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September 2026

Happenings

Final Evenings at the Falls of the Season

There’s no better way to close out summer than with music, stories, great food and an evening at the Falls. 

Join the Olympia Tumwater Foundation for the final Friends of the Falls: Evenings at the Falls of the season, featuring musician Vince Brown and storyteller Elizabeth Lord. Together, they’ll bring an entertaining mix of live music and storytelling to one of our region’s most beautiful settings.

Come early, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and settle in for an easygoing evening with food from Jean Pierre’s Three16, a beer garden hosted by Well 80 Brewhouse, and the sights and sounds of Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.

Saturday, September 5

4–7 pm

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

Free admission. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Oly Billboard Art Featured in BLAG Magazine

Sam Roberts of Great Britain contacted us some time ago about an article he was writing on Olympia Beer’s billboard art from the 1930s through the 1950s. Sam publishes BLAG, billed as “the world’s only magazine dedicated to sign painting craft, community and culture.”

We were happy to help, sharing images of Oly’s hand-painted billboard designs—known as “bulletins” in England. Sam also drew on the brochure we created for our Olympia Beer billboard art exhibitions in 2017 and 2019.

Why Are Our Bigleaf Maples Dying?

Late this month and into October, our native deciduous trees will begin putting on their autumn show of gold, orange and red as they prepare for winter. A big part of that colorful display comes from the thousands of bigleaf maples (Acer macrophyllum) that grow throughout our region. North America’s tallest native maple, these impressive trees are known for their enormous leaves and clusters of winged seeds, and they provide food, shelolymolysdfsdfter and beauty for wildlife and people alike.

But why are some bigleaf maples turning yellow and brown well before autumn arrives? Research points to heat and drought as major contributors. A few years ago, Oregon freelance writer Ian Rose explored the issue for Earth Island Journal, looking at what scientists were learning about the decline of Washington’s bigleaf maples.

Photo: bigleaf maple (credit: Chris Light via Wikimedia Commons)

History Talks: Lincoln, the Civil War and the Pacific Northwest

Join the Olympia Tumwater Foundation for History Talks on Thursday, October 1, at noon, featuring author and historian Ira Wesley Kitmacher presenting Lincoln, Civil War, and the Pacific Northwest.

Discover how Abraham Lincoln influenced a region he never visited—and how the Pacific Northwest helped shape the Union he fought to preserve. Kitmacher will explore Confederate ambitions in the West, Lincoln’s response through military strategy and political appointments, and the region’s surprising role in the Civil War era.

Kitmacher is an author, historian, former Georgetown graduate professor and retired senior federal executive whose work focuses on American and European history and folklore.

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

Olympia Tumwater Foundation's Early Learning grant committee includes Gail Dickerman, Sherry O’Connor, Judy Fondaw, Judy Harold, Laurel Seaman and Joan Halverstadt.

The Olympia Tumwater Foundation’s Early Learning Grants open September 1, offering support for local teachers and classrooms serving our youngest learners.

Last year, the Foundation received a record 42 proposals and awarded $12,000 to 22 teachers and classrooms, helping fund creative projects, hands-on learning and meaningful early learning experiences.

Educators are encouraged to learn more and apply for the 2026 grant cycle.

Click here for the grant application.

Celebrate everything Tumwater Falls brings to our community at Falls Fest, happening Saturday, September 26, from 10 am–4 pm at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.

Presented by the City of Tumwater and Olympia Tumwater Foundation, with cooperation from The Copper Wolf Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery, this family-friendly day will feature local musicians, children’s activities, demonstrations, local artists and food vendors. Be sure to make time for a walk along the scenic half-mile loop trail, with views of the Deschutes River, cascading waterfalls, quiet pools and the Old Brew Tower.

Forest Stage sponsored by Peak Credit Union.

Save the date and join us for a full day of community, creativity and celebration at the Falls!