June 23, 2026

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Photo Courtesy of Capital City Pride

Celebrate 35 Years of Capital City Pride!

Olympia will come alive with celebration, community, and creativity as Capital City Pride marks its 35th Anniversary from June 26–28. This year's theme, "We Exist. We Persist.", features three days of free and ticketed events across downtown Olympia.

The weekend kicks off Friday with a lively Pride Block Party on Water Street, followed by Saturday's Music & Art Pride Fest at Port Plaza and Percival Landing, featuring three stages, more than 170 vendors, food trucks, local artists, community organizations, and live entertainment throughout the day. Sunday begins with the Pride Rally, Parade & March before continuing with Dyke Day in the Park at Heritage Park and wrapping up with the comedy showcase Queerly Hilarious.

Whether you're attending for the music, art, performances, community resources, or simply to celebrate together, Pride Weekend offers something for everyone. Join the festivities and help celebrate 35 years of pride, inclusion, and community in downtown Olympia!

Learn more here.

Olympia Pride Block Party Supports Local LGBTQ+ Youth

Downtown Olympia businesses are coming together Saturday and Sunday, June 27–28, for the Olympia Pride Block Party, a community-led celebration happening alongside Capital City Pride Weekend!

Organized by downtown businesses, this collaborative event invites visitors to explore participating shops, restaurants, and businesses throughout downtown while supporting two incredible local organizations: Pizza Klatch and Stonewall Youth. Throughout the weekend, you'll find Pride-themed specials, raffles, flash tattoos, art, giveaways, specialty drinks, and other activities, with many businesses collecting donations or contributing a portion of sales to benefit these local nonprofits.

Look for colorful chalk art outside participating businesses as you stroll downtown and experience the welcoming, inclusive spirit that makes Olympia unique.

Whether you're visiting for Capital City Pride or looking for a fun way to support local businesses and LGBTQ+ youth, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate community while giving back.

Learn more here.

Photos by Cayman Waughtel, taken at the USA vs. Australia match on Friday, June 19. Check out this mini recap video by Sky Bear Media here.

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Fun Continues Wednesday, Thursday & Friday!

What an incredible Friday night! June 19 was one for the books as fans packed the Port Plaza Fan Zone to watch USA vs. Australia.

The energy was electric, the crowd was incredible, and Team USA delivered! The community showed up in full force, bringing an unmatched spirit that made for an absolutely unforgettable atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who joined us to cheer on the red, white, and blue!

But the action is just getting started! Get ready for the next round of matches on June 24, 25, and 26. Don’t miss your chance to pack the plaza, connect with the community, and celebrate a summer of soccer! 

Canada vs. Switzerland

Wednesday, June 24

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

USA vs. Türkiye

Thursday, June 25

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Pride 🏳️‍🌈 Celebration

Spain vs. Uruguay & Egypt vs. Iran

Friday, June 26

5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

One of Only 26 in the State: Selfless Station at Port Plaza!

A huge thank you to Puget Sound Energy for graciously donating an official SeattleFWC26 Selfless Station that will soon become a fan favorite at the Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone! 

One of only 26 in the State, it will be at all Fan Zone events, where visitors can capture memorable photos and celebrate the excitement of soccer with friends and family.

Be sure to stop by the Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone and snap a selfie and tag @downtownolympia and we may feature you on our Instagram!

Make This a Summer of Reading at Timberland Library

Looking for free, family-friendly fun this summer? Timberland Regional Library's Summer Library Program is underway through August 31, offering exciting opportunities for readers of all ages—from babies to adults.

Sign up at your local Timberland library to receive a free book and a Summer Library Program Bingo card filled with fun reading, learning, and creative activities. Complete a row of bingo and return to the library to earn prizes, including a completion certificate and, while supplies last, free admission to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park or Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium for eligible youth, plus tickets to select Tacoma Rainiers games.



In addition to books, you'll find free events happening all summer at library branches and throughout the community. Whether you're discovering your next great read or attending a hands-on program, the library is a wonderful place to learn, create, and connect this summer.

Music in the Park Returns July 8 to Sylvester Park

Join us on July 8 at Sylvester Park for an evening of music, movement, and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of downtown Olympia.

Samba Olywa | 6 pm

Samba Olywa began in 1995 as a joyful musical addition to the Procession of the Species, Olympia’s annual celebration of the natural world through music, art, and dance. More than thirty years later, they are still bringing the community to life with bold costumes and lively rhythms. Bring your dancing shoes for this one!

Voices of the Sound | 6:20 pm

Voices of the Sound is Olympia's all-voices barbershop chorus, bringing the spirit of the South Sound to life through music. They celebrate harmony, friendship, and community while creating memorable performances and meaningful connections. Everyone is welcome, because great music begins when voices come together.

The American Legion Band | 7 pm

Did you know the oldest state-level American Legion Band in the USA is right here in Olympia? Celebrating over 100 years of music, this incredible 30-to-40-member volunteer band is hitting our stage to deliver a show packed with Broadway tunes, cinematic classics, and big band swing. Come support our local veterans and community musicians for a spectacular performance you won't want to miss!

Guests can expect food and vendor favorites such as Sofie’s Scoops, Lolli Llama Candy Company, and Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Cafe. We'll also have Hands on Children's Museum on site with activities for kids!

Don't miss the rest of this year's lineup!

Punk Power — July 15 (SYLVESTER PARK)

Downtown comes alive with the dance-punk energy of J. Graves, followed by Olympia surf-punk legends The Proffits.

6:00 PM – 6:45 PM | J. Graves

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | The Proffits

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

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.

Score & Explore: Downtown Olympia has officially kicked off! While you hunt for soccer balls hidden in participating businesses, be sure to score some incredible specials and promotions.

JUNE SPECIALS & PROMOTIONS FROM PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:

Restaurants & Dining

• Basilico Ristorante: Focaccia Tartufona - Our new focaccia sandwich with cooked Parma Ham, Mortadella, arugula, and truffle paste.
• Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar: June is geoduck month at Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar. Come in to taste this giant clam native to the PNW.
• Uptown Grill: Happy Hour 2–5pm Sunday–Thursday. Brunch 10am–1pm Sunday.
• Well80: Happy Hour 3pm–5pm.

Cafes, Coffee & Sweets

• Johnny Coffee: Summer’s here! POG Matcha, Horchata Cold Brew, and Raspberry Vietnamese Coffee—made with house-made flavors and crafted for slow mornings, warm afternoons, and everything between.
• Lolli Llama Candy Company: Say "FIFA Olympia" and receive 10% off our huge selection of cold drinks, ice cream, and candy!
• Rhythms Coffee: $5 Vanilla Bean Latte: House-made Madagascar Vanilla Bean Syrup, Choice of Whole Milk or Oat Milk.

Retail & Specialty Shops

• Noctua Emporium: FREE Tea on Tap every Sunday in June (Come early, only while supplies last)
• Olympia Bed Store: Come into the store and check out soccer-themed exclusives!
• Underhill Plants: Pride Sale June 24–28th! Also, workshops all month!

Check out this group from Senior Services for South Sound on a Score & Explore walking tour!

How to Play: Score & Explore

Experience the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ right on our waterfront at the Olympia–Lacey Fan Zone! We're bringing the beautiful game straight to our sidewalks with the Score & Explore Passport.

THE GAME PLAN: 

• Hunt for mini soccer balls hidden inside participating businesses.
• Collect passport stickers along the way.
• Redeem your passport and you'll take home an exclusive, limited-edition Fan Zone enamel pin! These are going fast, so don't delay—start playing today!

WHEN: June 1-30, 2026

HOW TO PLAY: 

Pick up a physical passport at any participating business, or print yours at home. You’ll also find a full map of participating businesses on the site so you can plan your attack strategy.

No yellow cards here! Just great local businesses, a limited-edition prize, and pure World Cup energy. Lace up your sneakers and join us downtown!

Creatures of the PNW Chalk Art Celebration

Get ready to transform the sidewalk into a vibrant outdoor art gallery! "Creatures of the Pacific Northwest" is a celebration where young artists get to bring Cascadia’s amazing wildlife to life in front of Orca Books Cooperative in Downtown Olympia. 

Hosted by Orca Books and supported by the Olympia Downtown Alliance, this playful, community-filled day is designed to get kids outside, creating, and celebrating our local PNW critters.

Raffle Prizes

The fun doesn't stop when the masterpiece is finished. Every artist aged 6 to 18 who completes their chalk art can enter to win one of three giant prize baskets! Each prize is bursting with incredible goodies and gift certificates from local Olympia businesses.

Community Booths

Keep the celebration going! We are thrilled to welcome the South Sound Reading Foundation and Western Wildlife Outreach, who will be joining us to hand out free books and fun, educational activities for the kids.



It’s the perfect way to kick off summer break, meet neighbor friends, and showcase your child's creativity. Space is limited, so grab your spot today!

Get Creative at The Carpenter's House

Looking for a fun way to get creative this summer? The Carpenter's House has something for every age! Families can enjoy a Family Paint Party on June 25, where participants ages 5 and up will create a colorful acrylic painting with step-by-step instruction.

Kids can explore their artistic side during Summer Classes, building and decorating birdhouses or toolboxes, or painting and planting their own ceramic pots. Adults can unwind at a relaxing Paint & Sip on July 11, featuring an easy-to-follow painting class perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. All supplies are provided—just bring your creativity!

Located in the heart of downtown Olympia, The Carpenter's House is a unique creative space where art is made, shared, and experienced. Part gallery, part workshop, and part community gathering place, it brings together artists, musicians, makers, and neighbors under one roof.

Other Events to Know About...

• Save the Date for Capital Lakefair, July 15 - 19
• 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.
• Capital Lakefair, July 15-19. 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.