November 3, 2026

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A Halloween Treat in Downtown Olympia!

What a wonderful day in downtown Olympia! The sun was shining, all 100 of our goodie bags found happy hands, plenty of candy was handed out, and 25 pets strutted their stuff in our costume contest. Most of all, we loved seeing so many people come downtown to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the community spirit that makes Olympia special.

As a small but mighty team at the Olympia Downtown Alliance, we love creating opportunities to bring people together and make downtown a place where memories are made. Your enthusiasm and support make events like this possible, and we’re so grateful you showed up to celebrate with us.

We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!

2026 Pet Costume Contest Winners:

1st Place: Loki the Downtown Lover – Kissing Booth

2nd Place: Dorito the Mini Pony – Piñata

People’s Choice: Jack - Harry Potter

LoveOly Business Connect at Exile Tattoo

Connect with your downtown neighbors at the next LoveOly Business Connect! Join us on Wednesday, November 11, from 5:15–6:30 pm at Exile Tattoo (525 Washington St SE) for an evening of networking, conversation and community.

Meet fellow downtown business owners, exchange ideas and strengthen the connections that make Downtown Olympia thrive!

Register Here

The Jinglebell Parade Is Back! Register by Nov. 9!

After several years away, Olympia's beloved Jinglebell Parade is making its grand return! Join us on Sunday, November 29, at 2 pm as downtown Olympia comes alive with festive floats, twinkling lights, marching bands, local talent and plenty of holiday cheer!

The parade begins at Cherry Street and winds through downtown, followed by a festive tree lighting ceremony at Sylvester Park. Want to be part of the magic? Hurry! Parade registration closes Monday, November 9! Gather your group, get creative and sign up before the deadline to help bring this cherished holiday tradition back to life!

Register Here

Ready to Put Your Writing Skills to Work? Join the Alibi Writers Society for Their Next Class!

Hook, line, and heartbeat: write openings that reach right in and grab the reader by their beating heart.

Great openings don’t start with the weather. They start with something we wonder about and someone we can’t help rooting for. Inspired by Donald Maass’s The Emotional Craft of Fiction, learn how personal and public stakes collide. You’ll draft an opening that makes readers need to know what happens next.

Ages 16+. Tickets $45 public / $5 members

Thursday, November 12, 6 pm

Register Here

A Sherlock Carol Brings Holiday Mystery to Downtown Olympia!

What happens when Sherlock Holmes meets the world of A Christmas Carol? A Dickens of a holiday mystery! Join Harlequin Productions for A Sherlock Carol, a clever and heartwarming holiday comedy that brings together two beloved literary classics.

When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the legendary detective finds himself unraveling a mystery filled with humor, intrigue and holiday spirit.

Catch this festive production November 27–December 24 at the State Theater in downtown Olympia. It's a holiday treat for all ages!

Show Details & Tickets

Nisqually Ancestral Teachings with Hanford McCloud

Join the Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center on Saturday, November 7, from 1–3 pm for a special afternoon with Hanford McCloud, who will share Nisqually ancestral teachings, the importance of gathering and Tribal sovereignty, and the cultural significance of the Tribal Canoe Journey to Coast Salish people. A traditional Nisqually basket and hat weaver, McCloud will also share insights into his artistry and cultural heritage.

This event celebrates the museum's It's The Water exhibit and is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged but not required.



Learn More & Register

Friday the 13th: Spin Your Fate at The Rosarium!

Feeling lucky? Celebrate the third Friday the 13th of the year at The Rosarium (408 Washington St. SE) on November 13, from noon–7 pm!

Enjoy tarot readings with Marissa from Mystic Moon Tarot, spin the wheel with every purchase and explore special limited-edition items. Purchases over $20 earn an entry into a special prize drawing, and one lucky winner will take home the grand prize from all three Friday the 13th events! Stop by for a little mystery, magic and Friday the 13th fun.

Learn More

Live Music at The Leaning Maple: Baobab Trio

Enjoy an afternoon of live music at The Leaning Maple (111 Washington St. NE) on Sunday, November 8, from noon–2 pm! The Baobab Trio blends West African musical traditions with improvisation, rich cello melodies and dynamic percussion for a one-of-a-kind acoustic performance. Enjoy the music during regular restaurant service and make an afternoon of it!

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and children under 18 are free. Reservations are recommended.

Get Tickets

Coming Up at the Washington Center!

Seattle International Comedy Competition | Thursday, November 19, at 7:30 pm



Get ready for a night of big laughs as some of the funniest rising stars in comedy compete for a spot in the championship round! These talented semifinalists have already outshined dozens of competitors, and now the stakes are higher than ever. Who will make it to the finals? Come find out! Recommended for ages 18+.

Get Tickets

God Is a Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special | Friday, December 4, at 7:30 pm

Back by popular demand! God returns in an all-new holiday power suit for a hilarious take on Christmas traditions, holiday foods, carols, the Nativity and everything in between. Equal parts outrageous comedy and holiday heart, this festive favorite promises plenty of laughs and a whole new perspective on the season. You'll never look at eggnog the same way again!

Get Tickets

Other Events to Know About...

• Through November 8 | Theater Artists Olympia Presents a Supernatural Thriller. Show details and tickets.
• November 5 | Discovery Speaker Series. ODA event calendar.
• November 7 | Community Priorities Forum. 2–4 pm. Details.
• Through November 15 | Nocturnal at Childhood's End Gallery. Details.
• November 13–December 19 | Arts Olympia Holiday Gift Gallery. Fridays and Saturdays, noon–5 pm. Details.
• November 20–January 18 | Oly on Ice. Details.
• Friday, November 27–December 24 | Christmastown at the New Oly Theater. Details.
• November 27–29 | Studio West Dance Theatre's The Nutcracker. Details.
• Sunday, November 29 | LoveOly WinterFest. 10 am–4 pm. Celebrate the start of Downtown for the Holidays with local artisans, free children's activities, live entertainment, seasonal treats, and more at 5th Avenue and Washington Street. Details.
• Sunday, November 29 | LoveOly Jinglebell Parade. 2–3 pm. After a seven-year absence, the beloved holiday parade returns, traveling west along Legion Way from Cherry Street toward Sylvester Park. Free. Details.
• Sunday, November 29 | Sylvester Park Tree Lighting. 4:30 pm. Gather for the official holiday tree lighting and community countdown at Sylvester Park. Free. Details.
• Sunday, November 29–December 24 | Downtown for the Holidays Shopping Promotion. Shop participating downtown businesses, collect passport stickers on qualifying purchases, and earn a LoveOly gift when your passport is complete. Details.
• Through November 30 | Local Art at Schwartz's Bakery. Details.
• November–December 23 | Call Santa at Skoolie Thrift. Details.
• Tuesdays in November | Young Artists Collective. Details.