The best book, hobby & craft shops in Thurston County

Olympic Cards & Comics is more than a shop, it’s Lacey’s fandom hangout. Drop in for staff-picked graphic novels, their August spotlight on immigrant and refugee stories, and community gaming that even extends to their Discord if you’re hunting for a group.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 13, 2026

Olyphant Art Supply stocks spray paint, pens, and the kind of solid art basics that keep ideas moving this week, whether you're touching up a backyard mural, sketching between meetings, or finally tackling that half-formed Olympia project living in your notes app.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 6, 2026

Capital City Guitars is the musician-run spot for buying, selling, or trading vintage and new gear, with on-the-level repairs and legit lessons from a crew that’s been at it since 1997 and packs more than 100 years of combined knowhow.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 1, 2026

Whether you're plotting a new bracelet or rescuing that necklace you swore you'd fix, Shipwreck Beads has aisles of seed beads, Czech glass, Miyuki, Preciosa crystals, findings, tools, and kits, plus classes and a 22,000 sq. ft. showroom that basically dares you to start something.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 7, 2026

Crate-diggers, cassette diehards, and CD loyalists will feel right at home at Rainy Day Records, where you can buy, sell, and trade while browsing fresh New Arrivals and Local Arrivals. Bonus points for their Video Rental Club and a handy Wishlist that lets them hold finds for you.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 22, 2026

Whether you're plotting your next sweater or just need a sanity-saving stitch night, Our Local Yarn Shop keeps Olympia's fiber folks supplied with beautifully curated yarns, trusty needles and notions, plus classes and social groups that make projects finish themselves... or at least feel that way.

From the Lacey newsletter, September 25, 2026

Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.

EGW Guitars® hand-builds electric guitars with a comfy Nova Carve neck that feels familiar fast, and they’ll tune up your current axe with pro setups, fretwork, electronics, even refinishing. Want the know-how too? Their one-on-one Workbench clinics give you the skills to keep your rig singing.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 18, 2026

From first-chair dreams to first-scale squeaks, R L Ray Violin Shop LLC has been Olympia’s go-to since 1999, with makers, dealers, and restorers offering world-renowned insight, quality care, and rentals. Violins, violas, cellos, bows... they treat every player and instrument like the main act.

From the Lacey newsletter, October 18, 2026

Need a nudge to finally fix that buzzing jack this week or try a new interface? Music 6000 has repairs, lessons, band and PA rentals, and a wall of tone, from ESP LTD and Martin guitars to a Scarlett Solo and the classic Cry Baby.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 11, 2026

Painted Plate is Olympia’s laid-back paint-your-own pottery spot where you pick a piece, settle in with espresso, wine, or ice cream, and get creative. Go solo, bring a date, or gather friends, then swing back in about a week to pick up your kiln-fired masterpiece.

From the Olympia newsletter, October 3, 2026

Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.