June 16, 2026

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FIFA World Cup 2026™ Comes to Olympia's Waterfront!

Get ready, Thurston County! The Olympia–Lacey Fan Zone is bringing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to downtown Olympia.

Join fellow fans at Port Plaza on Olympia's scenic waterfront for live match screenings, local food and vendor experiences, interactive activities, and a festive community atmosphere during select FIFA World Cup 2026™ match days.

Don't miss the featured USA vs. Australia watch party at Port Plaza, located at 701 Columbia Street NW in Olympia. General admission is $10, children 12 and under are free, and VIP tickets are available for $75.

USA vs. Australia

Friday, June 19

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Buy Tickets Here

featuring entertainment from

Queen Mother (Queen Tribute),

MC Mark Alford and DJ SaveOne

Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or simply looking for a fun community event, the Olympia–Lacey Fan Zone is the place to celebrate the world's biggest sporting event right here in our region.

One of Only 26 in the State: Selfless Station Heading to 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’s currently on display at the Thurston County Atrium, the Selfless Station will be moved to Port Plaza ahead of our first Fan Zone event on June 19, 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!

Explore Olympia's Minus Tides This Week

This week brings the lowest tides of 2026 to Puget Sound, offering a rare opportunity to explore Olympia's shoreline like never before. During these extreme low tides—often called minus tides—water levels drop below average sea level, revealing fascinating marine life, tide pools, and beach habitats that are normally hidden beneath the surface.



Whether you're an avid beachcomber, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique outdoor adventure, now is the perfect time to discover the wonders of the Salish Sea. Remember to tread lightly, leave marine life undisturbed, and enjoy this seasonal glimpse into Olympia's underwater world.

Celebrating 45 Years: Music in the Park Returns to Downtown Olympia This July

The Olympia Downtown Alliance announces the return of Music in the Park as the beloved summer series celebrates its 45th anniversary.

Held over four Wednesdays in July, this year’s free concert series features local and touring acts spanning samba, community chorus, surf punk, indie folk, Americana, and pop-infused soul.

Whether you’re dancing in the park, singing with friends, or enjoying food from a local vendor, Music in the Park remains one of downtown Olympia’s favorite summer traditions.

2026 Concert Schedule

Olympia Family Fun Night — July 8 (SYLVESTER PARK)

The season opens with a celebration of community featuring the lively rhythms of Samba Olywa, the harmonies of Voices of the Sound, and the historic American Legion Band, which has entertained Olympia audiences for more than a century.

6:00 PM – 6:20 PM | Samba Olywa

6:20 PM – 6:45 PM | Voices of the Sound

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | American Legion Band

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

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and takeout from downtown restaurants. Food vendors are still being finalized, but guests can expect favorites such as Sofie’s Scoops, Lolli Llama Candy Company, and Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Cafe.

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!

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! 

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!

The Big Top is Coming to Olympia!

One of the South Sound's most anticipated summer attractions returns as Shoestring Circus brings its all-new, all-ages production to Olympia under the Big Top Tent at Swantown Marina.

Featuring world-class circus artists, breathtaking acrobatics, aerial performances, original storytelling, and a whimsical dreamland-inspired theme, this unforgettable experience has become a summer tradition—and it sells out every year.

Performances run June 19–28 at 650 Marine Dr. NE, with multiple showtimes available throughout the week. Ticket prices range from $17–$55 and are available exclusively through Shoestring Circus.



Whether you're planning a family outing, date night, or adventure with friends, don't miss your chance to experience the magic, wonder, and excitement of the circus right here in Olympia.

Exclusive Pop-Up Event: Meet the Shoestring Circus Stars on June 18!

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the world of circus arts when performers from Shoestring Circus visit the Hands On Children's Museum on Thursday, June 18, from 4:00–4:45 pm.

Based in Bellingham, Shoestring Circus is an artist-owned traveling big-top circus featuring incredible acrobatics, aerial performances, and theatrical storytelling. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet circus performers, learn about life under the big top, and discover the skills and creativity that bring these spectacular shows to life.

This special event is sponsored by the Port of Olympia and takes place at the Hands On Children's Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE in downtown Olympia. Perfect for curious kids, aspiring performers, and circus fans of all ages!

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!

Discover Olympia's History Through a Guided Tour

Join a museum curator for an in-depth exploration of the Olympia AHA Museum! Share a meaningful visit with fellow visitors and community members as your guide connects exhibitions with the people and places that shaped our region.

Public guided tours are offered the third Friday of every month at 10am. These events are open to the public. Walk-ins welcome on a space-available basis.

Tickets are $10 per person. All proceeds support the Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center.

Other Events to Know About...

• Save the Date for Capital City Pride! Learn more.
• Harlequin Productions presents Million Dollar Quartet, June 19-July 26. Learn more.
• Capital Lakefair, July 15-19. Learn more.