’t forget to bring your own seating.
Mariachi Monarcas at Tumwater Craft Concert Series: Join Tumwater Parks and Recreation for a new summer concert series, as part of its expanding Tumwater Arts Program. In addition to live music, concert-goers can enjoy the Craft District’s food, craft beverages, and shopping. All concerts are free to attend. Bring a blanket and/or low-backed chairs; seating is on grass. Mariachi Monarcas will perform from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Craft District Amphitheater, 4200 Capitol Blvd. SE. Go online for a full concert series schedule.
Friday, July 25
Plaza Pop-Up -- boat building: Think you’ve got what it takes to engineer a boat? Use a variety of materials to craft a boat and refine your design as you test it in a reclaimed water stream. Join the WET Science Center educators in the East Bay Public Plaza from noon to 3 pm Friday. Activities are free, and suitable for all ages. The East Bay Public Plaza is at 325 Marine Drive NE in downtown Olympia.
Board Game and Puzzle Exchange: Drop in at the Olympia Timberland Llibrary to trade, exchange and talk about board games and puzzles. You might find that hidden gem that’s just right for you and your family. The event runs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday. Donations are encouraged but not required. All items must be in good condition with all pieces present. The library is at 313 Eighth Ave. SE.
Lacey in Tune’s Concert and Movie in the Park goes to the beach: Head to Lacey’s Huntamer Park for an evening of food trucks, live music and a family movie, all with a beach theme. The concert at 7 p.m. features Catch A Wave, which performs vocal harmonies and embodies other California vibes that take you back to the 1960s Beach Boys. Then at dusk, watch a screening of “Moana 2” (PG). Bring your own blankets or chairs. Admission to the entertainment is free, but food is for sale. Huntamer Park is at 629 Woodland Square Loop SE.
Tumwater’s Screen on the Green: Head to Tumwater Hill Park for this week’s installment of Tumwater’s free summer open-air cinema. “The Wild Robot” is this week’s film, which will run from approximately 9 to 10:40 p.m. Friday. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and join fellow park-goers for a family-friendly movie under the stars. Low-backed chairs are allowed, but please leave grills, umbrellas, and pets at home. Food for sale on site will be Baby’s Dream Dogs and Kona Ice of Olympia. Popcorn will be provided by Steve’s Wicked Kettle Korn. Pre-movie activities will include robot building with Bricks 4 Kidz and “The Wild Robot” Activity Booklet (while supplies last). Tumwater Hill Park is at 3115 Ridgeview Loop SW.
Saturday, July 26
Extraterrestrial H2O at the WET Science Center: Earth may be the “blue planet”, but it’s not the only place water is found. Enjoy crafts and activities from 10 am to 4 pm that highlight the H20 found in comets, space shuttles, planets, and more. At 11 am, there also will be a presentation exploring the many places that water exists in space! Admission is free to this all-ages event at the center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia.
2025 South Sound Beer Fest: Three Magnets is hosting this family and dog friendly event to celebrate its 11th anniversary. A $29 ticket gets you 10 5oz. tasters and a commemorative South Sound Beer Week tasting glass. Preorder your e-Ticket now. Food will available from O.G.’s Smokehouse BBQ and Citra Pizza. There will be live original music by Olympia’s own Low Wires, The Proffits, and Lonesome Bramble. Craft beverages will be provided by nearly two dozen regional breweries and cideries. At least 10 Self Care craft non-alcoholic beer varieties will be available for taster pours or full can options. A 15% auto gratuity applies to each ticket sold, of which 100% goes to the serving staff.
YWCA 80th Birthday Bash: Join this longtime Olympia nonprofit from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, July 26, for an ‘80s-style 80th Birthday Bash. There will be music, food and games. Admission is free, but RSVP if you can make it. The YWCA is at 220 Union Ave. 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 July 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM.