May 19, 2026

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Outside The Leaning Maple, a gluten-free breakfast and lunch spot in Downtown Olympia.

Member Spotlight: The Leaning Maple, A Friendly Gluten-Free Restaurant & Event Space in Downtown Olympia

The Leaning Maple is welcoming in a way that feels thoughtful and sincere, the kind of place where a smile makes everything feel familiar, even on your very first visit.

If you arrive on a Friday or over the weekend, that welcome is often set to music. You’ll likely be greeted by the soft notes of a live pianist playing a century-old instrument, the sound weaving easily through the room while cafe string lights cast a golden glow overhead. Between the music and the scent of fresh coffee and waffles rising from the kitchen, there’s a quiet, steady confidence here that tells you everything is thoughtfully made and consistently good.

But, the thriving restaurant you see today wasn’t the original plan.

The story of The Leaning Maple didn’t begin with a restaurant concept. It started with a completely different vision: a wellness center. But the moment owner Becky Slosson, a licensed mental health counselor, stepped into the space, something clicked.

The Score & Explore Passport puts a World Cup twist on the beloved Shop & Dine experience, turning Downtown Olympia into a summertime scavenger hunt during the excitement of the FIFA World Cup!

Participants can visit local businesses, hunt for hidden mini soccer balls, collect passport stickers, and explore downtown along the way.

Participants who complete their passport will earn a special edition Fan Zone enamel pin while supplies last.

Start the Hunt

Pick up your passport at a participating shop and start your hunt for hidden mini soccer balls, located in downtown businesses.



Find a Ball, Earn Sticker

Let an employee know where you've spotted the ball, and they'll place a sticker on your passport. One sticker per passport.



Score Big!

Complete your passport with 6 stickers and redeem it for a special enamel pin. While supplies last!

Match Schedule

The Fakers Return with a Night of Completely Improvised Comedy

Get ready for a night where absolutely anything can happen. The Fakers are back on stage Saturday, May 30, at Olympia Family Theater with an evening of fast-paced, fully improvised comedy inspired by audience suggestions, unexpected twists, and split-second decisions.

No scripts. No safety net. Just pure improv chaos.

The show begins at 7 p.m. at Olympia Family Theater, 612 4th Ave E in downtown Olympia. Tickets are $5–15 and available at thefakersimprov.com or at the door.

Side effects may include uncontrollable laughter and spontaneous joy.

Business Connect: Education & Retention Forum

The Olympia Downtown Alliance has announced a special edition of the LoveOly Business Connect series: the Business Education & Retention Forum, scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• For All Stages: Connect and learn, whether established or just starting out.
• Micro-Sessions: High-impact, 20-minute educational blocks.
• Focused Networking: 40 minutes of intentional connection with topic-focused vendors.
• Flexible Sessions: Choose between a morning or afternoon option to fit your schedule.

Morning session: 10:00am - Noon | Afternoon session: 3:00pm - 5:00pm

This high-impact event is free to attend and aims to bring together downtown business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and community partners to share resources, address local challenges, and strengthen the foundation of the regional economy. RSVP below!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Rainbow Bingo!

Get ready for a colorful night of fun, laughter, music, prizes, and a little sass at Rainbow Bingo on Saturday, June 6 from 6–10 pm at the Olympia Senior Center. Hosted by Senior Services for South Sound and starring the fabulous Elizabeth Lord, this is definitely not your grandma’s bingo… unless your grandma loves glitter and a good time.

Senior Services is looking for volunteers to help make the evening a success by greeting guests, selling bingo packets and raffle tickets, serving hot dogs, and helping spread joy throughout the night.

Olympia Senior Center, 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia