What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Oct. 26
Boo Bash: The Hands On Children’s Museum will host its annual fall costume party Sunday through Friday, Oct. 26-31. 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.
Discover Olympia’s maritime history on a guided walking tour: Meet your expert tour guide at the Olympia Arts + Heritage Alliance (AHA) Museum’s tugboat history exhibit by 2 p.m. Sunday, then step back in time on a flat route through Olympia’s historic harbor. Discover the stories of the working waterfront that helped shape the city. The tour is $10 per person. Click on the link to register or visit olyaha.org. Tours begin and end at the museum at 203 Columbia St. NW. Tours will not exceed one hour and are under two miles on flat terrain. Tour capacity is 15 people.
Eagles Tribute band “Take it to the Limit” performs in Olympia: On Sunday, Oct. 26, Vancouver, Canada-based Eagles tribute band Take It to the Limit will take the stage with such hits as “Hotel California,” “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” The music begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE. Tickets are $57-$77.
Thursday, Oct. 30
Serial Killers at the Washington Center: Dr. Scott Bonn, a criminologist and author, will reveal the insatiable, psychological hungers that drive the likes of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer to kill repeatedly with no remorse. He explains why the majority of serial killers are either psychopaths or sociopaths, how the two differ, and how every serial killer is compelled to murder by a unique fantasy need. Bonn also delves into our curious fascination with serial killers and true crime. And there will be a live Q&A session after his presentation. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the center at 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $32-$68.
The Olympia Garden Club: This club, which has been active in the greater Olympia area since 1924, will meet Thursday, Oct. 30, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard Road SE, Olympia. Visitors are welcome. Gathering begins at 9:30 a.m. with a social time and sales of plants donated by members. The business meeting begins at 10 a.m. Steve Smith, President of the Pacific Northwest Peony Society and member of the American Peony Society board, will speak. His personal property includes more than 170 varieties of peonies. Members bring their own lunch. Coffee and tea are provided. For more information, go to www.olympiagardenclub.org.
Webinar for federal workers and others affected by the federal government shutdown: Washington state federal workers and others who have been furloughed or laid off as a result of the federal government shutdown are invited to a free webinar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. The webinar will help affected workers navigate unemployment benefits and other resources. Register on Zoom. The Employment Security Department will cohost the webinar with the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County. As of Oct. 23, 1,832 federal workers (about 80 per day) in Washington have applied for unemployment benefits.
Friday, Oct. 31
LoveOly Downtown for Halloween: The Olympia Downtown Alliance invites families, friends, and furry companions to join in this celebration presented by Captain Little. The free event offers trick-or-treating, a pet costume contest, scavenger hunt, and photo booth. Pick up a passport for the scavenger hunt at any participating site. Trick-or-treating will run from 3-6 p.m. at participating shops. Judges from Banfield Pet Hospital, Concern for Animals, and Oly Paws will pick three winners of the pet costume contest at 5th Avenue and Washington Street starting at 5 p.m. Themed photos will be taken at the Washington Center, where there also will be activities provided by Hands On Children’s Museum for the little ones. For more information and Pet Costume Contest registration, visit the LoveOly website.
Screening of “Donnie Darko”: Spend Halloween evening with Frank the Rabbit: Actor James Duval will attend Olympia Film Society’s special screening of Richard Kelly’s cult classic starring Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore, Mary McDonnell, Katharine Ross and Noah Wyle. Doors open at OFS’s Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia, at 6 p.m., with the screening starting at 7 p.m. Duval, who played Frank, will host a post-film Q&A. Tickets are $38.25 general admission and $33.25 for OFS members.
Saturday, Nov. 1
2nd annual Dia de los Muertos Altar Exhibition: From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, join the ASHHO Cultural Community Center in celebrating life, love, and remembrance at its second annual Día de Muertos Altar Exhibition, a community event honoring loved ones who have passed. Community members gathered Thursday evening, Oct. 23, to create their own altars for the exhibition. On Saturday, gather to honor ancestors, share stories and celebrate the beauty of remembrance. Free to participate.
Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts will host two shows on Sunday — one at 2 p.m. and another at 6 p.m. — of this perennial favorite act. Stunt Dog Experience features over two dozen rescued dogs performing tricks, aerial stunts and comedy routines appropriate for audiences of all ages. Tickets are $20-$45.
From Flush to Table at the WET Science Center: What do your toilet and Washington-grown wheat have in common? LOTT’s wastewater treatment plant! Through hands-on activities and experiments, you’ll learn all about the surprising role that LOTT plays in nutrients’ amazing journey from flush to table. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Admission is free.
Thurston County Furniture Bank is open: The nonprofit all-volunteer Thurston County Furniture Bank is open the first and third Saturdays of every month (as well as the following Wednesdays) from 9 a.m. to noon at 2121 Log Cabin Road SE, Olympia. The Furniture Bank building is at the back of the parking lot. Donations of gently used furniture are accepted. Pick up of donations within a limited geographical area can be arranged but usually takes 3-4 weeks. Those looking for furniture are welcomed. For more information, go to the furniture bank 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 October 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM.