View as Webpage

We're now accepting performer applications for the beloved Music in the Park summer concert series, returning to downtown Olympia in July 2025.

This free, family-friendly concert series draws hundreds—sometimes thousands—of music lovers to Sylvester Park and Port Plaza to enjoy the rhythm, energy, and talent of the Pacific Northwest. It’s the perfect way to soak up summer vibes, support local music, and kick off your weekend in style.

Concerts will be held on Wednesdays: July 9, 16, 23 (Sylvester Park), and July 30 (Port Plaza).



The Music in the Park selection committee encourages artists from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and the surrounding areas to apply—especially cover and tribute bands.

This is a fantastic opportunity to share your sound with a lively and diverse audience in the heart of downtown Olympia.

Performer Application Deadline: May 14, 2025

Apply here

Event Details:

WHAT: Music in the Park 2025

WHEN: Wednesdays – July 9, 16, 23 & 30

WHERE: Sylvester Park (July 9–23), Port Plaza (July 30)

CONTACT: Desiree Freeland – dfreeland@downtownolympia.org

DIY Downtown: Discover, Create, and Learn Something New!

Looking to spark your creativity or pick up a new hobby? Downtown Olympia is full of opportunities to roll up your sleeves, try something hands-on, and have a blast while doing it. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just curious to explore something new, our local nonprofits and businesses have something for everyone!

Paint your own pottery at The Painted Plate or throw your first mug at Flipped Pot Ceramics Studio—no experience needed.

Build a terrarium or learn about rare houseplants with Underhill Plants.

Dive into woodworking, fiber arts, or metalsmithing at Arbutus Folk School.

Take a drawing or mixed media class at Olyphant Art & Media, your go-to for art supplies and creative inspiration.

Timberland Regional Library offers workshops for all ages—from tech help and writing groups to crafting and coding.

Explore marine life and take part in eco-education activities at the Puget Sound Estuarium.

And for families, the Hands On Children’s Museum is packed with interactive exhibits and playful learning experiences. Taking a class downtown isn’t just fun—it’s a great way to support local organizations and connect with your community.

Browse their websites, sign up for a workshop, and get inspired. Your next favorite hobby might be just around the corner!

LoveOly Spring Cleanup is this Saturday!

Calling all downtown Olympia enthusiasts! Join us this spring as we roll up our sleeves to keep Downtown Oly clean, vibrant, and welcoming for all. Whether you're a longtime local or a new neighbor, your passion and commitment make a difference!

Sign up today to get details on when and where we’ll meet. Let’s work together to show our love for Olympia! 

When: Spring Cleanup - April 19, 2025

Where: We'll send you the meet-up location once you sign up

Sign Up Here

Ballet Northwest will present Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Sleeping Beauty this Mother’s Day Weekend at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet is the most popular spring production in Ballet Northwest’s repertory, and features a cursed princess, faeries, the royal court, and a prince who awakens a sleeping kingdom. The ballet concludes with Princess Aurora’s wedding with special guests Red Riding Hood, Puss N’ Boots, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White and the seven dwarfs.

Ballet Northwest’s production includes professional sets, lavish costumes, and 100 local dancers from Thurston, Lewis, Mason, and Pierce counties.

Date: May 8-11 2025

Times: Thursday and Friday at 7pm | Saturday and Sunday at 2pm

Visit www.balletnorthwest.org for more information or buy tickets online at www.washingtoncenter.org/bnw.

Get moving and express yourself with Senior’s Creative Adaptive Dance, happening every Thursday from April 10 to May 15 at the Olympia Senior Center (222 Columbia St, Olympia, WA). Offered by South Sound Dance Access, this engaging class is tailored for seniors of all abilities, focusing on creativity, movement, and fun. Each session is just $5, and participants must be members of the Olympia Senior Center. Don’t miss this joyful way to stay active and connect!

Learn more and register here.

Spring Arts Walk 2025 in downtown Olympia is scheduled for Friday, April 25, from 5-10 pm, and Saturday, April 26, from 12-6 pm. This vibrant two-day celebration will feature over 100 artist exhibits at local businesses (pick up a paper map downtown or visit their website for an interactive map), and many events, including artist receptions, live demonstrations, and interactive activities.

Attendees can also enjoy live performances such as music, dance, comedy, circus arts, and theater throughout downtown Olympia. A seven-block downtown area will be closed to create a pedestrian-friendly space, featuring hands-on activities for all ages, pop-up performances, and an arts market showcasing unique, handcrafted items from talented artisans.

The event will also include the much-loved Luminary Procession on Friday at 8:30 pm and the Procession of the Species parade on Saturday at 4:30 pm. These processions are known for their creative masks, costumes, and dancing, celebrating community and the natural world.

Parking is free after 5 pm on weekdays and weekends, but it will be limited due to the popularity of this event. We suggest going green and biking, walking, or taking a fare-free Intercity Transit bus downtown to avoid congestion.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Olympia's rich artistic community! See you at Arts Walk.

Harlequin brings Shakespeare back to the State Theater with a Fresh Adaptation of Romeo & Juliet

Harlequin Productions Presents: Romeo & Juliet – April 25–May 18, 2025

Experience a bold new adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy at Harlequin Productions. Directed by Artistic Director Aaron Lamb, this modern take on Romeo & Juliet explores love, division, and fate in today’s world. With striking visuals and a fresh perspective, this production asks: Can love survive in a divided society? Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical event! Tickets available now.

LoveOly SummerFest Call for Makers!

Are you a local artisan, maker, or creative entrepreneur? Join us for the LoveOly SummerFest Maker’s Market, part of Olympia’s biggest summer kickoff festival happening June 20-22 in downtown Olympia!

With over 14,000 attendees, live music, food trucks, a Biergarten, and even a Drag Brunch, this is an incredible opportunity to showcase and sell your work.

Learn more here.

Upcoming Events Downtown

The News of the Week in Downtown Olympia is a newsletter created by the Olympia Downtown Alliance and is a summary of happenings Downtown.

If you have news related to downtown you'd like included, please email marketing@downtownolympia.org. Preference is given to Olympia Downtown Alliance members. If we do not share it here, chances are we'll share it on our Facebook or Instagram pages. We do reserve the right to use our discretion on what we share.

The deadline is Friday at 5 pm for inclusion in the next week's newsletter.

If you know of anyone who would like to receive the News of the Week in Downtown Olympia, please have them sign-up at the bottom of our home page here: downtownolympia.org.