What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Monday, Sept. 8
Xaalh and the Way of the Masks: Join Se’Si’Le, the House of Tears Carvers, and NGO partners for an event to celebrate the sacred balance (xaalh) in all our relations. Over two weeks in September, tribal communities, public venues and places of worship in the Pacific Northwest will center the voices, knowledge, and perspectives of Native Nations and Indigenous communities leading the movement to protect the natural world and their cultural heritage. Ten cedar masks exemplifying the spiritual meaning of “xaalh” have been carved for the campaign and gifted to event hosts. In Olympia, the event will be from 4-5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at the State Capitol Building, 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia.
Wednesday, Sept. 10
State Superintendent shares results of spring statewide assessments in math and English: State Superintendent Chris Reykdal will share results from Washington’s spring 2025 statewide assessments in math and English language arts, as well as provide information about student achievement nationally and internationally. The briefing will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday and will be livestreamed on OSPI’s YouTube page, OSPI’s Facebook page, and TVW.
South Sound Story Guild monthly Story Swap: The event runs 6-8 pm, Wednesday at the Harbor House, 217 Thurston Ave. NE, Olympia. The opening teller, Bowen Lee, will present Japanese paper theater, first a traditional story, and then a modern version of that story. Featured teller Mitch Nelson’s stories will journey through the smorgasbord of self-help advice and how to create your own direction. The event wraps up with the Story Swap, where audience members can tell their own stories. Find out more at www.southsoundstory.org
Thursday, Sept. 11
Tech workshop on cybersecurity basics: This in-person workshop is for anyone interested in learning the basics of cybersecurity and keeping their devices and personal information safe online. Computers will be provided, but feel free to bring your own device. No registration is required, but space could be limited. The workshop will be led by Triceratops Technology Resources, a non-profit, volunteer network that provides technology support for nonprofits, and leads technology community projects in Olympia, including digital skills training, coding education, and expanding access to technology for underserved communities. The workshop takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE.
Friday, Sept. 12
Tumwater Craft Concert Series with Brian Vogan & His Good Buddies: Join Tumwater Parks and Recreation for the last offering from this summer concert series that takes place on the hill below the Tumwater Craft District businesses at 4212 Capitol Blvd, Tumwater. Concert admission is free. Bring a blanket and/or low-backed chairs; seating is on grass.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Puget Sound Estuarium’s Sea Stroll: Discover the intertwined cultural and ecological history of Olympia’s shoreline on the Estuarium’s Sea Stroll tour from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Sept. 14. Starting from the Estuarium on State Avenue, the tour will loop around the downtown core to trace the historic changes to Olympia’s shoreline. The Sea Stroll is approximately 1.5 miles long and includes free admission to the Estuarium facility. The tour will cover how the estuary was formed, honor the original people who have stewarded this land, discuss how water processes have impacted the estuary’s water quality, trace the arrival of non-natives and the establishment of early Olympia, discuss the importance of oysters and the role estuaries play in the ecosystem, and look towards the future, considering rising seas and the restoration of the estuary. Cost is $18 for adults (13 and older); children participate for free. Register in advance on eventbrite.
Abra Cadabra — A Tribute to ABBA: ABRA Cadabra, Vancouver, B.C.’s renowned ABBA tribute band, returns to Olympia for a show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE. This family-friendly concert is an interactive stage extravaganza that will have you dancing, singing along, and reliving the magic of the 1970s Swedish pop group’s biggest hits. Tickets are $57 to $77.
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 September 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM.