Family events in Shelton, WA

The Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band, a Seattle based non marching march band, presents a lively program of beloved band repertoire featuring energetic works by John Philip Sousa, Henry Fillmore, and others. Playful pageantry is part of the show, with appearances by the Ballard Sedentary Sousa Band Drill Team and the group’s Sedentary Majorette, said to be the only one in the world, performing seated baton twirling feats. The program honors Sousa’s 172nd birthday, and cake is part of the festivities. Seating is limited and tickets are required. General admission is $15, with $10 tickets for seniors and students. Tickets are available through Kenyon Hall.

A relaxed hangout for teens offers time to play video games, make crafts, and enjoy board games. Snacks are provided by Boulevard Park Friends of the Library. No registration is needed. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request; email access@kcls.org at least seven days in advance. Automated captions are available for online programs.

Enjoy burgers and fries alongside bingo games in a family-friendly setting. Three bingo cards cover eight games, with special half-time and blackout games and an extra prize with each game. Families are welcome, and participation is limited to members and signed-in guests. Pay at the door.

Enjoy an after-hours visit with free admission as the Museum stays open late. Explore the Great Gallery, the Personal Courage Wing, the Simonyi Space Gallery, the Aviation Pavilion, and more, with the Museum Store and Café also open during the extended evening hours. Reservations are not required. Admission is complimentary only during the special evening period, and paid admission applies outside those hours. Delta Air Lines is the 2025 sponsor of Free First Thursdays.

Sea-Meow Con 2026 brings a celebration of all things feline to the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, featuring Jackson Galaxy and Hannah Shaw, known as Kitten Lady, along with additional cat experts, creators, beloved internet felines, and special guests. Explore a marketplace of more than 100 Meowchants offering art, apparel, toys, accessories, treats, paper goods, and other finds for both cats and humans. Meet favorite cats and cat creators from the internet, take photos, and enjoy scheduled meet and greets and appearances. Dive into panels, seminars, and expert-led workshops with behaviorists, rescuers, and other professionals covering a wide range of feline topics. Visit Kitten Alley to meet adoptable cats and kittens from local rescues and shelters. Between shopping and speakers, take part in cat face painting, temporary tattoos, live cat themed tattooing, games, giveaways, prizes, and other hands on activities. Signature contests include the Annual Cat Calling Contest, returning for its fourth year, and the Cat Cosplay Costume Contest where participants can dress up and compete for prizes. The event supports feline focused organizations and the people dedicated to improving the lives of cats.

At Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, this community gathering honors Native veterans and uplifts culture through song, dance, and tradition. The program features a Veterans Gourd Dance, a Grand Entry, intertribal dancing, and a powwow. The event is open to veterans, families, and community members. It is hosted by the Daybreak Star Native Veterans Program and co-sponsored by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation and Unkitawa.

A first annual community cook-off and fundraiser is bringing something new to Thurston County, gathering local home cooks, businesses, families, and neighbors for a friendly competition hosted at Vert Chiropractic. Organized by Bubble Buddies and sponsored by First Citizens Bank in Lacey, Vern’s Foods, Our Community Kitchen, Vert Chiropractic, Nayeli's Cafe, and Bubble Buddies, this event focuses on great bowls for a great cause. Twenty four Thurston County home cooks will go head to head across four categories… chili, chowder, stew, and soup or bisque. Three impartial judges will taste every entry, while community voting helps decide the final outcome. Cash prizes and trophies are on the line, including $225 for the Grand Champion, $150 for second, $100 for third, and a $50 People’s Choice award with its own trophy. Attendees will receive small tasting cups to sample the competing dishes and cast a ballot for their favorite. The entries are for tasting only and are not sold. A suggested donation is requested, with a reduced rate available in advance for the first 50 people. This competition is open to home cooks who live in Thurston County rather than professional chefs. Food safety matters throughout the day, including proper preparation, cooling, holding, and clear ingredient and allergen information, with full guidelines provided during registration. Local makers, artists, crafters, retailers, service organizations, and specialty food vendors are also welcome, with booth options available for a fee and assistance offered to qualifying newer businesses. Proceeds support the Bubble Buddies Community Voucher Program, which helps provide laundry service assistance to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, housing instability or displacement, emergencies, and other difficult circumstances, in collaboration with local partners such as the Thurston County Resource HUB. The event upholds a welcoming, respectful environment, with zero tolerance for harassment, hate speech, discrimination, threats, or other disruptive behavior. Expect good food, good people, and one Grand Champion crowned for a good cause.

Celebrate Indian culture at the Diwali - Lights of India festival at Seattle Armory with a day of dance, music, art, and creative activities. Expect showcases of classical and folk dance, live performances by a youth violin ensemble, and captivating visual art exhibits. A puppet show brings an extra touch of wonder, and hands-on stations offer spice-making lessons, the chance to craft a flower mandala, henna artistry, and face painting.

Explore a variety of booths with handmade crochet, baked goods, face painting, and more while supporting youth who are raising funds for their upcoming summer trip. Shoppers can hunt for unique treasures and everyday finds. Donations of household items, crafts, jewelry, or other treasures are welcome. To arrange a drop-off, please contact Misty Pierce.