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July 2026

Happenings

Join us for Evening at the Falls, a Free Concert Series starting on July 11

We're excited to launch Evenings at the Falls, a new summer event series at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Presented by Friends of the Falls, the series brings together live music, local food and beverages, and the natural beauty of one of the South Sound’s most iconic destinations.

The first event in the Evenings at the Falls series will take place on Saturday, July 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

The July event will feature Erina, the musical project of Seattle-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jessie Branch. Blending dreamy melodies with heartfelt lyrics, Erina’s music reflects the mood and beauty of the Pacific Northwest while creating a memorable live experience.

Guests will enjoy live music overlooking the falls while gathering with friends and family in the park. La Esquinita will be onsite serving food for purchase, and Well 80 Brewhouse will host a beer garden featuring beverages available for purchase.

Evenings at the Falls also celebrates Friends of the Falls, the Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s membership program supporting the preservation, stewardship, and future of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. Membership support helps ensure the park remains a welcoming community resource while advancing new opportunities for education, preservation, and public enjoyment.

“Evenings at the Falls is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Brewery Park while connecting with friends, neighbors, and the broader community,” said Todd Cutts, Executive Director of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. “Whether you’re already a Friend of the Falls or discovering the park for the first time, we’re excited to bring people together through great music, local food and beverages, and a truly unique setting to enjoy all summer long.”

Additional Evenings at the Falls events are scheduled for:

Saturday, August 8 | 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, August 22 | 4:00 – 7:00 pm

Saturday, September 5 | 4:00 – 7:00 pm

“Olympia Boys: Heroes of Audenarde Battle” by Michael M. Wood

In 1916, the Triangle Film Corporation distributed this poster advertising its film “Our American Boys in the European War.” The film told the story of the American Ambulance Field Service. Young men from Olympia served in this unit—read their story at Number-8-April-2019.pdf, the April 2019 issue of the Thurston County Historical Journal.

We Love Thank You Notes from Kids

In May, 80 second-graders from Peter G. Schmidt Elementary visited the Schmidt House to enjoy our America250 display. The students later sent thank-you notes to us—here’s a sample. Thanks for the thanks, kids!

The town of Kunze, Nevada, lived one year. It drew its first lusty breath in 1905, thrived wildly and expired in abandonment, leaving a legacy to the world of 20 tons of copper.

Located on the east rim and near the summit of Black Mountain, Kunze faces Death Valley as it slowly reverts to the dust from which it sprang. Sage brush, rattlesnake furrows and hare prints have reclaimed Main Street. Scattered debris yet unburied by the driving winds poke through rippled sand like sinking ships. Crudely sculptured stone huts against the mountain, vestiges of habitation so far have defied the elements.

Our popular monthly history talks are taking a summer break, but they'll be back this fall!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 1, at noon, when historian Ira Kitmacher presents "Lincoln, Civil War, and the Pacific Northwest."

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was once offered the governorship of Oregon Territory? Join us to explore this fascinating connection between one of America's most iconic presidents and the Pacific Northwest.

For more information, contact Karen Johnson at 360-890-2299 or karen@olytumfoundation.org.