August 11, 2026

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Kelsye Nelson, owner of Kosmo Coworking in Downtown Olympia.

Member Spotlight: Kosmo Coworking, a Coworking Space in Downtown Olympia Designed with You in Mind

It’s easy to see why members describe Kosmo Coworking as their own clubhouse in the heart of downtown. Every corner invites curiosity, from the dramatic Raven Room conference space to the whimsical Vault Library, built inside the building’s original bank vault.

Kosmo offers 24/7 member access, complimentary coffee, tea and snacks, thoughtfully designed workstations, and even welcomes well-behaved four-legged coworkers.

Whether you’re a remote employee, entrepreneur, freelancer, creative, or student, Kosmo offers a shared workspace in Olympia that adapts to the way you work.

Explore Olympia’s Murals!

Downtown Olympia is home to more than 120 murals — and now there’s a new way to discover them. Join the Olympia Mural Map Launch on Thursday, September 17, from 5–7 pm for speakers, tips for using the new online map and opportunities to take a mural tour.

The celebration will take place at the Lurana Apartments parking lot behind OlyAHA, 215 Columbia St. NW, at State and Columbia in downtown Olympia.

Thursday, September 17 | 5–7 pm

Learn more and explore the map here.

Brushstrokes & Big Hearts: LoveOly Painters and the Power of Civic Spirit in Downtown Olympia

Speaking of murals…here's a new blog post written by beloved community member, Anna Schlecht, lead of LoveOly Painters and President of Rainbow Community Arts. 

This article is part of a new series called Alliance Committee Voices, an ongoing project highlighting stories from committee members of the Olympia Downtown Alliance.

"Never underestimate the power of a couple of volunteers with a little paint and a lot of community spirit, because that’s what has driven LoveOly Painters to help keep Downtown Olympia clean and vibrant, one paint job at a time.

Since becoming an Olympia Downtown Alliance program, LoveOly Painters have cleaned up nearly every alley wall and many storefronts. With many of our projects, we’ve gone beyond painting over tags to fully repainting buildings with a perfect color match. Just last year, we repainted over 27,000 square feet, which is the equivalent of a 28-story building façade."

LoveOly Business Connect at Batdorf & Bronson

Connect, caffeinate, and grow your downtown network at the next LoveOly Business Connect on Wednesday, August 12, from 5:15–6:30 pm at Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Cafe.

Enjoy light bites, wine, complimentary espresso drinks, a coffee-themed quiz, raffle prizes, and the chance to connect with downtown business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners.

Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Cafe

111 Market St. NE, Suite 102, Olympia

Advance registration is encouraged.

New Parking Meter Stickers: What You Need to Know

Parking Services is replacing parking meter stickers. The new stickers feature large lettering, clearly posted time limits, and an updated color scheme that’s accessible for people with color vision deficiencies. 

The stickers also include a new message encouraging people to only download mobile payment apps from their phone’s designated app store. Scammers often pay to ensure that their websites show up at the top of search engine results, causing people to give payment information to unsecured websites.

Parking Services Project Brings Resurfaced Lots Up to Current ADA Standards

In collaboration with the Parks Department, Parking Services had the Isthmus, Yashiro, and Simmons parking lots resurfaced. The project improved the condition of the lots, created clearer stall lines and markings, and brought the lots up to current ADA standards.

Young Artists Collective at Doodle Girls Creative Co.

Young artists are invited to spend the school year creating, exploring and growing at Doodle Girls Creative Co. The Young Artists Collective offers weekly classes in drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, color theory, famous artists and more, all while helping kids build confidence, creativity and artistic skills.

The program runs September 8, 2026–June 15, 2027, following the Olympia School District calendar. Each student will build a personal portfolio throughout the year, culminating in a professionally displayed end-of-year art exhibition celebrating their work and growth.

September–June

Location: 112 4th Ave SE, Olympia

Two Ways to Join the LoveOly Downtown for the Holidays Fun!

LoveOly WinterFest returns to downtown Olympia on Sunday, November 29, and applications are now open for both the Makers Market and the returning Jingle Bell Parade!

Become a Makers Market Vendor

Showcase your handmade goods to an anticipated 2,000 visitors and holiday shoppers during a festive day of shopping, entertainment and family fun. The market runs from 10 am – 4 pm, and the vendor fee is $150 upon acceptance.

Makers Market application is here. Applications are open until all vendor spaces are filled.

Join the Jingle Bell Parade

After seven years away, this beloved downtown tradition is back! Local businesses, cultural groups, dance crews, youth teams, musicians, community organizations and festively dressed pets are invited to help fill the streets with holiday cheer. The parade begins at 2 p.m. and concludes at Sylvester Park before the tree-lighting celebration.

Parade applications are due November 9.

LoveOly Microgrants: Small Projects, Big Impact

The LoveOly Microgrants program helps downtown businesses bring thoughtful, community-driven ideas to life in shared spaces. Rooted in placemaking, the program supports projects that make downtown Olympia feel more welcoming, accessible and uniquely ours.

We’ve updated the LoveOly Microgrants webpage to make it easier to explore the program, learn how it works and find application information. Interested in applying? Take a look now and check back on August 19 for the next LoveOly Microgrants application.

• August 19 – Applications Open
• Sept 14 – Applications Due
• Sept 21 – Selections Made & Applicants Notified
• Sept 28 to Nov 16 – Project Implementation 

Learn more here.

Joyful Artmaking at Olympia Timberland Library

Take a creative break at the Olympia Timberland Library on Monday, August 24, from 3–5 pm. Drop in to experiment with typewriters and art supplies, write a note to someone special at the Snail Mail Station, and contribute to a collaborative community art project inspired by favorite books and memorable animal encounters.

Other Events to Know About...

• Oly AHA Shaped By Water Maritime Walking Tour: Aug-Sept. Learn more.
• Olympia Art Gallery’s Freedom Art Exhibition. Learn more.
• Movies at the Marina: August 21 & September 5. Learn more.
• South Sound Block Party: August 28 - 29. Learn more.
• Harbor Days: Sept 4, 5, 6. More here.
• Homes First Fundraiser: September 16. Learn more.
• An Evening with Amy Tan: October 7. Learn more.