Encore Chocolates & Teas in Downtown Olympia carries more than 400 kinds of craft chocolates and more than 400 kinds of premium teas. | |
Member Spotlight: Encore Chocolates & Teas, Craft Chocolates, Premium Teas in the Heart of Downtown Olympia
In a world that often feels hurried, Encore Chocolates & Teas invites customers to slow down, savor the moment, and discover something new. Since 2013, this downtown Olympia shop has been a gathering place for tea lovers, chocolate enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike. It’s a cozy space where browsing is encouraged and every shelf offers a new delight to explore.
From loose-leaf teas and teapots to specialty treats, caramels, marshmallows, and more, Encore is a treasure trove of carefully curated finds, carrying more than 400 kinds of craft chocolates and more than 400 kinds of premium teas.
But beyond its impressive selection, the shop is built on a simple philosophy: everyone deserves a little comfort.
| “I have been in retail the majority of my working life. My joy comes from interactions with customers,” Dean Jones shares. “Being able to share my love of the products we sell, getting to do that is very rewarding. I have been able to achieve five major passions so far in my life. My wife Carla, my three children, owning a bookstore and now chocolates and teas. What a great adventure I have enjoyed.” | | Capital Lakefair Returns July 15–19 | | |
One of Olympia's favorite summer traditions is back! Capital Lakefair returns to Heritage Park from July 15–19 with five days of family-friendly fun. Enjoy thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment, delicious fair food, arts and crafts vendors, a classic car show, the beloved Grand Parade, and a spectacular fireworks display. Since 1957, Capital Lakefair has brought the community together to celebrate summer in the heart of downtown Olympia.
Car Show | Friday, July 17, 2026 | 5:00-8:30 pm
Join this annual favorite along Capitol Lake at Marathon Park! Rides of all kinds are represented with categories recognizing custom and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Lakefair Parade | Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 5 pm
The Lakefair Grand Parade is one of the largest in the region, and features entries of all kinds. The event kicks off with pre-parade festivities at 4:45pm to get the crowd warmed up, and leads into the main event at 5pm. The parade route begins along Capitol Way at 20th and continues down to 5th Ave ending near the bridge.
Fireworks | Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 10:15 pm
Come enjoy this community favorite on the final day of Lakefair Week! The Grand Finale Fireworks display takes place over Capitol Lake in Olympia, and can be viewed from Heritage Park, Deschutes Pkwy, Capitol Campus or anywhere with a view of the lake.
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We're excited to bring back Music in the Park, presented by Olympia Federal Savings, a beloved summer tradition featuring live, local music in beautiful downtown settings. Join us for four Wednesdays of free outdoor concerts at Sylvester Park and Port Plaza.
July 8 – Oly Family Fun (Sylvester Park)
July 15 – Punk Power (Sylvester Park)
July 22 – Next Gen Talent (Sylvester Park)
July 29 – Folk-Americana (Port Plaza)
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Grab a bite from local favorites Sofie's Scoops, Lolli Llama Candy Shop, Batdorf & Bronson, and The Bus Stop, then let the kids get creative with free hands-on crafts provided by the Hands On Children's Museum. There's something for everyone to enjoy at Music in the Park!
Get ready for a high-energy night of surf-punk, dance-punk, and summer vibes in downtown Olympia. Join us July 15 at Sylvester Park for an evening of two electric performances!
J. Graves | 6 pm
J. Graves is a Portland-based, queer non-binary led dance punk project that blends angular guitar work, pounding rhythms, and resolute vocals into an infectious energy that transforms audiences into dancing masses. Their latest single, “South Pole,” was released alongside their NPR Tiny Desk On the Road tour performance. This follows the innovation of Undercover Summer, a cover series featuring Depeche Mode, Devo, and Blondie, and Fortress of Fun, a choose-your-own-adventure LP. With Volume 2 of Undercover Summer and new music arriving in 2026, J. Graves continues to break molds and light up dance floors.
The Proffits | 7 pm
Formed in Olympia in 2024, The Proffits bring raw surf-punk chaos wherever they go. With fierce vocals, surf-drenched guitar, rumbling bass, and pounding drums, their live shows channel the spirit of The Cramps, The Sonics, and the Detroit Cobras. From dive bars, to outdoor festivals, to generator-powered shows under bridges, The Proffits have built a reputation for getting crowds moving!
| | Don't miss the rest of this year's lineup! | | |
Next Gen Talent — July 22 (SYLVESTER PARK)
Celebrate emerging local talent with singer-songwriter Anne Magnolia and Olympia-based soul-pop group WINEHOUSE.
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | Anne Magnolia
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | WINEHOUSE
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Indie-Americana — July 29 (PORT PLAZA FINALE)
The series wraps up with an evening of heartfelt songwriting and harmonies featuring Olympia favorite Erina and acclaimed Americana band Daring Greatly.
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | Erina
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Daring Greatly
| | Mark your calendars and join us for four evenings of free music, community, and summer fun in Downtown Olympia. | | |
Celebrate Ride Transit Month by exploring Thurston County on public transit with the Ride the Rainbow sweepstakes! Ride any seven fare-free transit routes by July 3 for a chance to win one of several $50 gift cards. Routes from Intercity Transit, ruralTRANSIT, Lewis County Transit, Mason Transit, and Grays Harbor Transit all qualify. It's a fun way to discover new places, save money, and support sustainable transportation.
Completed entry forms are due by July 10, with winners announced the following week.
Learn more and download a participant form here.
| | Day and Night: An Olympia Art Experience | |
Experience Olympia's creative community from day to night at Day and Night on Saturday, August 8, from 2–8 pm at The Heritage Room (604 Water St. SW).
Hosted by Enterprise for Equity's Creatives Exchange, this unique event features a midday art market followed by an evening exhibition, showcasing local artists and celebrating the vibrant arts scene in downtown Olympia. Stop by to discover original artwork, connect with local creatives, and enjoy an afternoon and evening immersed in art.
The Heritage Room, 604 Water St. SW, Olympia
Saturday, August 8 | 2–8 pm
| | First Friday: Women's Suffrage in Olympia | | |
Celebrate First Friday at the Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center on Friday, July 3, from 4–7 pm with a special presentation by the Olympia Historical Society exploring the story of women's suffrage in Olympia. Enjoy fascinating local history, costumed interpreters in period dress, and fun facts about our city's civic past. Attendees can also pick up discounted tickets to the Bigelow House Museum. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center, 203 Columbia St. NW, Olympia
Free and open to the public
| | | Share Your Wish for America at Oly AHA's Wishing Wall | | |
As the United States marks its 250th birthday, the Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center invites the community to reflect on the future through its interactive Wishing Wall installation. From July 2 through August 9, visitors can stop by during museum hours to write a birthday wish for America and add it to the growing display in the lobby gallery. It's a thoughtful way to share your hopes for the nation's next chapter and be part of a community conversation.
Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center, 203 Columbia St. NW, Olympia
On display July 2–August 9 during museum hours: Thursdays 12–4 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sundays 12–4 p.m.
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Celebrate the culture, history, and future of the Deschutes Estuary at the Festival of the St̓əč̓as on Friday, August 14, from noon to 4 pm at Heritage Park. Hosted by the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team, this community event highlights Squaxin culture, estuary restoration, environmental stewardship, and public education through live cultural performances, interactive exhibits, local organizations, and artisan vendors. Come connect with your community and learn about the vision for a restored Deschutes Estuary.
Heritage Park, 330 5th Ave. SW, Olympia
| | | Read the Park: A Community Literacy & Storytelling Celebration | | |
Join the community on Saturday, July 18, from 11 am to 3 pm at Rebecca Howard Park for a free, family-friendly celebration of literacy, storytelling, and community. Enjoy shared book readings, youth literacy activities, poetry and spoken word performances, cultural storytelling, and opportunities to learn about the history of Black pioneers in Olympia. This welcoming event is open to all ages and celebrates the power of stories to connect, educate, and inspire.
Rebecca Howard Park, 911 Adams St. SE, Olympia
Free and open to the public
| | Other Events to Know About... | |
- Harlequin Productions presents Million Dollar Quartet, June 19-July 26. Learn more.
- Olympia Dragon Boat Festival, July 10 & 11. Learn more.
- Fall ArtsWalk Registration, July 1 - July 31. Learn more.
- StoryOly, July 21. Learn more.
- Movies at the Marina: August 21, Sing. September 5, Jumanji. Learn more.
- South Sound Block Party, August 28 - 29. Learn more.
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📰 About this Newsletter
The News of the Week in Downtown Olympia is a newsletter created by the Olympia Downtown Alliance and is a summary of happenings downtown.
Preference is given to Olympia Downtown Alliance members. We do reserve the right to use our discretion on what we share.
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