May 5, 2026

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From left: Ryan DiCrescenzo, Jane Locke, and Pete Jonas, owners of Lolli Llama Candy Company in Downtown Olympia.

Member Spotlight: Lolli Llama Candy Company, Building a Legacy of Joy in Downtown Olympia

Visit Lolli Llama Candy Company in downtown Olympia and it’s hard to know where to look first. Maybe it’s the oversized jawbreakers, or the chocolate roses catching your eye from across the room. Maybe it’s the hand-made paper flowers and balloons overhead, hinting that this downtown Olympia candy store is about more than just what’s on the shelves.

“We want it to be more than just candy,” co-owner Ryan DiCrescenzo says. “We’re trying to create a tangible experience that turns into a memory.”

And that intention shows up in every colorful, carefully crafted detail.

Mural: Sabrina Cruz

Cinco de Mayo and Taco Tuesday fall on the same day this year, and Downtown Olympia is ready to celebrate!

Did you know Olympia has five fantastic Mexican restaurants right in the downtown core? Here’s where to go and what to expect:

Casa Catrina



11:30 am – 8:00 pm

FREE agua fresca with any entrée (until 8 pm), extended Happy Hour, Margaritas & cold beers flowing all day.

Dos Hermanos Mexican Kitchen



11 am - 8 pm

Enjoy festive vibes with special hours, delicious food, and margarita specials.

Rica Cocina



11 am - 9 pm

Rica Cocina offers a vibrant salsa bar and a wide menu of traditional Mexican recipes.

La Esquinita



11 am - 11 pm

Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine, DJ music, and festive specials on plates and margaritas!

Valentina's Lounge



2 pm - 10 pm

A unique menu featuring burritos, pupusas, Salvadorian enchiladas, and more. Don’t miss the vegetarian tacos, guacamole, chips, and salsa.

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Live Mariachi at Altitude 15!

Head over to Altitude 15 for live mariachi and even more Cinco de Mayo fun.



Click here for tickets.

Wander, Perform, Delight at Music in the Park 2026

Music in the Park returns for its 45th year this July, and the Olympia Downtown Alliance is looking to bring even more energy to the event with roving performers.

We’re especially excited to welcome jugglers, circus artists, magicians, and interactive entertainers who can move through the crowd and turn a night at the park into something unforgettable. These performances add a layer of play and connection that goes beyond the main stage, perfect for all ages.

If you or someone you know thrives on engaging with a crowd and creating a little magic on the move, we’d love to see you apply.

Apply by May 12, 2026

What: Music in the Park 2026

When: Wednesday evenings in July (July 8, 15, 22 & 29)

Where: Sylvester Park + finale at Port Plaza (July 29)

Downtown Olympia business owners + managers—you’re invited to LoveOly Business Connect, your monthly chance to meet the neighbors who get it.

Swap stories, spark ideas, and build the kind of connections that help our whole downtown thrive.

This month, we’re gathering at Beckham Suites by Boheme Studios—a beautifully designed space built for independent professionals and artists to grow on their own terms.

Mother’s Day Round Up: Check Out These Specials & Events From our Members!

Mother’s Day weekend is the perfect time to shop local, try something new, and treat Mom (or yourself!) to something special. From hands-on experiences to thoughtful gifts, Downtown Olympia is full of ways to celebrate:

Family Fun & Experiences

Make memories together at the Hands On Children's Museum—a perfect stop for families looking to play, explore, and celebrate.

Shopping & Special Deals

• Moon Child PNW – 20% off women’s and maternity clothing, May 9-10
• Belleza Ropa – 20% off sale on dresses, purses, and wallets, May 2–10
• Childhood’s End Gallery – Find unique gifts like kitchenware, journals, wall art, candles, soap, and garden art AND Special Mother’s Day weekend exhibit featuring original prints by Emily Carr
• Underhill Plants – (May 7–10): Build-A-Bouquet! Stop by during regular hours to create your own custom bouquet with fresh-cut blooms like roses, carnations, eucalyptus, and more. Multiple price points available—or name your budget and we’ll build to it! 
• Oly AHA – Handmade gifts by local artists, including Fern Tallos, Molly Wheat Baker, and Kraftie & Co. (Think floral and sea life cards, prints, stickers, oyster shell dishes, and ornaments)

Creative Activities

• Flipped Pot – Celebrate Mother’s Day with a hands-on Mom & Me Ceramics Workshop—a special afternoon to connect, create, and make meaningful keepsakes together. Perfect for moms, grandmothers, and families alike. May 10 from 2 to 4 pm.
• Arbutus Folk School – There's still time to grab a seat in these hands-on classes: “Intro to Bookbinding” and “Make Jewelry from Silverware.”
• Painted Plate – Mother’s Day Weekend Special (Friday–Sunday). Choose from $35, $45, or $55 packages—all include a piece to paint + a treat. Hours: Fri–Sat 11–11 | Sun 10–8 (Reservations highly recommended)

Relax & Treat Yourself

• Psychic Sister – Book a special reading with Ashana on Mother’s Day
• Ossa Skinworks – Save the date! Sunday, May 10 | 11 am –5 pm—celebrate Mom at Ossa with specials on permanent jewelry and the charm bar. Plus, book a timeless tintype portrait with Bill Purcell Photography. Gift certificates and luxe skincare/wellness goodies available, too!

Arts & Entertainment

• Catch a performance at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, featuring Center Salon and Swan Lake during Mother’s Day weekend.

South Sound Opening Day!

Boating season kicks off in style this weekend—and you’re invited to be part of the celebration.

The South Sound Opening Day Parade takes place on Saturday, May 9 at 12:30 pm, with the best views from Port Plaza or West Bay Park. Expect a festive lineup of boats, community spirit, and classic waterfront fun.

Before or after the parade, make your way to Percival Landing for the Wooden Boat Festival, a can’t-miss event filled with booths, displays, food vendors, and family-friendly activities along the shoreline.

Interested in getting out on the water yourself? Stop by the Olympia Yacht Club info booth during the festival to learn more about membership and how to get involved.

Click here to learn more.