Events in Thurston County, WA

Get recycling questions resolved in a participatory session shaped by attendees. Participants are welcome to bring items they are unsure about and receive guidance from experts on the correct waste stream. Expect a practical, interactive learning experience that builds confidence in recycling and helps cut down on waste in the community. Registration is available.

This weekly gathering at the Olympia Eagles Ballroom features music across salsa, bachata, merengue, cha cha, and cumbia in a welcoming setting. No partner is required. The night begins with a beginner Bachata ABC series, continues with a beginner Salsa ABC series, and includes a short introductory Salsa lesson that leads into a social dance party. General admission is $10 and includes the intro lesson. Class series drop ins are $25. A four week series is $80. A $125 all access monthly pass covers every social dance, live music night, any workshops, and that month’s class series.

Ease into salsa with a weekly 30 minute beginner introduction offered every Wednesday. It welcomes first time dancers and is a comfortable way to bring along friends who might feel nervous about starting. Take it more than once to build skills, connect with others, and enjoy the shared language of dance. This intro is part of Wednesday Salsa at the Eagles hosted by OlyDance and is included in the evening’s offerings. Admission is $10 and includes the social dance. The class takes place on the third floor of Olympia Eagles.

This event offers casual Magic: The Gathering games with no fee to participate. A community Discord channel is available to help players connect, make friends, and coordinate in-store matchups.

A Riftbound Nexus game night with no cost to participate. Players can take part for free, connect with others, trade strategies, and coordinate matches through Discord.

A new all-ages play follows sisters Lina, Val, Zo, and Rory Luna on a Día de los Muertos night when elemental powers awaken. Guided by an Alebrije Dragonfly and sensing something ancient stirring underground, they face change and uncover the bonds that tie them to family and to one another. Written by Olivia Salazar de Breaux and Katherine Trahan as a prequel to The Sisters of Element by O. Salazar de Breaux, directed by Angel Ramirez, with original music by Anjali Silva Marron and a special song by O. Salazar de Breaux. This is a pay what you can performance.

Fusion dance blends elements from many styles to create something new, with partnership, connection, and interpretation at its core. Some describe it not as a fixed style, but as a flexible space where those elements can come together. This event centers on a social dance party dedicated to Fusion and does not require a partner. The lineup also includes tango instruction at foundation and intermediate levels, followed by a small milonga for tango dancing before the Fusion party. Admission for the social dance is $10. Class options are available as drop ins for $25, with a reduced rate for additional drop ins. A four week class series is $80, and an all access monthly pass is $125.

This relaxed walking club at Yelm City Park in Yelm, WA brings together parents of school-age children for fresh air, light movement, and community. It is casual and drop in, with no registration required and no pressure to keep a certain pace. Strollers are welcome. Participants meet at the park and enjoy a friendly walk together.

Open Commander play for MTG takes place weekly on Friday at the store. Participation and gameplay are free. A Discord channel is available to connect with other players and discuss strategy.

The third season concludes with a Haunted Night Market finale, a community night that blends music, DJs, and a variety of food trucks with vendors and local businesses. Cultural themes are part of the experience, and the setting is welcoming for kids and families to spend time together. It is free to attend and open to all ages.

Entry is $10. Bring your favorite Champion deck for a weekly 1v1 Constructed tournament with best two out of three matches and 50 minute rounds. All participants receive a Nexus Night promo pack. Prizes are awarded as store credit. For a three round event, the top three finishers earn credit. For events with four or more rounds, all players with an X-1 or better record earn credit. The prize structure may be adjusted based on community feedback.

This masked celebration conjures candlelit intrigue and renaissance-inspired festivities. Costumes take center stage, from lords and ladies to jesters and knaves, along with imaginative looks like noble knights, woodland fae, or roguish adventurers. Music sets the mood while identities remain concealed behind masks. A costume contest highlights standout ensembles, with the winner announced during the event, and participants must be present to win.

Spend a relaxed day sewing alongside friends and working on projects of your choice. Bring your own machine and tools, and expect the space to be available all day. If you would like help with a specific historical era or garment style, make the request ahead of time so someone with the right experience can be there, or so the group can prepare by researching together or bringing reference books with images.

Set aside dedicated time to move your sewing or quilting project forward in a relaxed, social setting. Bring your current project and enjoy a day focused on stitching and friendly company. Admission is $20 and includes $10 in store credit. No registration is required, and you are welcome to bring a friend. For questions, contact hello@aneedleinhand.com.

A free community trunk or treat at Crunch Fitness Lacey fills the parking lot with festively decorated trunks for trick or treating, activities and treats from local businesses and community organizations, and Halloween fun for all ages. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes, both kids and adults. Expect plenty of candy, themed photo opportunities, and food available for purchase. The event is hosted in partnership with Crunch Fitness Lacey and Messy Mama Co. There are opportunities for trunks, vendors, food trucks, and event partners, with limited space. Additional surprises and participating businesses will be shared as Halloween gets closer.

Free Magic: The Gathering open play takes place at Eckys, a veteran owned and operated shop in Yelm that welcomes families in a clean, friendly setting. Saturdays are set aside for casual games at no cost. The store also hosts a Discord community where players connect with others, discuss strategy, get news about upcoming special events, and see announcements about new releases and items for sale first.

Casual Commander games for Magic: The Gathering are offered at the store as open play. There is no cost to participate. A Discord community is available to connect with other players.

Experience a Halloween-themed, in-person tarot pop-up at Uptown Grill with Paige. Personalized 15 to 20 minute readings are designed to offer clarity, guidance, and a look at what may be unfolding. Reservations can be made in advance and will be prioritized, while walk-ins are welcome as availability allows. Payment secures the selected time. A special event price of $25 is offered, regularly $30.

Experience a free community Día de los Muertos gathering that honors those who have passed through culture, art, and music. Taking place at the Lacey Depot, it brings people together to remember loved ones who hold a lasting place in the heart. Enjoy music, live performances, engaging activities, and food.

Moore Designs presents the fifth annual Trunk or Treat at Yelm Cinema, featuring festively decorated vehicles and plenty of space with more than 90 asphalt parking spots plus the full field. Participants who bring a vehicle to decorate will receive a dash plaque. Standout entries will be honored with awards for Best in Show, Top 10, Sponsors Choice, and Kids Choice for first through third place. Admission is free.

Celebrate the first annual community trunk or treat with family friendly fun, fellowship, and food. Families are encouraged to arrive in favorite costumes for a safe and welcoming experience. Church members will decorate their car trunks and share candy along with small giveaways. Warm chili and hot dogs will be served at no cost for everyone to enjoy. Look for creatively themed vehicles, plenty of treats and goodies, and a family photo booth area to capture the moment. This event is free and open to the entire community.

EverGrace Harvest Fest features hands-on activity booths, lively games, and festive trunks. Activities are offered both indoors and outdoors, and admission is completely free. Enjoy a hot beverage while little ones play and win candy.

Never Monday performs in miniature at Rainwater Brewing with an intimate acoustic set and local beer on offer. Enjoy two hours of live music in a playful, spooky atmosphere, and come in costume to get into the spirit.

Writers gather in the food court at Haggen for a supportive fiction critique session. Participants bring several printed copies of a 4 to 6 page piece, read it aloud, then listen as the group first highlights what is working and follows with questions, areas of confusion, and constructive suggestions.

Pokemon open play at Eckys invites players to meet up for friendly matches. There is no cost to take part. Participants can coordinate games and connect with others through the Eckys Discord channel. Sessions are held on Sundays.

Gather for weekly open play at Eckys, where players can meet others, discuss strategies, and set up future games. It is free to play and free to join. A Discord channel is available to help connect and schedule meetups.

MW4V SoundVetJam is a monthly music meetup at the Trautman Union Building at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey. It welcomes veterans, service members transitioning to civilian life, their families, and supporters. The focus is on relaxing, building friendships, and enjoying making music together, with creativity encouraged. Musicians of every ability level can take part. Participants may bring their own instruments or use those available on site. For more details or questions, please contact the organizers.

Unwind with an adult-focused coloring session in the Library Meeting Room. Participants can enjoy a warm drink and snacks while soft music sets a peaceful mood for coloring. It offers a calm setting to relax and, if desired, connect with new people. Supported by the Friends of Lacey Library.

Connect with driven professionals from a range of industries in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Enjoy good food and drinks while conversations spark new ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful contacts. The focus is on expanding your network, trading insights, and building relationships, all with a smooth balance of professional growth and easygoing social time.

Local authors gather at InGenius Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique in Yelm for a relaxed meet and greet in a coffeehouse, gallery, and boutique setting. Expect book signings, easygoing chats, and meaningful conversations enjoyed with warm beverages. Authors who wish to participate can express interest through the online form associated with the event.

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.

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.

Learn MIG welding in a hands-on, project-based class that guides you through safety, setup, and essential techniques as you create a welded steel pumpkin to take home. Taught by Fred, this four-hour evening session covers operating a MIG welder, welding joints, and the grinding and finishing steps that bring your project together. All materials needed to complete one pumpkin are provided, and the class includes proficiency on the MIG welder for Lacey MakerSpace members. Closed-toe shoes are required, and participants must wear long pants made from non-synthetic materials such as denim, leather, or cotton. Additional personal protective equipment, including welding jackets, helmets, and gloves, will be provided. The class is open to ages 12 and up, and anyone under 18 must have a guardian present at all times. Please review the User Agreement and Code of Conduct before arriving, and plan to sign the Liability Waiver in person at the front desk prior to participating. Refer to Lacey MakerSpace policies for full details.

The 2026 Saint Martin’s Gala is an evening devoted to expanding scholarship support for students at Saint Martin’s University. Hosted by Renee Erickson, a celebrated chef, the event focuses on community, generosity, and the life-changing impact of education. Across two decades, the Gala has generated more than $22 million to open pathways to a Catholic Benedictine education and help students achieve their goals. Individual tickets and table sponsorships are available.

Enjoy an evening of live music and a prime rib dinner at Tenino #564 Fraternal Order of Eagles. Kaitie Wade performs with special guest Macy Morgan, and prime rib will be served until it sells out. The gathering is a membership drive that is open to the public, with opportunities to meet members, learn what the Eagles are about, and explore membership. Experience dinner and live entertainment while getting to know the People Helping People spirit at Tenino Eagles #564.

Gain a clear understanding of the homebuying journey at this WSHFC sponsored Homebuyer Education Class led by Sam Bocook. Designed for first-time buyers as well as anyone looking to refresh their knowledge, the session explains key steps in purchasing a home, including how mortgages work and how to navigate the real estate market. Instructors will answer questions throughout, offering practical guidance for each stage of the process. Light snacks and refreshments will be available.

Learn the basics of laser engraving in a hands-on session at Lacey MakerSpace and create festive wooden accents for a home, shop, or workplace. The experience begins with a 30 minute introduction to how the laser works and safe operation. Participants then browse a library of 100 Christmas designs, choose two favorites, have them cut from wood, and take the pieces home to paint black for a classic silhouette look. Materials are provided, and if time allows, additional items can be made for $7 each. This activity is suitable for ages 12 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a supervising adult, who only needs a ticket if also making a project. Closed toe shoes are required, and a liability waiver must be completed before taking part.

CapCity Presents hosts Squirrel Flower and Sour Widows at Wild Child for an all ages show. Squirrel Flower, the project of Ella Williams, returns with a full band for the first headlining tour in two years. Sour Widows, led by Maia Sinaiko and Susanna Thomson, weaves intimate harmonies with interlocking electric guitars, taking cues from influences like Joni Mitchell, Duster, and Slint. Their album Revival of a Friend, created with longtime drummer Max Edelman, turns personal hardship into songs about endurance, connection, and hope. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22.62 after fees, or $24 on the day of the show.

The Friends of the Yelm Library gather to discuss programs, events, and ways the library can connect with the community. The focus is on collaboration and ideas that strengthen engagement and support the library’s role in the community.

This monthly social night in Glymm Mere highlights youth and family activities and includes games for every age group. Children are welcome, and attendees are invited to bring A&S works in progress, sewing, and friends. Newcomers are especially welcome, with answers to questions and help available to get oriented to the Barony and the SCA. Garb is not required.

A quiet reading club for mystics, psychics, healers, dreamers, and other kindred spirits, the Lunar Reading Room offers a place to meet, trade favorite picks, and simply read in companionable silence. Part of Mystic Collective PNW, it blends stillness with connection, inviting readers to explore new discoveries and revisit well loved books at an unhurried pace. The gathering takes place on the Tuesday nearest the new moon at Uptown Grill in downtown Olympia, settling into the Speakeasy Room upstairs. The room is calm and candlelit, creating a setting for focused reading and gentle reflection. Food and drinks are available for purchase, with staff checking in throughout the evening. There is no set reading list, so bring the book that is calling to you. Capacity is limited to 20 people to keep the atmosphere serene. Because the Speakeasy is a private bar with dim lighting, a small book light or a backlit e reader is helpful during the reading time. Arrive as you are, get comfortable, and enjoy the calm.

Saint Martin's presents the 2026 Lantern Procession, honoring Saint Martin of Tours, the university's patron. This is a lantern procession held in recognition of the patron saint.

Enjoy an easygoing evening of rock painting with Kira at Café Elite Coffee Company. This creative gathering welcomes all ages and every experience level, with rocks, paint pens, and other supplies provided. Each participant paints a stone to take home, whether as a personal keepsake or a handmade gift, and the coffeehouse setting adds a warm backdrop for friendly chats and a sense of community. The cost is $10.

Explore a holiday shopping event that brings together vendors with antiques, vintage finds, handcrafted items, and seasonal gifts and decor. Browse two buildings and discover unique pieces. Early entry is $10, and general admission is $5. Food and beverages are available on site. Parking is free, and those younger than 16 get in free. For vendor information, email Sharon at gvmarkets@gmail.com. A cheerful start to the holiday season.

A three day workshop and communal ritual offers a caring place to meet grief with presence, care, and community. It acknowledges loss in many forms, including the death of loved ones, changes in relationships or health, unfulfilled hopes, collective sorrows, early unmet needs, and the weight of ancestral stories. Guided rituals, sharing, and embodied practices support participants in honoring the full range of grief, being witnessed by a supportive group, moving from isolation to belonging, and discovering ways of living with loss that nurture compassion, authenticity, resilience, and the possibility of renewed connection and meaning. The program draws on Francis Weller’s teachings about five gateways into grief, such as losing what we love, the places within that have not known love, the pains of the wider world, what was expected but not received, and inherited burdens. It also honors David Kessler’s sixth stage, emphasizing the search for meaning that can deepen love and connection. Grounded in the understanding that grief is not linear and not something to get over, this gathering creates a respectful and tender environment where each story is welcomed and each person’s pain is held with care. The experience is intentionally intimate, limited to 24 participants to foster depth and safety, and is led by therapists Katelyn Staecker, LCSW, and Noah Rubinstein, LMHC, who bring decades of experience in mental health, personal healing, and group facilitation. Coffee, water, and snacks are provided each day. Participants are asked to bring a packed lunch for two days, writing or journaling materials, and a stone along with small meaningful items, such as photographs, for a shared altar. Tuition is $425, and capacity is limited to 24.

Northwest Salsa Casino Fest brings dancers from across the Pacific Northwest to Olympia, Washington for a weekend celebrating Casino, Rueda, Son, and Rumba. The program offers workshops, live music, and social dancing with a focus on community. Guest instructors include Takechi of Santiago de Cuba and Mili of Havana, Cuba. More details and registration information will be shared soon.

Chord Training Day is designed for guitarists who know their chords but want smoother transitions so songs stay on track. The session focuses on the spots that tend to cause hiccups, tackling changes like Am to G and C to F alongside familiar pairs such as G to D and D to A. The goal is not to add more shapes, it is to make the chords you already use work together with ease. More information will be available soon.

The Delphi Craft and Swap Meet brings together more than twenty vendors. Explore vintage finds alongside new and preowned items, plus puzzles, baked goods, and plant starts, including heirloom tomato varieties. Hosted at McLane Grange, this marketplace offers plenty of parking and a wide range of treasures to browse.

Build confidence in lifesaving skills with a free CPR and AED certification class at Get Fit Tenino. Beverly from Southeast Thurston Fire Authority leads the training with a focus on practical, community-ready instruction. Everyone is welcome, whether a member or not, and there is no fee to participate. Attendees must be at least 10 years old, since children under 10 cannot be accommodated. Space is limited.

Renaissance faire attire and pirate hats are right at home for a night of spirited Irish music at Cup of Swords Tavern. The Scuppermonkeys, a Seattle-based Irish band with a playful pirate streak, deliver a blend of traditional melodies and pub songs, rebel and folk favorites, boisterous sea shanties, and tender ballads. Robust vocals pair with acoustic guitar, bodhrán, fiddle, Irish whistle, and more to create driving rhythms and sing-along tunes that keep the energy high.

Learn the essentials of purchasing a home at this WSHFC sponsored homebuyer education class, hosted by Sam Bocook. Designed for first-time buyers as well as those looking to refresh their knowledge, the session features expert instructors who cover the full process, from understanding mortgages to navigating the real estate market. Attendees can ask questions and gain practical insights to support their next steps toward homeownership. Light snacks and refreshments are provided.

Jim Brickman appears with friends at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts for an evening of romantic piano. Gentle melodies and sincere performances create a warm, intimate atmosphere that invites listeners to relax and savor each moment.

Settle in for a relaxed paint and sip with Artvana at Top Rung Brewing in Lacey, featuring the White Floral Pumpkin as the project. It is a creative evening that pairs painting with the brewery atmosphere and the option to enjoy something from the taproom while you work. An Artvana Artist leads the session from start to finish, painting alongside the group, breaking the process into clear steps, checking in often, answering questions, and offering hands-on help when needed. The design serves as a springboard rather than a strict template, so participants can follow along closely or change colors and details to make the piece their own. Beginners and experienced painters share the table, and the format supports both first-timers and those looking to practice skills. With experience guiding thousands of painters across Western Washington, Artvana focuses on sessions that are organized, welcoming, supportive, and fun. Your ticket covers the canvas, easel, paints, brushes, and all necessary supplies, along with step-by-step guidance and individual help. Everyone leaves with a finished artwork to take home. Food and drinks from the brewery are available for purchase and are not included. Plan to arrive a bit early to check in, choose a seat, and place any orders before painting begins, and consider registering in advance since spots can fill.

Learn the fundamentals of laser cutting at Lacey MakerSpace while crafting festive wooden decorations for your home, shop, or business. The session begins with a 30 minute introduction to how the laser works and safe operating practices. From there, choose two favorites from a library of 100 Christmas designs, cut them from wood, and take your pieces home to paint black for a classic silhouette finish. All necessary materials are provided. This activity is open to ages 12 and up, and minors must attend with a supervising adult; the adult only needs a ticket if also making a project. Closed-toe shoes are required, and a liability waiver must be completed before taking part. If time allows, additional items can be made for $7 each.

This bunco gathering offers simple-to-learn gameplay, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs. Newcomers and seasoned players are welcome. The event highlights a social setting with prizes and refreshments. Attendees can bring their lucky dice for a lighthearted game night.

Explore the hidden life beneath the pier at Zittel's Marina as underwater lights draw in a variety of estuary creatures to observe up close. Volunteers are available to help participants discover organisms, identify what they find, and share information along the way. Possible sightings include fish, anemones, sea stars, and sea slugs, with the chance to encounter something unexpected. This is one of the most popular offerings and may fill quickly. Program cost is $18.00 for adults. Children 12 and under are $5.00. Community Access Tickets are offered at half price or free, reflecting a commitment to welcoming everyone so cost is never a barrier, made possible by supporter contributions. Memberships provide discounts on program and event tickets and include a full year of free admission to Puget Sound Estuarium.

Saint Martin's University's Fall Concert is presented on the 3rd floor of Cebula Hall. The program features the SMU Wind Ensemble, directed by Laura G. Harper, and the SMU Jazz Combo, directed by Brad Scrandt. Attendance is open to everyone at no cost, and voluntary donations are appreciated.

In the spirit of the season of gratitude, this playful program puts the spotlight on the humble toilet with engaging, hands-on fun. Participants can decorate a chamber pot, try a toilet-themed toss game, and run simple experiments to explore what is and is not flush-friendly. Celebrate everyday essentials through creative activities that blend learning with plenty of lighthearted moments.

Led by Helen Griffin, this session highlights breathwork, feeling centered, and building strength. It now incorporates qigong, a gentle sequence of slow, flowing movements coordinated with the breath to encourage calm, balance, and inner vitality. No registration is required. Open to all experience levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Build confidence with MIG welding in a project-focused workshop that blends safety, technique, and finishing skills. Guided by instructor Fred, this four-hour class teaches proper joint welding along with grinding and cleanup as you create a welded steel pumpkin to take home. You will learn how to operate a MIG welder safely and get extensive hands-on practice, with all materials for one pumpkin provided. Lacey MakerSpace members can earn MIG welder proficiency through this class. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants made from natural fibers such as denim, leather, or cotton. Shorts and synthetic fabrics are not allowed. Welding jackets, helmets, gloves, and other protective gear are provided. The class is open to ages 12 and up, and anyone under 18 must have a guardian present at all times. Before taking part, review the policies, the User Agreement and Code of Conduct, and the Liability Waiver. The waiver is signed in person at the Lacey MakerSpace front desk prior to participating.

Explore the historical craft of Viking wire weaving in a beginner to intermediate workshop that shows how to coil or knit wire around a mandrel to form a supple, textured tube. Learn how that foundation can be shaped into bracelets, pendants, chains, and other decorative pieces. Building on the fundamentals, the session highlights creative bead embellishments. Practice adding beads directly into the weave for integrated sparkle, and try threading beads inside a finished tube for a subtle peekaboo shimmer. Instruction is hands on and encourages personal expression through design variations, helping you expand your skills. A 30 minute break is included.

A community workout at Yelm Fitness Court in the Park offers an opportunity to get moving before the big meal. It is free and open to everyone, welcoming both members and nonmembers, and is family friendly.

Explore Kinusaiga, a Japanese fabric mosaic art that layers and tucks small pieces of fabric to create textured designs, a technique originally developed to give new life to old kimono silk. This hands-on class at Lacey MakerSpace begins with selecting a design from several options, then guides you through the fundamentals so you can complete an 8 by 11 piece to take home. The session lasts three hours and welcomes all experience levels. Enrollment is limited to six participants to ensure plenty of individual guidance. All fabric and supplies are provided, and step by step instruction is included.

Explore Kinusaiga in an interactive class at Lacey MakerSpace, a Japanese fabric mosaic method that layers and tucks small pieces of fabric to create richly textured designs, originally used to repurpose kimono silk. Start by selecting from several design options, then spend four hours learning the core techniques and completing your own 8 by 11 inch piece to take home. Enrollment is capped at six participants to ensure plenty of individual guidance. All fabric and supplies are provided. The session welcomes every skill level, no prior experience is required, and each participant finishes with a completed Kinusaiga artwork.

Donate blood at the American Red Cross blood drive at the Rochester Fire Department in Rochester, Washington.

An evening designed for meaningful conversations and easy connections with professionals from a variety of industries. Attendees can mingle in a casual, welcoming setting with food and drinks while expanding their networks, trading ideas, and building new relationships. It balances relaxed social time with opportunities for professional growth, making it well suited for anyone looking to connect with like-minded peers.

Lumi the Tooth Fairy is making a special appearance at the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia, Washington. Children will have a chance to meet Lumi while enjoying learning and play inspired by tooth fairy wonder. This family friendly museum visit highlights imagination, discovery, and plenty of smile worthy moments.

Welcome the season with hands-on creativity in a stained glass workshop that guides you through crafting a sparkling snowflake using traditional techniques and colorful glass pieces. All supplies are included, and no prior experience is required, making it a comfortable fit for newcomers and a satisfying project for experienced makers. Everyone completes a unique snowflake to take home for the winter season. Space is limited.

Create a stained glass Christmas tree of your own design while learning the essentials of glasswork. You will practice cutting pieces, grinding edges, and soldering everything together, working with stained glass and glass jewels to complete your project. This four hour class offers an inviting introduction to the medium and a chance to explore how it fits your creative interests. Instruction and all materials are provided to complete one Christmas tree. For safety, this class is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the materials and chemicals used in stained glass work.

Unwind with a relaxed rock painting session led by Kira at Café Elite Coffee Company in Lacey. All ages and abilities are welcome, from first-time painters to seasoned creatives. Participants receive a rock to decorate and take home, plus paint pens and all needed supplies. The cozy coffee shop setting encourages conversation and connection as you create, whether crafting a keepsake for yourself or a thoughtful gift. Cost is $10.

Amanda Bocook hosts a WSHFC sponsored homebuyer education class created for first-time buyers and anyone looking to refresh their knowledge. Instructors cover the full path to purchasing a home, from understanding how mortgages work to finding your way in the real estate market. There will be time for questions so participants can leave with practical guidance and greater confidence. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Discover how animals survive and thrive in cold and snowy conditions through hands-on activities. Stockpile acorns like a squirrel, build a cozy den, and enjoy games that highlight the amazing strategies of winter wildlife.

Enjoy a gingerbread-themed sip and shop at the Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center, now in its second year and hosted by Messy Mama Co. This cozy holiday market is designed with moms and families in mind and supports Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Puget Sound Chapter. Browse local vendors, warm up at the hot cocoa bar, savor gingerbread-inspired treats, and capture festive photo moments. Santa will make a special appearance, and music by DJ Aikibo adds to the cheerful atmosphere. The first 20 guests receive swag bags. A suggested $5 entry applies, and raffle tickets are $5, creating an easy way to shop local while giving back.

A free Christmas concert is planned at Lacey Community Center. For additional information, please see the event poster.

Explore art from a fresh perspective with The Painted Screen, a monthly film series that celebrates the artists who have shaped how we see the world through the lens of cinema. Each screening offers a cinematic journey into creativity, color, and imagination. This installment presents Dawn of Impressionism, Paris 1874 (2025, 1 hour 31 minutes), charting how a group of once-marginalized painters mounted their own show outside official institutions and transformed the course of art. The film investigates what led to that first independent exhibition, introduces the bold personalities who pushed against convention, and follows the emergence of Impressionism from act of defiance to lasting influence. Informed by a major presentation at the Musée d’Orsay and featuring insights from historians and curators alongside contemporary voices from 1874 Paris, the production was created in close collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Light refreshments, including popcorn, will be provided, and an optional informal discussion will follow the screening.

Bunco Night brings a lively evening of dice rolling, easy-to-learn fun, and the chance to meet new people. Beginners can jump right in, while experienced players can enjoy lighthearted competition. Expect prizes and refreshments in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Bring a lucky set of dice and enjoy plenty of laughs and good company.

Build essential CPR and AED skills at a free certification class hosted at Get Fit Tenino. Instruction is led by Beverly from the Southeast Thurston Fire Authority. The class is open to the community and there is no cost for members or nonmembers. Participants must be at least 10 years old, and children under 10 cannot be accommodated. Space is limited.

Mills & Mills Memorial Park hosts Wreaths Across America, a community gathering focused on remembrance, tribute, and education. Support for the effort is welcomed through wreath donations using a provided QR code or the organization’s website.

A day devoted to science and storytelling awaits. Pick up a complimentary book to take home from the South Sound Reading Foundation, learn to craft a simple book of your own, and find even more to explore.

Shake off any lingering slump with a spirited night at Character's. Holiday favorites are still fair game, setting a festive tone for a pre New Year celebration and plenty of joyful noise deep into the night.

A Magical Cirque Christmas returns with a celebration that has delighted families for more than five seasons. The production blends festive spirit with breathtaking cirque performances, featuring elite artists in soaring acrobatics, feats of strength and agility, playful comedy, and heartwarming magic. A lively soundtrack of contemporary holiday hits sets the pace as each act delivers a fresh and memorable moment of Christmastime wonder. Welcoming audiences of all ages, it offers a joyful way to share the season together. Presented with appreciation to Carr Law Firm, Olympic Plumbing Technology, Jeff and Gretchen Klein, and Budd Bay Cafe.

Backyard Bricks turns the Yelm Community Center into a family friendly celebration of LEGO creativity. This one day public exhibition showcases original works by Adult Fans of LEGO, bringing the feel of large scale conventions to Yelm. Explore intricate displays that span miniature cities, fantastical settings, vehicles, characters, and other imaginative scenes. Builders will be on site to share how their creations were made, and guests can cast a Fan Favorite vote, take photos throughout the space, and be entered for a chance to win a LEGO set just for attending. Admission is free, and the experience is designed for all ages. Information for prospective builders interested in exhibiting will be announced.

Altitude 15 in Olympia hosts a family friendly arm wrestling competition with right and left hand matches for men and women. Presented by Arm Wrestling Underground and officiated by ArmRank.net, the event welcomes competitors and spectators of all ages. Men’s divisions include Amateur and Open with weight classes at 156, 176, 198, 220, 242, and 243+ pounds. Women’s weight classes are 165, 205, and 206+ pounds. A clothing allowance of 2 pounds applies for weigh-ins. Open overall winners on the right and left hand each receive a $100 cash prize, and medals are awarded for first, second, and third place. Entry is $35 per arm per class, or $25 each when entering four or more classes. Competitors may not enter both Amateur and Open, but moving up in weight is allowed. Spectators are free, and ladies and kids compete at no cost. For questions, contact Kory Cox at 360-789-3762. Details may be updated.

An evening release party for ACOTAR 7 takes place at Barnes & Noble in Olympia. The celebration includes participation from an indie author and highlights the store’s support for independent authors. It centers on Sarah J. Maas and the newest installment in the series.