October 20, 2026

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Percival Landing during high tide. Photo courtesy of the City of Olympia.

Flood Awareness Week: Don't Get Caught Off Guard!


Winter storms and king tides can bring flooding to downtown Olympia, making now the time to prepare! If you live, work, or own a business downtown, take a few minutes during Flood Awareness Week to know your risk and make a plan.

The City of Olympia and Thurston County Emergency Management have resources to help you stay safe before the water rises.


Mark your calendar for this year’s king tides. 

November 25-29 

December 24-30 

January 22-27 

February 21-23

Diagram of Olympia’s tides. Graphic courtesy of the City of Olympia.

Be flood ready:


A little preparation now can make a big difference when the next storm rolls in!

Have Your Say! Community Forum on November 7


What should Olympia's priorities be in 2027? Join the Council of Neighborhood Associations (CNA) for a community forum on Saturday, November 7, from 2–4 pm at Olympia City Hall.


Connect with neighbors, share ideas, and discuss what matters most to our community. CNA will gather feedback to share with the City and help guide future neighborhood advocacy. Light refreshments will be provided.


Learn more about the community forum.

A Little Halloween Mischief Is Afoot in Downtown Olympia!


Gather your little ghosts, goblins, and best-dressed beasts for LoveOly Downtown for Halloween! From now through October 31, hunt for costumed rubber duckies hidden in downtown shops and restaurants during our Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Collect stickers, explore local businesses, and enter to win gift card bundles from downtown favorites!

The fun continues on Halloween with free, family-friendly trick-or-treating from 3–6 pm and our frightfully cute Pet Costume Contest from 4–5 pm. Paws, claws, scales, and tails are all welcome, so start planning those costumes!


Visit our website for everything you need to join the fun, including the scavenger hunt map, a printable passport, and pet costume contest registration details. Don't wait until the witching hour to make your plans


Happy haunting, Olympia!

Discovery Speaker Series: Pacific Herring in the Nisqually Reach


Thursday, November 5 | 6:30–7:45 pm | Olympia Timberland Library


What do tiny Pacific herring have to do with salmon recovery and the health of Puget Sound? Find out at the Puget Sound Estuarium's Discovery Speaker Series!


Join the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Long Live the Kings to explore a collaborative research project guided by local and Indigenous knowledge. Learn about the important role these small fish play in our marine ecosystem and get your questions answered during a live Q&A.


Location: Olympia Timberland Library, 313 8th Ave SE.


Learn more here.

Let Bayview Thriftway make your Oktoberfest Meal!


Eat in-store or take the dinner home to enjoy or share with family or friends! No pre-order needed.

Chef Rachel teaches the Hands-On Patterned Pumpkin Roll Cakes class.


Spice Up Your Fall with Bayview School of Cooking!


Ready to try something new in the kitchen? The Fall 2026 class schedule at Bayview School of Cooking is here! Explore fresh Pacific Northwest flavors and cuisines from around the world, including Indian, French, Italian, and Asian favorites.


Looking for a special night out? Discover multi-course dining experiences featuring wine, beer, and cider pairings.


Learn more here.

Open House at The Edge on October 31


Celebrate Halloween at The Edge, Death Dancer's new community space, on Saturday, October 31, from noon to 6 pm!


Explore upcoming events and workshops, meet facilitators, participate in interactive art activities, and enjoy displays from Arts Walk artists. Visitors are invited to contribute photos of loved ones, including pets, to the ongoing Community Memorial Shrine.


Costumes are welcome!



Learn more about the Open House.

A Fang-tastic New Bookstore Opens Downtown!


Calling all lovers of the strange and supernatural! The Infernal Annex has opened at 100 4th Avenue E, bringing a delightfully dark new addition to Downtown Olympia.


Owned by Chelsia and Chris Boyer, featured above, this specialty bookstore offers everything from classic horror and gothic fiction to dark fantasy, manga, cozy horror, and spine-chilling gifts.


There's more than books brewing! The shop is building a community of horror enthusiasts through book clubs, author readings and signings, writing groups, craft nights, and more.


Read the ThurstonTalk feature and follow The Infernal Annex on Instagram for upcoming events including Stained Glass Bat, Classic Horror Book Club and Infernal Writing Critique Group.

Discover What Comes Alive After Dark at Zittel's Pier!


Ever wondered what happens beneath the water after sunset? Join Puget Sound Estuarium's naturalists for a nighttime adventure at Zittel's Marina! Explore the docks, discover fascinating marine creatures up close, and experience the estuary's hidden nightlife. Every visit brings something new to discover!


Upcoming Pier Peer events:


Bring your curiosity and discover a whole new world after dark!

Good Times on Tap at Well 80!


Looking for a little fun downtown? Well 80 Brewhouse has your weeknight plans covered! Test your knowledge at Trivia Tuesdays at 7 pm, enjoy Brewhouse BINGO Wednesdays at 6 pm featuring local businesses and organizations, or join the friendly competition of the Fall Cribbage League. Grab some friends, enjoy great food and locally brewed beer, and make a night of it!



Explore Well 80's Events Calendar

Other Events to Know About...

OCTOBER 2026

Oct. 23–Nov. 8 — A Spirited Manor, Oly Theater

Oct. 24 — Airbound Arts Halloween Aerial Show

Oct. 24 & 31 — Boo Bash!, Hands On Children’s Museum

Oct. 31 — LoveOly Downtown Trick-or-Treating, 3–6 pm

Oct. 31 — LoveOly Pet Costume Contest, 4 pm

Through Nov. 1 — Our Town, Harlequin Productions

Through Nov. 15 — Nocturnal, Childhood’s End Gallery

Through Nov. 30 — Arts Olympia Fall Show, Schwartz’s Bakery



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The deadline is Friday at 5 pm for inclusion in next week's newsletter.

📰 About this Newsletter



The News of the Week in Downtown Olympia is a newsletter created by the Olympia Downtown Alliance and is a summary of happenings downtown.


Preference is given to Olympia Downtown Alliance members. We do reserve the right to use our discretion on what we share.

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