What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, June 30
Capital City Pride Parade: Olympia’s Pride Parade will start at the Tivoli Fountain on the state Capitol Campus and continue north on Capitol Way toward Heritage Park. On the corner of Legion Way Southeast and Capitol Way Southwest will be Lucy ElleBalls emceeing the parade. The parade runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. For more Pride details, check out Capital City Pride’s website.
Shoestring Circus: Kids of all ages – and adults too – will enjoy the Shoestring Circus, a medieval fantasy spectacular full of human talent – no animals. The Bellingham-based troupe has raised their tent near the Swantown Marina off Marine Drive and Market Street, and is offering performances through July 7. Tickets are $32 for those 13 and older, $16 for kids, and $48 for front-row seats. Get tickets online on the Shoestring Circus website.
Wednesday, July 3
Welcome to Medicare Zoom Presentation: This 11 a.m. presentation is an introduction to options for new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Plans, Medicare Supplements, and programs available to limited-income beneficiaries. To get a link to register, email ThurstonMasonShiba.volunteers@southsoundseniors.org or call and leave a message at Senior Services SHIBA program at 360-586-6181 ext 134. A registration link will be sent to you.
Lacey Fireworks Spectacular: For over 50 years, Lacey has celebrated the holiday a day early with fireworks, food, live music, a Kid Zone and other fun. Join in the festivities from 4-11 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Rainier Vista Park, 5475 45th Ave. SE, Lacey. Admission and activities are free. Performances by the Vuelta La Luna Circus, disco band Brickhouse at 5 pm, and Mr. Pink’s top 40. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m.
Thursday, July 4
36th Annual Independence Day Parade in Tumwater: Begin your holiday celebration by watching the Independence Day Parade. This year’s theme is “Red, White & BOOM!” The parade begins at 11 a.m. and features a cars and trucks, marching bands, drill teams, big floats and sometimes even baby goats. The parade starts at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Lee Street and moves south on Capitol Boulevard to Israel Road. It turns west (right) onto Israel Road and continues past City Hall, ending up at the Linderson Way / Israel Road Intersection.
Tumwater Family Festival and Nisqually Red Wind Casino Fireworks Show: Bring the family down to the Tumwater Valley Golf Course Driving Range for Tumwater’s traditional 4th of July family festival. Festival gates and event parking open at 6 p.m. Event features music, food vendors, games, and more. New this year: The Wings Aerialists will perform their cirque-style show. The Thunder Valley Fireworks Show begins at 10:15 p.m. and is accompanied by music on site. Festival entry is free; event parking is $10 per car. Food on site for purchase. No alcohol, pets, or BBQs allowed. Please note: For safety and maintenance reasons, Pioneer Park will be closed all day on July 4.
Summerfest 2024 In Centralia: Summerfest in Centralia is back on July 4 with a Star Spangled Summer theme. Join the City of Centralia and the Centralia Downtown Association for a full day of family friendly fun to celebrate Independence Day. Kick off the day with a free 5K Fun Run hosted by the Run Amok Irish Running Club at 8 a.m. starting at Centralia College’s clock tower. Then head over for a pay-what-you-will pancake breakfast in the Trans Alta Commons, a Centralia Rotary fundraiser from 8-10 a.m. Centralia College’s Peters Field will host free field activities from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring an obstacle course, tees, bubbles, goal kicks and more. There will be a free event shuttle service provided by Lewis County Transit with event parking at the Fairway Shopping Center and overflow parking at the Lewis County Mall; shuttles will run every 20 minutes, stopping at the two parking locations as well as the Centralia Train Depot and George Washington Park from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with an additional stop on Pear Street by the Centralia College Trans Alta Commons from 7:30 a.m. to noon. From noon to 3:30 p.m. Cooks Hill Community Church will host free family friendly activities in George Washington Park, including a scavenger hunt, a chicken game, crafts and more. Music will be provided by KELA/KMNT from noon to 2 p.m. Food vendors will be at Pine Street Plaza from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with live music from local band BonzoBalm from noon to 3 p.m. and games hosted by the Centralia Downtown Association. The annual Summerfest parade begins at 4 p.m. Parade route map can be found at downtowncentralia.org. To round out the day, head to the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds for a demolition derby (tickets at the gate) and a free fireworks show at 10:30 p.m. (or when the derby ends if it goes later than the firework start time).
Saturday, July 6
Thurston County Furniture Bank: This nonprofit is open the first and third Saturdays of every month from 9 to noon at 2121 Log Cabin Road SE, Olympia. The Furniture Bank building is at the back of the parking lot. Donations of gently used furniture are accepted and those looking for furniture are welcomed. For more information, go to Furniture Bank of Thurston County — Olympia CRC webpage.
Artist Garage Sale: Find art and art supplies, fixtures, and other fun random stuff at this event hosted at Boom Studios, 2120 State Ave NE #121, Olympia. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Would you like to have your event included in our weekly What’s Happening listing? Email the details to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days before the event. Please put What’s Happening in the subject line.
