September 1, 2026

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Help Get Downtown Arts Walk Ready

Fall is right around the corner, and with Arts Walk coming October 2–3, it’s the perfect time to give downtown Olympia a little extra care.

Join the LoveOly Fall Cleanup on Saturday, September 26, from 9–11 am. Volunteers will meet at the event check-in behind Legends Arcade before heading out to tackle trash and cigarette butt pickup, rake leaves, spruce up sidewalks and assist with targeted graffiti removal.

It’s an easy way to spend a couple of hours making a visible difference in the heart of our community—and helping downtown shine for Arts Walk.

Sign up for the volunteer list here and help us get downtown Arts Walk ready!

Fall Arts Walk Returns October 2–3

Downtown Olympia comes alive with creativity during Fall Arts Walk, October 2–3, 2026. More than 100 venues will showcase visual, performing and literary arts, with everything from painting, ceramics and photography to live music, dance, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities and special exhibitions.

The celebration spills into the streets around Washington Street and 5th Avenue, where visitors can enjoy free activity booths, pop-up performances and games from 5–10 pm Friday and noon–6 pm Saturday. Participating venue hours may vary.

Make a night, or a whole weekend, out of exploring downtown, discovering local artists and enjoying one of Olympia’s favorite community traditions.

You Are Here: Exploring Olympia at the Olympia AHA Museum

How well do you know downtown Olympia? At the Olympia AHA Museum and Visitor Center, maps, murals, artifacts and local stories offer a new way to see the people, places and influences that have shaped our community.

From Olympia’s waterfront history to new exhibits exploring The Evergreen State College’s impact on the city, AHA invites visitors to discover the layers of history and creativity all around us.

Click here to read the full story to learn more about the museum, its newest exhibits and how AHA is helping visitors and locals alike see Olympia through a new lens.

Lula Fest Brings Art, Music and Community to Downtown Olympia

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Lula Fest 2026, a free arts and culture celebration happening Saturday, September 26, from 1–9 pm at the Capitol Theater, 206 5th Ave.

Lula Fest will feature a car show, vendors, an art exhibition and live music, including performances by Mona and Latin Drums, AKA, DJ Muñeca and DJ Kalambre.

Colectiva Cocuyá is the Lula Fest 2026 Cultural Impact Award recipient for projects centering the Latinx community. The accompanying exhibit, “Chicanx & Latinx Posters: Art, Identity, and Resistance in the PNW and Beyond,” features a selection of works from the Evergreen State College Chicano/Latino Archive.

Join us for LoveOly Business Connect at Olympia Family Theater

Join fellow downtown business owners and community partners for the next LoveOly Business Connect on Wednesday, September 9, from 5:15–6:30 pm at Olympia Family Theater, 612 4th Ave E.

Olympia Family Theater is excited to open its doors and welcome the downtown business community into its corner of Olympia’s arts scene. Take a peek around the theater, grab some snacks and drinks, try a theater activity, make a little art, win a prize and meet the theater kitty, MOO!



Whether you’re already part of the LoveOly business community or joining for the first time, this is a chance to connect with fellow local businesses, get to know OFT a little better (and each other!) and have some fun along the way.

LoveOly Microgrants Open Now!

Have an idea that could make downtown Olympia more welcoming, vibrant or uniquely ours? The LoveOly Microgrants program helps downtown businesses bring thoughtful, community-driven placemaking ideas to life in shared spaces.

Here are the dates to know:

• August 19 – Applications Open
• September 14 – Applications Due
• September 21 – Selections Made & Applicants Notified
• September 28–November 16 – Project Implementation

Have an idea in mind? Apply today!

Jinglebell Parade Featured in ThurstonTalk! Now Accepting Parade Entries Through November 9

After a seven-year absence, the beloved LoveOly Jinglebell Parade is returning to Downtown Olympia on Sunday, November 29, 2026, as part of Downtown for the Holidays, a month-long celebration of the holiday season.

For years, the Jinglebell Parade helped usher in the holidays in Olympia, bringing neighbors, families, and friends together for an afternoon of music, lights, creativity, and hometown magic. The Olympia Downtown Alliance is proud to bring the tradition back with a renewed focus on creating a joyful, vibrant, and inclusive celebration that reflects the creativity and heart of the Olympia community.

The 2026 parade invites local businesses, schools, nonprofits, community organizations, families, performers, and civic groups to join in. Community members can participate in a multitude of ways to help make the day special.

Register your entry in the parade here.

LoveOly Halloween Pet Costume Contest is Back!

Join the event, whether your pet is rocking a hilarious outfit, a terrifyingly cute monster look, or purely adorable autumn attire.

Paws, claws, and costumes welcome—come show off your spirit and celebrate Halloween in Downtown Olympia!

Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2026petcostumecontest

The pet costume contest is part of our larger LoveOly Downtown for Halloween event! Enjoy other activities throughout LoveOly Downtown for Halloween:

• 2-week Downtown Scavenger Hunt: October 17–31
• Family Trick-or-Treating: 3–6 pm on October 31 (at participating downtown businesses!)



Other Events to Know About...

• Oly AHA Shaped By Water Maritime Walking Tour: Sept 11-12. Learn more.
• Movies at the Marina: September 5. Learn more.
• Harbor Days: Sept 4, 5, 6. More here.
• Homes First Fundraiser: September 16. Learn more.
• OMB Annual Tour of Homes: September 19 & 20. Learn more.
• LoveOly Fall Cleanup: September 26. Volunteer.
• Lula Fest 2026: September 26. Learn more.
• An Evening with Amy Tan: October 7. Learn more.