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Arts Walk Coming October 3 & 4 Mark your calendars for Friday, October 3 from 5-10PM, and Saturday, October 4 from 12-6PM, as Arts Walk lights up Downtown Olympia with a vibrant two-day celebration of community, culture, and the arts! *An earlier email had incorrect dates - these have been updated! This Fall, Arts Walk features an incredible lineup of artists, makers, and performers showcasing creativity in all forms. From exhibits and events to hands-on activities, more than 100 neighboring businesses become part of the experience, transforming downtown into a bustling hub of imagination and expression you won't want to miss! What to Expect: Over 100 artist exhibits and events to explore: Discover new and original works of art, attend artist receptions, live demonstrations, and participate in interactive opportunities. Live Performances: Enjoy music, dance, comedy, circus arts, and dramatic performances throughout downtown Olympia. Outdoor Features: A 6-block downtown street closure to create a pedestrian-friendly space where people can gather, celebrate, and engage in the Activity Area for hands-on all-ages activities - buskers welcome - or shop for unique, handcrafted items from the artist vendor booths at the Arts Market. Don't miss out! Add the Olympia 2025 Fall Arts Walk to your calendar now and take part in this incredible community celebration. Construction Kickoff Ceremony for the Olympia Armory This is a long-awaited milestone in the creation of a community-driven arts center. For more than three decades, community members have envisioned transforming the Armory into a hub for creativity, culture, and connection. With construction now beginning, we invite you to join us in celebrating the start of this exciting journey. The event will include: Opening remarks from Mayor Dontae Payne, City leadership and key stakeholders A ceremonial unveiling of the "Closed for Renovations" sign Recognition of supporters and partners who made this possible Light refreshments on the Armory lawn Your presence will help us celebrate the many hands and voices that brought us to this day, and we look forward to sharing in this historic moment with you! Thursday, September 25, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Olympia Armory, 515 Eastside St. SE Olympia Heritage Commission Presents: Historic Wood Window Workshop Learn how to preserve and care for historic wood windows. Ever looked at an old window and thought, "They just don't make 'em like they used to"? You're right - they don't. But you can help keep them alive. Don't trash that sash! Join us for a hands-on, fun-filled workshop where we'll: Demystify old wood windows Learn best practices for preservation & repair Get hands-on experience with guided practical training Understand why saving your original windows matters Whether you're a history buff, homeowner, DIYer, or just curious about sash weights and wavy glass - this workshop is for you! Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10am-4pm (Lunch not provided.) Lincoln Elementary School, 213 21st Ave SE Free to attend! Space is limited. Click HERE to register Visit olympiawa.gov/ohc for more information. Questions? Contact Brittany Gillia, at [email protected] or 360.790.3228 Lula Fest This free, family-friendly event welcomes all community members to enjoy live music performances, a custom car show, an artisan fair and more. The event is presented by Lula Fest LLC, The Washington State Latino Leadership Network, and Olympia Film Society - and sponsored by The City of Olympia. Saturday, September 27 from 1 to 9 pm Inside and outside of the Capitol Theater (206 5th Avenue SE). Learn more Hummingbird Mural Dedication Join us for a mural dedication on alley side of La Gitana to celebrate a community mural with Hummingbird Studio, Rainbow Arts Olympia and @sensitivepunkart. Supported by Inspire Olympia. 4 pm, Friday September 19th 518 Capitol Way South 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 Beginning Guitar, Oct 2-30 Intro to Improv, Oct 6-Nov 10 Sensory Friendly Creative Dance Class, Oct 7-Dec 2 Yes, You Can Play the Ukulele Part 2, Oct 8-Nov 5 Discover Voice Overs!, Oct 16 Ballroom Boot Camp: Swing, Waltz & Foxtrot for Beginners, Oct 17-Nov 21 Salsa, Cha-Cha, Rumba, and Tango, Oct 17-Nov 21 Americana Ukulele, Oct 25-Dec 6 Visual Arts, & Crafts Fused Glass Garden Art, Sep 20 Van Gogh on the Loose, Sep 22-Nov 3 Dotting (Dot Painting), Sep 27 Nature Photography Workshop, Sep 27
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Olympia Tree Hugging Fest 2025
Come celebrate our magical PNW trees at the 2025 Tree Hugging Fest! Listen to trees communicate through song--and change their tune when you hug them! Connect with yogis, storytellers, poets, and dancers as we come together in our tree-loving community!
- 12-2 Bird-nest building: Come see childrens' multimedia nest art and build a nest yourself!… Ancient Futures Pre-school
- 12-1 Vibrational Yoga to Songs of Trees, Kevin Mattison (Bring your yoga mat or blanket)
- 1-1:30 Tree stories: Listen to the words of poets & storytellers sharing heartfelt stories about trees and nature (Debe Edden, Beth Lembach, Tobey Ishii Anderson, Sandra Niman, Bowen Lee)
- 1:30-2 Dancing to the Music of Trees: Flow to the movement of inspirational dancers as they improvise to the music of the trees (Barefoot Collective, RADCO, Lauren Thompson, Community Dance and Tree Hug)
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Saturday, October 4, 12-2 pm
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Sylvester Park downtown Olympia
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Donations appreciated
A Christmas Carol Tickets Now On Sale
For five unforgettable seasons, Harlequin's A Christmas Carol has captured the hearts of audiences across the South Sound. Now, in our 5th anniversary production, we invite you to rediscover Dickens' timeless tale of hope, redemption, and the true spirit of the season. Whether it's your first visit or a return to a beloved tradition, this year promises to be the most memorable yet-with a reworked script, new characters, an updated set, new special effects, and all the warmth, music, and holiday magic you've come to cherish. Traditions evolve, and who knows what the future holds? Don't miss this milestone year of A Christmas Carol at Harlequin.
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Early Bird Discount! Until Nov 1, use code Carol30 for a 30% discount on General Admission tickets* Ticket link *All discounts (including Senior, Military, and Student discounts) are taken off of the General ticket price, and discounts do not stack. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively. Questions? Please contact our Box Office before completing your purchase.
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Learn more
Olympia Family Theater Open House
For an evening of updates, conversation, Q&A, and community!
There have been a lot of changes at OFT over the past six months, and we're working on re-establishing and strengthening connections with our arts community partners. With that in mind, we're hosting an Open House!
Come meet, mingle, and learn more about what's next at Olympia Family Theater! We're opening our doors to artists, administrators, and community members for an evening of connection and conversation. Hear updates from OFT, ask questions, and network with others in our vibrant theater community. Our team will share updates, listen, and exchange ideas!
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Saturday, September 20, 6pm
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Olympia Family Theater, 612 4th Ave E
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Learn more
Your Future, Your Way: LGBTQ+ Life & Legacy Planning
Estate planning is for everybody, no matter your age or how much money you have.
Join attorney Susan Kirkpatrick to learn how to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored.
We will cover:
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Why you need a will & power of attorney (even without assets, children, or a legal spouse)
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Granting legal rights to your partner or chosen family to make decisions on your behalf when you're unable to do so
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Documenting wishes for meaningful items like journals, photos, art, or family keepsakes
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Naming legal guardians for children (if applicable)
A presentation will be followed by a Q&A, so bring your questions for our expert speaker. This session is intended for the LGBTQ+ community, but allies are welcome.
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Monday, September 22, 4pm-5:30pm
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@ Olympia Timberland Library
Schmidt House History Talks Return on October 2!
After our summer hiatus, monthly History Talks are back, beginning in October. Join us each month for a free hour-long talk on social or natural history, each presented by a recognized expert. All talks will be at noon on the first Thursday of the month. Doors open at 11:30. First-come, first-served until we reach capacity.
October 2: New Land: Southeast Asian Refugees Finding Home in Washington
Ed Echtle, oral historian for Legacy Washington, will talk about his recent book New Land, which he co-authored with John Hughes. The book is a collection of conversations with Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian refugees who resettled in Washington after Governor Dan Evans opened Washington's door, giving the refugees a new land and a new home. Join us to hear these inspiring stories.
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Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater
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Noon, Thursday, October 2, 2025
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Free! Donations are gratefully accepted.
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Doors open at 11:30.
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For more information, contact Karen Johnson at 360-890-2299 or [email protected]
Restoring Earth Connection to host a panel on How To Make Your Home More Energy Efficient: Save Money and Carbon!
Experts in their fields will talk about the benefits of a home energy audit, insulation, weatherization, double pane windows, heat pump or solar panels…where to begin? You cannot do it all but they will help you figure out where to focus your efforts, and explain how some of these things work. There are many federal tax credits to help you do this that all expire at the end of the year. After hearing the panel, you will have a chance to talk in small groups to help you figure out your own strategy for how you will reduce your carbon foot print. We are building a community of resilience and we are meeting in person and building relationships with folks of like mind!
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Thursday, October 2, 6:30-8:30pm
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Traditions (Soul Café) at 300 5th Ave SW downtown Olympia.
SAVE THE DATE- Artist Garage Sale!
Items for sale will include: art, crafting materials, art supplies, printed tin/sheet metal, manakins, fabric/textiles, frames, framing materials, collage materials, antique dolls, sewing machines and more!
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Sunday, September 21st from 10am-4pm
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114 Sherman St NW Olympia
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Participating artists: Jean Mandeberg, Lucy Gentry, Kathy Gore Fuss and Becky Frehse
Tabletop Game Industry Meetup
This is a space for illustrators, game designers, publishers, retailers, educators, policy makers, and anyone interested in the Tabletop Game Industry from hobbyist to professional.
Come bring your games, prototypes, portfolios, and use this space to connect with others in the game industry, enjoy snacks, and of course play games!
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Every first Wednesday, 6-9pm
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The Mystic Game Shop, 211 4th Ave E, Olympia
"The Land Remembers" at TCMoFA
"The Land Remembers" tells the story of the relationship between Indigenous communities and the land and the ongoing work of rematriation and the Land Back movement. It celebrates how the land holds memory-both of our ancestors and of ourselves-and how these stories are very much still alive within the landscape we walk on and within ourselves. This exhibition is a love story of the land, of our community, of the deep respect we hold for everyone reconnecting with the land in whatever way they can.
The exhibition is curated by Mikaela Shafer (Hopi), a mother, artist, and community builder based in Olympia, Washington. Her work explores memory, healing, and cultural reconnection. Recognized for her evocative mixed media paintings that highlight generational healing, which have garnered awards from Santa Fe Indian Market, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, and Artist Trust. Mikaela leads initiatives to support Indigenous storytelling and artistic expression and is currently the Lead Storyteller for yəhaw̓ Indigenous Creatives Collective.
"The Land Remembers" aims to evoke reverence, remembrance, and collective responsibility. The narratives shared through this exhibition serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing work of indigenous people to preserve, care for, and tell stories of the land.
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Opening on October 3rd from 5-10 pm at TCMoFA, 120 Olympia Ave NE. The exhibit will be on view during Olympia Arts Walk on October 3-4 and on selected dates through November 22nd.
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Learn more
Newsletter Roundup
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The night everyone's still talking about - at ASHHO
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Pink Martini returns! Silent Movie Series and more coming to the Center!
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Emerald City Music September Newsletter: A Northwest Premiere Long Overdue
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News of the Week in Downtown Olympia!
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Artist Trust Newsletter | September 2025
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ArtsWA News - Back to School Special!
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Earth/Sea ending this weekend at Childhood's End Gallery
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Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Snapshot - September 2025
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Olympia Symphony Orchestra Music that moves you - don't miss IGNITE
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4Culture Public Art Calls for Artists + September 2025
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.
Washington Lawyers for the Arts & The CCB Meet & Get to know the Copyright Claims Board
The September 30th webinar is for creators who want to explore the wide array of resources provided by the Copyright Claims Board (CCB) and the Copyright Office, all designed to support and enhance your work. The session will cover fundamental aspects of copyright law. You'll gain a clear understanding of CCB's principles and applications, and be guided through the various tools and services available through the CCB and the Copyright Office, such as searching online copyright records, and where to find educational videos and materials. You'll have a better understanding of how to navigate copyright-related issues and leverage these resources to protect and advance your creative and legal endeavors.
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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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