What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Special Meeting of the Olympia Metropolitan Park District Board: The Olympia Metropolitan Park District (OMPD) Board will hold a Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 for a public hearing on the 2026 Preliminary Budget, Presentation of the Advisory Committee’s letter, a public hearing on the 2026 Ad Valorem Tax, and a presentation of 2024 OMPD Compliance Report. Written statements may be emailed to sniehuse@ci.olympia.wa.us and must be received by 4 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the public hearings.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Community Meeting on Nisqually State Park Trail Plan: The future trail system at Nisqually State Park is taking shape and the community is invited to join Washington State Parks for a public meeting to get a first-hand look at what’s to come. The Nisqually State Park Trails Plan was designed in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe. When complete, the park will offer 13.2 miles of trails, with a mix of trail types that will accommodate hikers, bikers and equestrians. Most trails will be graveled, but there will be two paved trails to provide accessibility. The community meeting will be at the Eatonville Community Center, 305 Center St. W. Doors will open for a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m. The presentation runs from 6-7:30 p.m.
Washington Center’s Adventure Series: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is kicking off this season’s Adventure Series with “Exploring Nature’s Hidden Worlds!” at 7 p.m. Thursday. Biologist-turned-photographer Anand Varma will unlock some of the mysteries of nature through cutting-edge photography techniques, capturing invisible behaviors from the life cycle of a honeybee to the lightning-fast hummingbird. The center is at 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $33-$70.
Friday, Oct. 24
Hands On Children’s Museum’s Cauldrons and Cocktails for adults only: The HOCM is taking its Boo Bash Fall Costume Party and giving it an adult twist from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Sip craft cocktails or sample cider (both hard and non-alcoholic), test your Halloween movie knowledge in a round of trivia, or join the costume dance party. The HOCM is at 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia. Tickets are $40 until 5 p.m. Oct. 24, or $45 at the door.
Olympia Film Society presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show 4K Restoration: OFS again presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” featuring Riff Raff’s Street Rats live shadow cast and audience participation. Patrons are encouraged to engage with the film by dressing up and purchasing prop bags for audience participation. Sorry, no outside props are allowed. Doors open at 11 p.m. for a 11:30 p.m. pre-show and midnight screening. Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for OFS members. Prop bags sold separately at event.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Olympia Union Gospel Mission Presents “We Will Rock You”: On Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m., the Olympia Union Gospel Mission invites you to this high-energy benefit concert for the mission’s No-Fee Dental Clinic. Local dentists will swap drills for microphones to belt out hits from the 1960s and ‘70s. The Olympia Jazz Senators and Debbi’s Dance also will perform. The concert will be at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE. Every ticket purchased goes to support the Olympia Union Gospel Mission’s Dental Clinic, to help homeless and low-income people who have been living with untreated dental pain, infections, and broken teeth. Tickets are available online through the Washington Center or at 360-753-8585.
Boo Bash: The Hands On Children’s Museum will kick off it annual fall costume party Saturday. Children and families are encouraged to dress up and join the costume parade or daily dance party. There are lots of spooky not scary family activities. Activities are free with admission, but online reservations are recommended, and you can save $1 per ticket when you register online. The museum is at 414 Jefferson St. NE, Olympia.
Strophy Foundation Texas Hold ’em Fundraiser: The Strophy Foundation is holding its first-ever “Texas Hold’em Tournament — Go All-In for Second Chances,” taking place on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Columbia Hall, 6794 Martin Way E, in Lacey. Doors open at 5 p.m. Highlights include appetizers, raffles, Poker Tournament Play by “The Party Team”, music, and cash beer and wine will also be offered. Every hand played directly supports the Strophy Foundation’s mission of bridging funding gaps in Thurston County’s Therapeutic Court programs, which give participants a second chance by addressing barriers such as work attire, childcare, transportation, and training. Contributions go to assist veterans, families in crisis, and those seeking sobriety. For details and to register, visit the event webpage.
“Decomposition Isn’t Gross” at the WET Science Center: From earthworms in the soil to zombie worms in the deep sea, decomposers are important recyclers of nutrients. Learn how delightful decomposition really is through games and hands-on fun, including a bin full of live wiggler worms at work. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Admission is free.
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.