Things to do in Thurston County this fall: Casket races, corn maze and more
Now that Labor Day is over, kids are back in school, and it’ll soon be time to pull your sweaters out of storage.
Fall officially kicks off Monday, Sept. 22, and if you’re looking for cozy, spooky or just plain fun fall events and experiences to add to your calendar in and around Olympia, you’re in luck.
Experience Olympia & Beyond compiled a fall bucket list for Thurston County.
Admission and ticket prices vary by event, so check before you go.
Here’s a look at nine local ideas for fall fun, including one that runs into winter, according to the destination marketing organization:
Rutledge Family Farm: The farm in Tumwater goes all-in on fall fun with a pumpkin patch, fire pits and a haunted corn maze, plus other activities and offerings. Dates: Opening day is Sept. 20.
Tumwater Falls Fest: The event celebrating Tumwater Falls at Brewery Park in Tumwater includes live music, art and food vendors, children’s activities and demonstrations, plus the chance “to explore the scenic half-mile loop trail along the Deschutes River highlighted by views of the cascading waterfalls, quiet pools, and views of the Old Brew Tower,” the city said on its website. Date: Sept. 27.
BOO-Coda: The town of Bucoda’s Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular Halloween Festival is packed with Halloween fun, from a hearse procession and viewing to a pumpkin pie eating contest and casket races. Check the schedule for details. Dates: Oct. 1-31, with most events falling on weekends.
Fall Arts Walk: The two-day event in downtown Olympia features 100-plus artist exhibits and events; live music, comedy, dance and more; hands-on activities and vendors. Dates: Oct. 3-4.
Salmon Run: Watching the Chinook salmon run is a fall favorite in the Olympia area, starting in late August. “Gather near the 5th Avenue Bridge in Olympia and at the viewing windows along the fish ladder to see the salmon making their way upstream,” Experience Olympia & Beyond said. “Continuing the journey, spectators in Tumwater can observe the salmon at Tumwater Falls and Brewery Park through mid-October, where some fish are held for spawning and others continue their natural migration.”
All Kids Win Haunted 5K: A festive 5K for a good cause? That’s the idea behind the All Kids Win Haunted 5K, where participants are invited to costume up and raise money for the Thurston County nonprofit All Kids Win, which gets weekend food bags to kids in need. The 5K is at Woodland Creek Community Park in Lacey, with a virtual option available. Date: Oct. 25
Boo-Bash at the Hands On Children’s Museum: The children’s museum in Olympia is getting its spooky spirit on with special offerings including a straw bale maze, farm stand photos, a haunted sluice where you can search for gems and fossils, a costume parade and more. Dates: Oct. 25-31.
LoveOly WinterFest: The downtown Olympia festival is happening near the end of fall, with an eye toward winter holiday fun. It includes music, food, holiday lights, a parade and more. Date: Nov. 30.
Oly on Ice: The pop-up rink that provides “a magical ice-skating experience under twinkling lights” is returning to downtown Olympia. Dates: Nov. 21-Jan. 19.
This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 7:48 AM.
.JPG)