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Happy weekend, Olympia! In today’s edition: Upcycled art that glows, a proposed ferry service, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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🏆 Most popular this week
Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.
When light becomes lifeline: Light in the Dark at Olympia’s AHA Museum spotlights upcycled art by Natalie Coblentz, featuring a glowing, heart-inspired sculpture built from salvaged materials and on view now — learn more about the exhibit.
Spotlight on standout leaders: Earlier this month, Leadership Thurston County celebrated three Distinguished Leader Award honorees for extraordinary initiative and community impact, with short tribute videos now available to watch online — meet this year’s honorees.
Shelter faces rising demands: Joint Animal Services reported 2025 brought a 27.5% jump in intake to 4,212 animals and more field calls in Olympia and Thurston County, plus cockfighting case with over 500 chickens — get all the details.
Consign and explore: Decluttering or chasing pieces with a past? At The Hive Market, consign a few quality items, then browse a community marketplace of makers, vintage finds, and pop-ups. Refresh your space and style, stress-free, right here in DuPont.
Rethinking regional transit priorities: The Port of Olympia Commission is weighing a ferry between Olympia and Des Moines after Feb. 9 public comments, eyeing economic benefits and steadier travel for those frustrated by I-5 — read the full story.
State eyes stronger school oversight: SB 6247, requiring school directors to be trained in district finances, has passed the Senate. It expands ESD roles and adds penalties to prevent issues like Prescott School District’s situation — see what’s in the bill.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📆 Sneak peek at next week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎭 Purim on the Farm @ Chabad Jewish Center of Olympia | Tuesday (3/3) at 5:00 PM – Purim on the farm means bleating backup singers, a proper feast, and traditions that make the kids giddy and the adults nostalgic. Bring the whole crew for a warm, no-judgment bash, and RSVP before spots disappear at www.jewisholympia.com/purim26.
🦉 Discovery Speaker Series: Spotted Owls @ Olympia Timberland Library | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 PM – Trade your podcast for a wildlife saga as WDFW biologist Emilie Kohler unpacks the invasive barred owl, how they reshape food webs, the endangered northern spotted owl’s fight to hang on, and what Washington is doing about it. Neighborhood drama, just feathered, scientific, and hopeful.
🥁 Tumwater Youth Showcase Percussion Night @ The Washington Center for the Performing Arts | Thursday (3/5) at 6:30 PM – Percussion Night at the Washington Center features Tumwater Hill Elementary marimba bands, Tumwater High percussion, and Black Hills High percussion, all in a joyful racket. Kids with better timing than your group chat, and you can clap on purpose. Tickets on the Washington Center site.
🚌 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! @ Olympia Family Theater | Thursday (3/5) at 7:00 PM – Think you can keep a stubborn pigeon from stealing the show? Mo Willems’ picture-book troublemaker gets a cheeky, feather-flying musical with catchy tunes and winks for the grownups. Bring the kids, the grandkids, and your best no, then enjoy a happy curtain call.
🎨 Artist Showcase Series Volume Four @ The Carpenter’s House | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to talk with artists instead of scrolling past them, The Carpenter’s House hosts a cozy showcase of visual work, live music, and community connection. Crystal Moore brings sawdust and skill, Itsa Shash supplies the soundtrack. Limited seating, kids under 12 free.
🎭 The Foreigner @ The State Theater | Friday (3/6) at 7:30 PM – If you’ve ever wished small talk came with a mute button, Larry Shue’s The Foreigner obliges. A shy Englishman fakes not knowing English at a rustic Georgia lodge, and overheard confessions spiral into screwball mayhem, sharp truths, and laughs, directed by Aaron Lamb.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Olympia report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 51°F – Low: 37°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Northeast wind 5 to 12 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Northeast wind 6 to 12 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 54°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 36.
Most popular house this week
Set in Holiday Ranchettes, this roomy, updated home pairs privacy and convenience, only 10 minutes to I-5 and 16 to JBLM. A detached ADU, previously rented at $1,500, adds flexibility. The 760 sq ft heated, powered shop joins an attached 2-car garage. Fruit trees, rolling terrain, garden space, and a fenced two-thirds-acre pasture with barn complete the mini-farm vibe.
Take a peek inside →
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