What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Jan. 19
The Aluminum Show: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is hosting this unique show that brings music, artists and aluminum together on stage in a combination of visual theater, dance, and humor. This is the story of one man’s incredible journey to a parallel universe — a futuristic planet made entirely of aluminum. Aluminum pipes come to life before the audience’s eyes, transforming into imaginary, mysterious, and playful characters. The show is suitable for all ages and languages. Tickets are $39 to $74. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 20
New Life Baptist Church honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: New Life Baptist Church is again hosting a Countywide Community Celebration and Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring Dr. Leslie D. Braxton as its keynote speaker. All are welcome at this afternoon of reflection, unity, and motivation designed as a community connection and a call to continue the transformative work that Dr. King advocated. The event runs from 1-3 p.m. at the church at 7838 Pacific Ave. SE in Lacey. A reception will follow.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Gardening with Native Plants: Are you interested in incorporating more native plants into your landscape? The Thurston Conservation District and GRuB will host a workshop at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Olympia Timberland Library to explore popular native plants and discuss the plethora of benefits they provide pollinators, wildlife, and the ecosystem as a whole. Learn planting techniques and styles, delve into native plant care, and understand how to choose the right plant for your landscape. The event is free; the library is at 313 Eighth Ave. SE, Olympia.
Environment, Climate, and the 2025 State Legislative Session: The Sierra Club’s Washington State Chapter has invited its legislative lobbyist Craig Engelking to give his perspective on all things environmental during the 2025 Washington State Legislative Session and to talk about the club’s legislative priorities. The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at The Olympia Center, Room 100, 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia.
StoryOly on “Triumph”: Olympia’s monthly live storytelling competition provides a change to share or listen to true, personal stories based on a new theme each month. Three audience volunteers judge storytellers on their storytelling prowess, with winners earning a cash prize and a place in the September 2025 Grand Slam. The event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Brotherhood Lounge, 119 Capitol Way N, Olympia. Admission is a suggested donation of $10–$20, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Arrive early to grab a seat. Open to ages 21+.
Friday, Jan. 24
Pigeon Pit hometown record release show and benefit for Free Radio Olympia: Country/punk maximalists Pigeon Pit, a nationally touring 6-piece band, are excited to release their new single “Bronco” from their upcoming album Crazy Arms out Jan. 17 on Ernest Jenning Record Co. On the single the band’s frontwoman Lomes Oleander says, “Bronco is about being psycho ... about being dragged all over the place by the things that haunt us, by all the pieces of us we can’t control.” The record release show — a benefit for Free Radio Olympia that also features Ragana, fish narc and Physique — starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Capitol Theater, 202 Fifth Ave. E, Olympia; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $18.25 in advance and for Olympia Film Society members, or $23.25 at the door.
Pier Peer At Boston Harbor Marina: Join the Puget Sound Estuarium in exploring the estuary from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the Boston Harbor Marina, 312 73rd Ave. NE. See all neat animals that live on local docks, and view those that live deep below with the Estuarium’s underwater remotely operated vehicle. Admission is $18 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and younger. Register online in advance.
Olympia Family Theater’s The Giver: This theatrical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s classic novel will run Jan. 24 through Feb. 9, at the downtown theater, 612 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny. This play is recommended for those 10 and older. Get tickets now at OlyFT.org
Saturday, Jan. 25
TCMedia Kids Benefit Concert with Harmonica Pocket: Kids and families are invited to TCMedia Studio A at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, for a benefit concert featuring the music of Harmonica Pocket, as well as activities, snacks, and fun. There are door prizes for kids with no purchase necessary, and raffle items with proceeds to benefit All Kids Win and their work ensuring hunger never gets in the way of local student success. Admission is pay what you can, but register in advance at TCMedia.org; ticket proceeds support TCMedia’s ongoing media education and community programming services.
Would you like to have your event included in our weekly What’s Happening calendar? Email the details to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days before the event. Please put What’s Happening in the subject line.
