Join us at Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation for some great classes!
To register or for more information, please click the link after each class, call 360-753-8380 or stop by to see us at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia.
Performing Arts & Dance
K-pop Dance, Aug 22
Beginning Line Dance Class, Sep 11-Oct 2
Ukulele Campfire Songs, Sep 12-Oct 10
K-pop Dance, Sep 12
Creative Contemporary Dance, Sep 14-Nov 2
Discover Voice Overs!, Sep 14
RakasaFit Core Fitness Belly Dance, Sep 14-Oct 26
Intermediate/Advanced Belly Dance, Sep 14-Oct 26
Short-Form Improv, Sep 15-Oct 20
Americana Ukulele, Sep 16-Oct 14
Beginning Guitar, Sep 24-Oct 22
Sensory Friendly Creative Dance Class, Sep 28-Nov 16
Sensory Friendly Toddler Dance, Sep 29-Nov 17
Sensory Friendly Creative Dance Class, Sep 29-Nov 17
Intro to Theatre, Sep 29-Dec 15
Visual Arts, & Crafts
Art Journaling, Aug 22
Casting Colorful Glass Fish Workshop, Aug 22
Beginning Drawing, Sep 8-Oct 13
Simple Book Making, Sep 8-29
Pen, Brush & Ink Drawing, Sep 9-29
Life Drawing, Sep 9-23
Color Your Canvas Painting - Meet me in Capri, Sep 10
Intermediate Watercolor, Sep 10-Oct 15
The Art of Seeing: Beginning Drawing, Sep 10-Oct 1
Beginning Watercolor, Sep 11-Oct 16
Shibori, Sep 12
Painting People and Faces, Sep 12-Oct 17
Creative Watercolor Sketchbook, Sep 14
Art For Kids Multimedia Art, Sep 19-Nov 14
Watercolor Experiments, Sep 19
Dotting (Dot Painting), Sep 26
Glorious Autumn Glass Leaf Workshop, Sep 26
ART BOOKS: My Illustrated Life, Sep 28-Oct 19
Help Shape Olympia's Next Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan
The City of Olympia is kicking off work on the 2028-2034 Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan, and community input will help shape what comes next.
Updated every six years, the plan guides the phased development and enhancement of Olympia's park system, recreation facilities and arts programs. Over the coming months, the City will assess current needs, look at progress since the 2022 Plan, identify priorities for future investments and connect this work with the goals and policies in Olympia 2045.
The first step is hearing from you.
Take our community survey to tell us about your experiences visiting Olympia parks and participating in arts and recreation programs. We want to know what draws you to our parks and programs, what gets in the way, and what we could change to make your experiences better.
The survey is open through September 30, but there will be ongoing opportunities to stay involved as the plan develops. At the end of the survey, you can also let us know if you'd like to participate in future conversations about Olympia's parks, arts and recreation.
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Poetry Open Mic with the Olympia Poetry Network
At Endless Sound Cellars in the 222 Market
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Saturday, August 15th 6:45pm - 8:45pm
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Free to participate
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Sign ups start at 6:30pm for 5-minute slots
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Winner of Poetry competition gets a free bottle of wine!
Olympia Poetry Network
August all open mic
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Wednesday, August 19, 2026 6:00-7:30 pm
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Traditions,The Gathering Place, 5th & Water Street, downtown Olympia
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Open mic Signup starts 5:30pm
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3 minute slots w/ possible 2nd round subscribers
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Poetry books for sale
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Soul Café open for refreshments
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All are welcome.
True Stories of Our Town, Olympia, Washington
Four tellers from the South Sound Story Guild will tell four different histories of our town, Olympia, Washington. Pioneer history of Sylvester's Park, Michael T. Simmons, George Bush, and Daniel Bigelow; a young boy's ride on the Underground Railroad; a child's view of the 4th of July, 1899; and the hard life of Japanese oyster farmers in the early 1900's.
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Wednesday, September 2, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm,
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Traditions Cafe, 300 5th Ave SW.
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At 7:00 we open Story Swap, where the audience members are invited to tell a story, personal or folktale, about 8 minutes in length, or just to sit back, relax, and listen to entertaining storytelling.
Historic Tugboat Parthia Makes Her Move to a Permanent Home in Olympia
A major milestone is ahead for Parthia, the historic 1906 tugboat that was rescued and restored after sinking in Hood Canal in 2017. On Tuesday, August 18, Parthia will leave the Port of Olympia's Swantown Boatworks and make her way to her new permanent home at the north end of Washington Avenue, next to the Olympia Farmers Market.
The public is invited to come watch this historic move in person. Public viewing areas will be set up across Market Street from the new site, providing a safe place to observe the activity from a distance. Volunteers will also be on hand to share more about Parthia and the preservation project. The lift onto the truck trailer and preparations to leave the boatyard are expected between 8:30-9:30 a.m., with arrival at the new site anticipated around 10:00 a.m. All times are estimates and subject to change as the move progresses.
While Parthia's move is an exciting step forward, the work is not finished. Additional funding is still needed to construct the protective roof and pavilion that will help shelter Parthia from fall and winter storms and preserve this important piece of South Sound maritime history for generations to come.
Come witness the move, celebrate this milestone, and help Raise the Roof for Parthia.
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Tuesday, August 18, arrival on Market Street,10am. This time is an estimate and subject to change.
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Learn more and support the campaign at MaritimeOly.org
SPSCC's Kraken Studios Opens Dolby Atmos Mixing Facility for Community Use
Kraken Studios at the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Lacey Campus is excited to launch a new Dolby Atmos mixing facility, bringing world-class audio technology to the South Sound. The cutting-edge facility is one of very few community-accessible Dolby Atmos spaces in the country, offering creators unprecedented access to professional-level sound mixing, recording, and engineering tools.
The Dolby Atmos facility supports creators working across all forms of sound production. Creators can work independently, bring their own engineer, or collaborate with one of the studio's local professionals. Production opportunities can support: filmmakers and video creators mixing sound for short films, features, documentaries, or digital content; musicians and composers working in stereo or immersive formats; voice artists and producers recording voice-overs, audiobooks, podcasts, vocals, or spoken-word projects; and solo instrumentalists capturing high-quality, isolated tracks.
To celebrate the opening, Kraken Studios will host an Open House from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29. Community members are invited to tour the facility, experience Dolby Atmos sound demonstrations, explore available production and recording spaces, get hands-on with rental equipment, meet audio engineer Thomas Pell and other industry professionals, and learn about Kraken Studios' workshops, classes, and services that support creators through every stage of media production from planning and funding to filming, editing, and distribution.
This facility is part of Kraken Studios' larger creative ecosystem that includes film equipment rentals, workshops, and access to working media professionals. Together, these resources strengthen the South Sound's film and media community, support local creators at every stage of development, and contribute to a sustainable creative economy. Kraken Studios' facilities, equipment, workshops, and services are available to the broader community as well as SPSCC students.
The Mexico City Experiment House Concert
The Experiment Series began in June 2001 with The Philadelphia Experiment featuring Questlove, Christian McBride, and Uri Caine. Widely known as a hallmark in progressive jazz, The Philadelphia Experiment set a standard for artist-controlled improvisation in the studio. The Detroit Experiment followed soon after. 2007 saw the release of The Harlem Experiment with a diverse cast including Steven Bernstein, Carlos Alomar, Don Byron, Taj Mahal, Olu Dara, Queen Esther, and Steve Berrios. In 2021 Ropeadope re-issued The Philadelphia Experiment on vinyl. 2022 brought The Chicago Experiment.
The Mexico City Experiment is the latest in this series. Produced in 2023, the group was originally a sextet. A trio will be coming to my house, including producer/guitarist Todd Clouser, producer/bass, jarana Jeronimo Gonzalez, and drummer Jorge Servin.
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Thursday, August 20th
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Doors open at 7pm, with a downbeat of 7:30.
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I'll have the basket at the door for $25 per person.
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Here's a clip
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Let me know you're coming and I'll send you my address. It should be an interesting evening! - Mary Griffin
Explore Japan: A Japanese Culture Day
Japanese arts & crafts, games and more! Discover the beauty and traditions of Japan through fun, hands-on activities for all ages!
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Tuesday, August 25, 11am-1pm
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Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St SE
Murder and a Show II - The Premiere
with Lucy Elle Balls and Capital City Pride
Murder and a Show is back for more and we can't wait to celebrate Halloween with you the best way Lucy knows how. A classic Murder Mystery with classic drag and classic cocktails! Join Lucy and crew at Wild Child on Friday October 30th at 6pm for an interactive Dinner Theater you don't want to miss. You can expect actors setting scenes, dropping clues and partaking in all the shenanigans available!
StoryOly Grand Slam
This is the culminating event of StoryOly, the season finale!
Every month (Nov- Aug) people gather and listen to personal stories, true stories from life, told by their fellow community members at the monthly StoryOly Storytelling Slam. At each storytelling slam (contest) a winner is chosen based on their excellent storytelling skills. Now - those selected monthly winners will compete with each other for the StoryOly Grand Slam Title! And a sizeable Cash Prize!
Hosted by local storyteller Elizabeth Lord. Three local celebrity judges will choose the Grand Slam Champion. This year's judges are former Olympia mayor Cheryl Selby, Oly Arts publisher/actor John Serembe, and Window Seat Media folklorist/oral historian Elaine Vradenburgh. Live music opens and closes the night with Moon Scooter (A local four-piece funk combo). Cash Only bar upstairs provided by Olympia Film Society.
If you are a fan of The Moth Radio Show this is the event for you! The best of the Olympia best will tell stories this night! Join Us!
Monday at the Eagles -- Sway Cool
SwayCool is a group of seasoned Pacific Northwest musicians who love bringing jazz standards to life, along with the irresistible rhythms of bossa nova, samba, and other Latin beats. Rooted in the great music of the twentieth century, Sway Cool celebrates the masters who inspire them - sharing timeless songs with heart, groove, and a whole lot of joy. If you like Antonio Carlos Jobim, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis and Luiz Bonfá, you'll love Sway Cool.
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Monday, August 17th, 7 - 9:30pm
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The Eagles Social Club, 4th and Plum
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$15 - $35 suggested
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All ages welcome until 9pm
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The Eagles Social Club welcomes Eagles members and their guests. Be our guest for the evening.
Greetings from The Olympia Peace Choir
We would like to announce the first events of our 2026-27 Choral Season. We offer the second of two free vocal workshops.
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Monday, August 17, 2026, 7-8 pm. The Joys of Singing Together. In this follow up to the previous workshop, we'll explore basic ensemble technique and the many ways that singing together is good for you.
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Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard Road SE, Olympia.
We would also like to announce the beginning of our choir season with two free open rehearsals. Come give The Olympia Peace Choir a try! These open "welcome" rehearsals are an opportunity for any singer of any ability to "try us on"!
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Monday, September 14, 2026, 7-9 pm.
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Monday, September 21, 2026, 7-9 pm.
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Both at Westminster Presbyterian Church 1925 Boulevard Rd. SE, Olympia
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Learn more
Public Guided Museum Tours at Oly AHA
Join a museum curator for an in-depth exploration of the Olympia AHA Museum! Share a meaningful visit with fellow visitors and community members as your guide connects exhibitions with the people and places that shaped our region. Current exhibits explore Olympia's murals, how water has shaped the area, and historical stories of our neighborhood and the greater South Puget Sound.
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Tickets are $10 per person. All proceeds support the Olympia AHA Museum & Visitor Center.
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Purchase tickets.
Shaped by Water: A Maritime History Walking Tour + Port of Olympia Marine Terminal (on some dates)
Begin your journey at the Olympia AHA Museum "It's the Water" exhibit, then explore Olympia's rich maritime history and working waterfront. Sites include the Canoe Journey Mural, Percival Landing, Oyster Shelters, the 4th Avenue Bridge, Harbor House, the Parthia tugboat, Olympia Cannon Company, Olympia Sand and Gravel, and the Port of Olympia.
Tour Dates:
**Friday, Aug. 21 at 10am
Saturday, Aug. 22 at 10am
**Friday, Aug. 28 at 10am
Saturday, Aug. 29 at 10am
Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10am
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Tours are less than 1.5 hours and under two miles on flat terrain.
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Tickets are $12 per person: Purchase Tickets. All Oly AHA Members receive 2 complimentary tickets-learn more.
**Friday tours feature an abbreviated version of the above content, plus an extended experience at Port of Olympia, including a behind-the-scenes tour inside the Port of Olympia Marine Terminal. Photo ID Required for ages 17+
Newsletter Roundup
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Auditions for - The Luna Sisters of Element
Olympia Family Theater
We are excited to announce auditions for the first play in our 20th season, the world premiere of The Luna Sisters of Element, a brand new play by O. Salazar de Breaux and Katherine Trahan! Written as a prequel to Salazar de Breaux's novel Sisters of Element, this story weaves together Mexican American culture, magical realism, humor, heart, and adventure in a story about resilience and discovering the strength that has been within us all along. Running October 16-Nov 1.
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Audition Dates:
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Sunday August 23, 2026 from 2pm-4pm OR
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Monday August 24, 2026 from 6pm-8pm
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612 4th Ave E, Olympia WA 98501. Across the street from City Hall
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For More Information visit olyft.org/auditions/
Auditions are for 6 roles. We can't wait to meet performers who are excited to help bring this magical new story to life and be part of a world premiere production!
You do not need to bring anything with you or prepare anything in advance, we will have sides to read at the audition.
Job Opening at Olympia Family Theater
Olympia Family Theater (OFT) is a nonprofit community theater dedicated to enriching the lives of young people and families through theater, performance, education, and creative expression. We believe the arts have the power to build empathy, confidence, connection, and belonging. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a collaborative cohort to help strengthen the financial and organizational sustainability of our theater.
Position Summary:
The Development & Finance Manager plays a key role in the long term health of Olympia Family Theater by supporting both the organization's financial operations and its fundraising efforts. This position combines financial administration, development, and organizational support, helping ensure that OFT has the resources and systems needed to fulfill its mission. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, proactive, collaborative, and excited to contribute to a community centered arts organization.
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Job posted: Friday, Aug 7, 2026
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Job closes: Saturday, Aug 22, 2026
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Please email cover letter and resume to: [email protected]
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Learn more
4Culture Public Art Calls for Artists + August 2026
Each month we send out artist calls managed by 4Culture, as well as a selection of calls submitted to us by organizations around the world. Visit our website to see all open calls, grants, jobs, and other opportunities.
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NEW: South Sound Studio Tour Volunteer Opportunities
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The South Sound Studio Tour is looking for Board Members. Send a resume and short statement of interest to [email protected] to apply.
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The South Sound Studio Tour is looking for volunteers. Fill in the Volunteer Interest Form to help with the 2027 Studio Tour, artist opportunities, and related events.
Museum & Visitor Center Front Desk Docent
The Olympia Arts & Heritage Alliance is seeking volunteers to support the OlyAHA! Museum & Visitor Center. Volunteering at the Olympia AHA Museum is a chance to learn and share Olympia's stories, to build connections in the community, to gain museum and customer service experience, and to be a part of something local, vital and lasting. Our volunteers are the face of the Olympia AHA Museum. They greet guests, share stories, and connect visitors to the best of Olympia.
As a volunteer you will:
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Welcome and assist visitors
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Interpret exhibitions
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Sell merchandise
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Help visitors to discover Olympia's arts, heritage, and cultures
We're looking for committed volunteers who are enthusiastic about Olympia's arts, cultures and history.
Our volunteer team is:
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Friendly, welcoming, and professional
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Comfortable learning point-of-sale and scheduling tools
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Reliable, cooperative, and ready to assist visitors
Volunteer Experience:
Volunteers work in pairs at our front desk for three- or four-hour shifts. Volunteers can expect seasonal appreciation events and ongoing learning opportunities!
Learn more and complete a Volunteer Interest Form at www.olyaha.org/volunteer.
Volunteer at the Thurston County Museum of Fine Arts
TCMoFA is currently looking for volunteers to help support our organization in upcoming programming. The museum is a volunteer operated project run on the passion, commitment, and enthusiasm of local artists and arts organizers. We are seeking volunteers for front desk shifts and flyering in Olympia. To apply visit our website tcmofa.org
Olympia Historical Society
If you have an interest in local history, please consider becoming a volunteer with the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum. We have a variety of roles to fill, including tour guides for the museum's Sunday afternoon open hours (1:00pm-4:00pm), groundskeeping at monthly Saturday morning work parties, and committee work for our Education, Bigelow House Operations, and Events (annual historic homes tour and spring fundraiser) committees.
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The ARCH Digest is a summary of Arts, Culture and History happenings in the greater Olympia area, submitted by the community. Please turn in ArCH Digest listings to [email protected].
Deadline Monday morning, 8 a.m.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive the City of Olympia Arts & Culture news, which includes a weekly ArCH Digest, direct them here and have them mark the Arts & Culture box.
Disclaimer: Information in the Arts Digest is not vetted through the City, nor is it endorsed by the City. The reader is solely responsible for checking background on any opportunity listed above.
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Contact
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager
Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
360.709.2678
[email protected]
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