What’s happening this week around Thurston County

Sunday, Aug. 17

“Shoes for Sidra” children’s shoes installation at Heritage Park: On Sunday, Aug. 17, the Rachel Corrie Foundation and supporters of a permanent, immediate ceasefire in Gaza will display hundreds of children’s shoes at Heritage Park, representing the more than 18,000 Palestinian children in Gaza who have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023. This is equivalent to 28 children a day. The official title of the event at Heritage Park is “Shoes for Sidra.” Sidra Hassouna was a 7-year-old Palestinian who was killed in an Israeli airstrike that tore off both her legs and left her body hanging from a destroyed house. The installation of shoes is to raise awareness of the ongoing attacks on children and the increasing number of children dying of starvation.

Olympia library hosts Human Library event: What if you could sit down with someone and ask them anything about their life? A Human Library is a unique event where the “Books” are real people sharing their personal stories in candid, one-on-one conversations with “Readers” (attendees). Each Book will focus on an aspect of their life or identity that is often misunderstood or stigmatized, putting a human face to a label that society has given them. Topics cover a range of experiences in the realm of disability, religion, mental health, gender/sexuality, family, lifestyle, adverse experiences, and occupation. To become a “Reader,” simply drop in to the Olympia Library at 313 Eighth Ave. SE between noon and 3 pm Sunday, Aug. 17. Check in at the front desk and choose from the available Books, or wait in the Reader Lounge for a specific title. Conversations last up to 20 minutes and are typically one-on-one, though groups of up to three Readers are welcome to stick together. During the conversation, Readers are encouraged to ask any question as long as it’s in the spirit of curiosity, open-mindedness and respect. The event’s aim is to create a safe environment for learning (and unlearning), increasing empathy and building community. The Human Library concept originated in Denmark in the year 2000 and has since spread globally. This program is for adults and is sponsored by the Friends of the Olympia Library. Please note that the event occurs outside of regular open hours, and no other Library services will be available.

Tuesday, Aug. 19

“Tugboat Sand Man” author talk with Lisa Nickel: Nickel, the author of the new local history book, “Tugboat Sand Man,” will host a presentation with the Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum at 6:30 p.m. at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE. She will show unique photos and tell stories of Olympia’s beloved tugboat, Sand Man, from its birth in 1910 to the present. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Capitol Land Trust Social Hour: Join Capitol Land Trust for an evening with fellow supporters and friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. SE. This event is a chance to connect with other nature-minded folks, CLT staff and board members for light refreshments, conversation and scenic pond views from the patio. Whether you’re new to CLT or a longtime supporter, this is an opportunity to celebrate the people who make local land conservation possible. There’s no formal agenda, but Executive Director Dave Winter will offer a few brief remarks around 6 pm. No RSVP needed. Questions? Reach out at info@capitollandtrust.org or 360-943-3012.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Coffee with a Cop: Join the Lacey Police Department for a casual morning of coffee and conversation from 8 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at Cutters Point, 5831 Lacey Blvd. SE. This is an opportunity to meet local officers, ask questions, share concerns, and connect in a relaxed setting.

Friday, Aug. 22

Bubble Festival & Mascots Day at the Plaza: Join the WET Science Center for an afternoon of fun and bubbles at the East Bay Public Plaza from noon to 3 p.m. Friday. Meet your favorite community mascots and blow bubbles of all sorts. Participation is free and suitable for all ages. The East Bay Public Plaza is in front of the Hands On Children’s Museum and east of the WET Science Center, at 325 Marine Drive SE.

Washington State Garlic Festival: This annual celebration of the stinking rose runs from Friday through Sunday, Aug. 22–24, at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1909 S. Gold St., Centralia. You can buy from garlic growers, gardening vendors and artisan vendors; taste garlic-inspired dishes, snacks, and treats; hear live music; and watch cooking demonstrations. Adult admission for those 13 and older is $7; kids get in free. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Pond Life Safari: Grab your explorer’s hat and join the WET Science Center for a mini safari to uncover the tiny creatures living in our local ponds. Use magnifiers, make pond critter crafts, and discover what makes wetlands such a wild place. Admission is free to this all-ages event. The WET Science Center is at 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show featuring Riff Raff’s Street Rats: The Olympia Film Society is hosting this live shadow cast and audience participation at midnight Saturday, with doors opening at 11 p.m. Originally produced for the London stage in 1973, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was Richard O’Brien’s musical tribute to B-movies, sci-fi, 50s rock, and Hammer Horror. The play caught the attention of 20th Century Fox, who fast-tracked a theatrical adaptation. The movie was a flop when originally released in 1975, but is now one of the most beloved and enduring camp classics of all time, a cultural phenomenon that is an unforgettable experience for all patrons. Whether this is your 1st or 500th time, the key to the perfect Rocky Horror screening is to have fun, live the movie, and respect all audience members and performers. Patrons are encouraged to dress up and purchase prop bags for audience participation. (Sorry, no outside props are allowed.) Riff Raff’s Street Rats is the Pacific Northwest’s premier Rocky Horror Picture Show production. General admission is $16.25, with OFS members admitted for $13.25. Prop bags sold separately at event.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Slow Food Greater Olympia’s Biking Garden Tour: Sign up for a biking garden tour. Bike a five-mile loop, stopping at three gardens of current and past Slow Food board members who will show you around their growing spaces. The tour runs from 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Fee is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers; registration fee includes a scoop of Sofie’s Scoop’s gelato at the final garden. The group will meet at a location on the west side of Olympia, go over the route and safety rules, and bike in a group to each garden. There will be a tour of the gardens at each location. At the final location, the group will socialize and enthuse about vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Equality Day at the Bigelow House: From 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, visit the Bigelow House for a special event commemorating women’s voting rights. The 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was certified in August 1920, empowering most women nationally to vote. However, 2025 marks the 115th Anniversary of women’s permanent voting rights in Washington state. The Bigelow House is on the National Votes for Women Trail —recognized for its role in women’s suffrage history. Join Sunday’s special tours with costumed docents, a musical presentation, refreshments and crafts. Admission is by donation. For more information, visit the Bigelow House website.

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 August 16, 2025 at 1:39 PM.