Culture, Collectibles, Cider + More from Washington's State Capital
Hot off the press, here’s the latest happenings and events from Olympia & Beyond, now through June 2019. From The Olympic Air Show held over Father’s Day weekend sure to impress dad, a weekend-long pride festival in the heart of downtown to celebrate the LGBTQ and allied communities, offering and array of entertainment - to the 28th Annual America's Classic Jazz Festival with non-stop music and dancing to the first annual South Sound Cider Conference that will include a public cider tasting, and more.
Celebrate pride in the shadow of the Capitol Building in Olympia, Washington.
Lacey Cultural Celebration, March 2, 2019
A family friendly celebration of cultures offers music and dance from around the world on three performance stages. Guests can enjoy hands-on experiences, demonstrations and displays that depict international traditions. Taste exotic flavors and enjoy artwork from food and craft vendors. ci.lacey.wa.us
Spring Military Collectible Show, March 16, 2019
The Olympic Flight Museum hosts its annual Spring Military Collectibles Show, welcoming collectors and dealers who display or sell an assortment of unusual or historic examples of field gear, uniforms, insignia and other military or aviation accessories. Come to look, buy, sell or trade! General admission is $5.00 per person, museum members and children 6 and under are free. olympicflightmuseum.com/event-2/.
Spring Arts Walk, April 26 - April 27, 2019
Come to the capital as the streets of downtown Olympia come alive with visual and performing arts by hundreds of artists. Find hands-on family activities, demonstrations and impromptu street performances. This event is for artists, art lovers and the art curious. Find more information on the events page at olympiawa.gov and link to a mobile guide at olympiawa.gov/artswalkmobile.
23rd Annual Easter Egg Dash, April 27, 2019
At Tumwater’s Annual Easter Egg Dash, more than 20,000 colorful eggs are nestled in the large grassy area behind the stadium at Tumwater High School, just waiting to be discovered. Excited youngsters dash across the open field collecting eggs filled with candy, toys, and prize coupons. The Easter Bunny also makes a special appearance to pose for photos. Bring a basket or bag to collect all those eggs! Free event for ages 0-10. ci.tumwater.wa.us
Nisqually Valley Home & Garden Show, April 28 – April 29, 2019
The annual Home and Garden Show features hundreds of exhibitor booths and demonstrations, offering the latest in home and yard related products, services and improvements. And don’t forget the food! Savor some of Thurston County’s best local and organic flavors. Enjoy fun for the entire family, including children’s activities booth. business.yelmchamber.com/events.
Lacey S.T.E.M. Fair, May 4, 2019
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are the future! Don’t miss this event that will showcase school clubs and teams from all over Thurston County sharing their S.T.E.M. projects with hands on activities for kids, demonstrations, display and more. ci.lacey.wa.us/.
Lacey Spring Fun Fair, May 18 - May 19, 2019
The trifecta of family, free and fun is perfected at this annual event in Lacey. Kids revel in pony rides, trains, swings, fire trucks, crafts and much more. Everyone enjoys live performances, delicious food and a festive community celebration on the grounds of Saint Martin’s University. laceyspringfunfair.com
WIAA Golf Tournament, May 20-22, 2019
The region will play host to high school athletes from around the state competing at the WIAA Golf Tournament. Players will play four courses in the region offering manicured greens and beautiful views.
South Sound Cider Conference and Public Tasting, May 31 & June 1, 2019
The South Sound Cider Conference is hosting the first annual industry conference in May, that will include a public cider tasting. The conference is a collaborative effort to continue to be a region of excellence for education on the craft beer, cider and spirits industry. The conference ties into South Puget Sound Community College’s new brewing and distilling degree the college started offering in the Fall. Sip cider from a variety of cideries at the public tasting on Saturday night.
Capital City Pride, Sunday, June 9, 2019
Since 1991, Capital City Pride has hosted the annual Pride festival in Washington State’s capital which draws nearly 15,000 people for a parade and festival in downtown Olympia. Pride serves as the annual watershed event for the LGBTQ and allied communities, offering entertainment, a vibrant array of food, craft and community booths, a family fun area and the ever-popular Pride Parade. Perhaps more important than the all the rainbows, music and festivities, Pride is a weekend long gathering of friends and family, bringing us all together to celebrate our fabulous community. The Olympia-based Pride was the first small town festival to emerge beyond the relative safety of the big city of Seattle and plant roots in a little community, population 36,000 in 1991. It’s no mistake that Capital City Pride was fostered in the liberal City of Olympia, nurtured by a progressive college called The Evergreen State College and organized by a legion of LGBTQ community-based activists. State workers also played a strong role through their unions by fighting for LGBTQ rights and protections in the work place as well as building LGBTQ-competent service practices. Over the years, other Pride celebrations have emerged across the State in larger cities like Spokane and Tacoma, as well as smaller towns like Centralia and Aberdeen. capitalcitypride.net
Olympic Air Show, June 15 – June 16, 2019
The Olympic Air Show held over Father’s Day weekend at the Olympic Flight Museum from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., is the ideal treat for fathers, grandfathers and father figures. This 20th annual event will feature an air show, as well as heritage aircraft from the museum’s collection, featuring aircraft WWII, Korea and Vietnam eras. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 online, children under six are free. Find details at olympicairshow.com
7th Annual Black Hills Triathlon & Duathlon, June 16, 2019
The Black Hills Sprint Triathlon is the premiere sprint distance triathlon in the Pacific Northwest. The venue is Long Lake Park adjacent to the Thurston County Fairgrounds. The swim is in the flat, calm waters of Long Lake, followed by an all right-hand turn, 12-mile bike course. The run is a flat 5K with beautiful lake views. Enjoy your favorite rock music, participant t-shirts and a one-of-a-kind finisher’s medal, in addition to great swag, refreshments, rock music and a top-notch USAT Sanctioned Race course. active.com.
28th Annual America's Classic Jazz Festival, June 27 – June 30, 2019
This annual jazz festival takes place on the Saint Martin’s University Campus – Marcus Pavilion with music and dancing aplenty. Guests are encouraged to partake in dance lessons that include the Balboa, Foxtrot and Charleston, great bands. Large dance floors are sure to provide a wonderful time for all. Special features include nearby lodging, on-site RV parking, shuttle service, parasol parades, a swing set, and After Glow Party. olyjazz.com/festival-information2/.
About Experience Olympia & Beyond
Experience Olympia & Beyond is the official destination marketing organization of Thurston County. A naturally-inspired, approachable destination situated at the foot of Puget Sound one hour south of Seattle and two hours north of Portland by car, Washington’s capital community inspires handcrafted getaways. Whether it’s sampling the latest artisan delights from culinary characters or blazing a new trail, Olympia and beyond beckons free spirits, gourmands and weekend warriors alike with something new. With more than 2,700 hotel rooms throughout Thurston County there are several options ranging from downtown digs to traveler-friendly rooms. For more information visit experienceolympia.com or connect on Facebook, Twitter (@Experience_Oly) and Instagram (@ExperienceOly).