What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Oct. 5
Conservation Confidential Book Event with Mitch Friedman: Traditions Fair Trade & Gathering Place will host acclaimed conservationist and author Mitch Friedman for a special event at 5 p.m. Sunday celebrating the release of his new memoir and strategic guide, “Conservation Confidential: A Wild Path to a More Effective Activism.” With decades of experience as a leading voice in Pacific Northwest conservation, Friedman blends storytelling, ecological science and practical strategy to illuminate a less polarizing, more effective way forward for environmental activism. His new book discusses wolf reintroduction, forest protection and coalition building across the American West. The evening will feature an introduction by Jay Manning, former director of the Washington Department of Ecology. Traditions Fair Trade Café is at 300 Fifth Ave SW, Olympia.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Cider & Donuts with The Olympian: The Olympian’s editor, reporters and visual journalists will host an open house at the Harbor House on Percival Landing from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday. Attendees are encouraged to bring story ideas, particularly those related to the cost of living in Thurston County. No staff will be available to deal with subscription issues. The Harbor House is at 217 Thurston Ave. NW, Olympia.
Olympia City Council candidate forum: The Olympia Timberland Library, in partnership with League of Women Voters of Thurston County, TCMedia, and Thurston NAACP, are hosting a candidate forum for Olympia City Council at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE. Meet the candidates for Olympia City Council’s three open positions (Positions 4, 6 and 7). The forum will be recorded by Thurston Community Media. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask the candidates questions. The LWVTC, TCMedia, NAACP Thurston, and Timberland Regional Library are non-partisan and do not endorse specific candidates or political parties.
South Sound Story Guild storytelling event: Join the Story Guild from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Harbor House, 217 Thurston Ave. NE, for a free storytelling event. Two storytellers, Ira Kitmacher and John Bertholl, will tell scary stories from the sea and from childhood, like how Dad lost his middle finger! The second hour is the Story Swap, where audience members have the opportunity to tell their own stories. South Sound Story Guild promotes the art of storytelling for adults. Come to hear and/or come to tell.
Thursday, Oct. 9
“They Want Our Rhythm, but Not Our Blues: African American Innovation through Pop Culture”: LaToya Brackett will speak at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Lacey City Hall, 420 College St. SE, Lacey, for this program hosted by the Lacey Museum and Cultural Center. Brackett, who lives in Tacoma, is an associate professor of African American studies at the University of Puget Sound, where she also serves as a member of the leadership team for the Race & Pedagogy Institute. At this free event, she will discuss how the freedom often denied to African Americans to move and express themselves has meant that they have had to be especially creative in building their culture. The innovations created under oppression are often appropriated by the oppressor—they want our rhythm. And such culture and creativity has been forged from their everyday struggles—but they do not want our blues. She will reflect on music, sports, language, food, and even hair.
Capitol comedy at the Washington Center: The Capitol Fools will hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture in their performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. The show will provide song parodies and foolish reflections that inspire belly-laughter as both sides of the aisle get skewered. Cast members from past seasons of the Capitol Steps perform all the beloved bits, the mind-boggling backward talking spoonerisms, break-neck costume changes, over-the-top impressions, and song parodies reflecting the day’s news.
Friday, Oct. 10
Local Vaudeville Show celebrates new local talent and welcomes back old favorites: BigShowCity non-profit Performing Arts Organization presents the 19th annual Lord Franzannian Royal Olympian Spectacular Vaudville Show, hosted by storyteller Elizabeth Lord. The Lord Franzannian Show is modeled after traditional Vaudeville shows: a series of live unrelated acts that follow one another in rapid succession. It includes dance, music, comedy, sketch, storytelling, clowning, burlesque, juggling, even feats of amazement. Support Olympia local live art performance. Get your tickets early, last year’s show sold out each night! This year’s show will be at Wild Child, 414 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia. It’s recommended for those 16 and older. Performances will be Oct. 10-11, 14, 17-19, at 8 p.m., with two matinee performances for all ages at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 12 and 19. Tickets are $20-$30, with Matinee Youth tickets at $7. Buy tickets at the door night of show using cash, check or Venmo. No one turned away for lack of funds: Or purchase tickets online.
Pigs on the Wing performs Animals for band’s 20th anniversary: Portland-based Pink Floyd tribute Pigs on the Wing announce the band’s 2025-2026 production of “Animals,” a 2-set Pink Floyd concert experience featuring a full performance of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album Animals and full second set highlighting the very best of Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters-era catalog. The concert will be Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. Show starts at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $37.25 in advance, $34.25 for Olympia Film Society members or $42.25 at the door day of show.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Ballet Northwest presents Crescendo: Ballet Northwest celebrates its 55th anniversary with this groundbreaking one-time-only performance featuring special guests from Masterworks Choral Ensemble, Olympia Youth Chorus, and Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia. The program features nine world premiere dances including Carnival of the Animals composed by Camille Saint-Saens, excerpts from Carmina Burana composed by Carl Orff, an Irving Berlin medley, and more. The show is at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for youth and students 18 and younger. Tickets are $45 for adults and $35 for youth and students 18 and younger.
Mason Benson Lakes Community Center Craft Bazaar: This 17th annual bazaar will run from 9 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at 5971 E. Mason Lake Dr. West, Grapeview. Get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Fun with Fungi: The WET Science Center will host mushroom-related activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. There will be a special presentation at 2 p.m. about the mysterious world of fungus. Admission is free.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Apples for a good cause: Help kids, help hungry neighbors, and treat yourself — it’s a win for all when you buy a box of apples from the Olympia Host Lions Club. For$50, you’ll receive a 40-pound box of orchard-fresh Fuji apples with free local delivery. Place your order by Oct. 12 for delivery at the end of the month. Each purchase supports Lions projects like Camp Leo for children with diabetes and the Lions Low Vision Resource Center on Martin Way. Or choose to Buy a Box for the Bank and your donation will be delivered directly to the Thurston County Food Bank in your name. Last year, nearly 5 tons of apples were shared with local families. Learn more and order today at OlympiaHostLions.org or call Lions President Erik Johnson at 360-995-1010.
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 October 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM.