Best events in
Olympia

With a walkable downtown core and a laid-back, creative vibe, there are plenty of events and things to do in Olympia, WA. The city's cultural life is anchored by historic venues like the Capitol Theater and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. A strong independent spirit, influenced by The Evergreen State College, supports a scene rich in experimental performances and community-driven arts.

Downtown Olympia's walkable streets make it easy to pair a show at Harlequin Productions with a drink at a local brewpub like Well 80 Brewhouse.
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts brings a diverse mix of touring Broadway shows, comedians, and musical acts to its stage.
The Olympia Farmers Market provides a year-round gathering place with live music, local artisans, and fresh produce.

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Keys of the Kingdom: Come, Let’s Go Up in Him | Women’s Conference

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM

ASHHO Cultural Community Center

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STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Eagle's Grand Ballroom and Wedding Venue

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Create Your Own Cloth Amulet or Intention Pouch

Sat, Oct 17 • 1:00 PM

Olympia Food Co-op Downtown Classroom

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Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

Sun, Oct 18 • 2:00 PM

Olympia Food Co-op Downtown Classroom

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The Nancy Bell Evans Concert Series Presents, "Jazz Fusion at the Mansion"

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

Washington State Executive Mansion 504 15th Ave SW Olympia WA 98501

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VELVET — “I’m Not Mad I’m Just Done” Release Party

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Nicole's Bar

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D&D One Shot with DM The Serg

Sun, Oct 25 • 3:30 PM

Cup of Swords Tavern

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Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Keys of the Kingdom: Come, Let’s Go Up in Him | Women’s Conference

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM

ASHHO Cultural Community Center

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STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Eagle's Grand Ballroom and Wedding Venue

Check ticket price on event

Create Your Own Cloth Amulet or Intention Pouch

Sat, Oct 17 • 1:00 PM

Olympia Food Co-op Downtown Classroom

Check ticket price on event

Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

Sun, Oct 18 • 2:00 PM

Olympia Food Co-op Downtown Classroom

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The Nancy Bell Evans Concert Series Presents, "Jazz Fusion at the Mansion"

Mon, Oct 19 • 6:00 PM

Washington State Executive Mansion 504 15th Ave SW Olympia WA 98501

Check ticket price on event

VELVET — “I’m Not Mad I’m Just Done” Release Party

Fri, Oct 23 • 7:00 PM

Nicole's Bar

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D&D One Shot with DM The Serg

Sun, Oct 25 • 3:30 PM

Cup of Swords Tavern

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Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Tomorrow • 12:00 AM CDT

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM PDT

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Tomorrow • 12:00 AM CDT

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Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM PDT

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A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT+1

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Food & Drink events

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Savory Irish Classics for Halloween

Sun, Oct 25 • 1:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Mini Swiss Roll Cake

Sat, Nov 7 • 2:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Razor Clam 101: From Sand to Table

Sun, Nov 15 • 2:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Savory Irish Classics for Halloween

Sun, Oct 25 • 1:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Mini Swiss Roll Cake

Sat, Nov 7 • 2:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Mon, Nov 9 • 5:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Razor Clam 101: From Sand to Table

Sun, Nov 15 • 2:00 PM

GRuB Farmhouse

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Performing & Visual Arts events

Killer Canvases Michael Myers

Thu, Oct 8 • 6:00 PM

La Patrona Kitchen and Bar

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"Mostly Jokes" | Aaron Foster | Stand Up Comedy

Thu, Oct 15 • 7:00 PM

Oly Theater

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STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Eagle's Grand Ballroom and Wedding Venue

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Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

Sun, Oct 18 • 2:00 PM

Olympia Food Co-op Downtown Classroom

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Paint and SIp Rumors Wine Bar

Sun, Oct 18 • 1:00 PM

Rumors Wine Bar

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SoundCore Exchange

Sat, Oct 24 • 4:30 PM + 2 more

Puget Sound Estuarium

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CryptMother-The Vampire Drag Ball

Fri, Oct 30 • 8:00 PM

Cryptatropa Bar

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Dungeons and Drag Queens Olympia: Critical Hit at The Crypt!

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 PM

The Crypt

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Killer Canvases Michael Myers

Thu, Oct 8 • 6:00 PM

La Patrona Kitchen and Bar

Check ticket price on event

"Mostly Jokes" | Aaron Foster | Stand Up Comedy

Thu, Oct 15 • 7:00 PM

Oly Theater

Check ticket price on event

STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM

Eagle's Grand Ballroom and Wedding Venue

Check ticket price on event

Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

Sun, Oct 18 • 2:00 PM

Olympia Food Co-op Downtown Classroom

Check ticket price on event

Paint and SIp Rumors Wine Bar

Sun, Oct 18 • 1:00 PM

Rumors Wine Bar

Check ticket price on event

SoundCore Exchange

Sat, Oct 24 • 4:30 PM + 2 more

Puget Sound Estuarium

Check ticket price on event

CryptMother-The Vampire Drag Ball

Fri, Oct 30 • 8:00 PM

Cryptatropa Bar

Check ticket price on event

Dungeons and Drag Queens Olympia: Critical Hit at The Crypt!

Sat, Nov 14 • 8:00 PM

The Crypt

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Frequently asked questions about Olympia

Where can I find live music events in Olympia?

The Capitol Theater is a great spot for live concerts in a historic downtown setting. This 1920s venue hosts a variety of musical acts in addition to its film programming. For a more casual experience, the Olympia Farmers Market features free live music on its main stage daily.

Which venues in Olympia host comedy shows?

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts hosts nationally recognized comedians on its main stage. For a mix of stand-up comedy and other performances, check the schedule at the historic Capitol Theater, which is operated by the Olympia Film Society.

What kind of art events happen in Olympia?

Olympia's signature art event is the biannual Arts Walk, which turns downtown into a gallery. Held each spring and fall, it features local artists and street performances. For theater, Harlequin Productions presents a full season of classic and contemporary plays.

Are there family-friendly things to do in Olympia?

The Hands On Children's Museum on the waterfront is a top destination for families. It offers interactive exhibits and hosts special events, including discounted admission evenings. The annual Olympia Harbor Days festival is another popular choice, celebrating maritime heritage with vintage tugboats.

What is the nightlife scene like in Olympia?

Olympia's nightlife is known for being laid-back and beer-centric, focused in its walkable downtown. Venues like The Brotherhood Lounge offer a relaxed atmosphere with pool and community events like the monthly StoryOly story slam. Many locals also enjoy visiting one of the city's many breweries.

How can I explore Olympia's food and drink scene through events?

The Tumwater Artesian Brewfest is a major annual summer event for craft beer enthusiasts. For a regular taste of local flavor, the Olympia Farmers Market features numerous food vendors and local producers. Many breweries like Well 80 Brewhouse also host their own gatherings.

Where are some free events in Olympia?

Exploring the biannual Arts Walk is a fantastic free activity, with art displays throughout downtown. Attending the Olympia Harbor Days festival along the waterfront is another great option. Additionally, catching the daily live music at the Olympia Farmers Market doesn't require an admission fee.

What are some good date night ideas in Olympia?

A classic Olympia date night could involve seeing a play at Harlequin Productions. Afterwards, the walkable downtown area offers plenty of options for a drink at a place like The Brotherhood Lounge or a local brewery. Independent films at the Capitol Theater also make for a great evening.

Popular in Olympia

Keys of the Kingdom: Come, Let’s Go Up in Him | Women’s Conference

STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Create Your Own Cloth Amulet or Intention Pouch

Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

The Nancy Bell Evans Concert Series Presents, "Jazz Fusion at the Mansion"

VELVET — “I’m Not Mad I’m Just Done” Release Party

D&D One Shot with DM The Serg

Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Keys of the Kingdom: Come, Let’s Go Up in Him | Women’s Conference

STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Create Your Own Cloth Amulet or Intention Pouch

Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

The Nancy Bell Evans Concert Series Presents, "Jazz Fusion at the Mansion"

VELVET — “I’m Not Mad I’m Just Done” Release Party

D&D One Shot with DM The Serg

Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Online Events

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Black Girl Book Fair! Spooky Edition

Ethically Shady: Navigating the Gray Areas of Interpreting

A Norman stitch-up? The story behind the Bayeux Tapestry

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Food & Drink events

Savory Irish Classics for Halloween

Mini Swiss Roll Cake

Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Razor Clam 101: From Sand to Table

Savory Irish Classics for Halloween

Mini Swiss Roll Cake

Classic Italian Holiday Dinner: Lasagna from Scratch

Razor Clam 101: From Sand to Table

Performing & Visual Arts events

Killer Canvases Michael Myers

"Mostly Jokes" | Aaron Foster | Stand Up Comedy

STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

Paint and SIp Rumors Wine Bar

SoundCore Exchange

CryptMother-The Vampire Drag Ball

Dungeons and Drag Queens Olympia: Critical Hit at The Crypt!

Killer Canvases Michael Myers

"Mostly Jokes" | Aaron Foster | Stand Up Comedy

STAND UP COMEDY - Lukas McCrary Live in Olympia

Introduction to Solvent Free, Non Toxic Oil Painting

Paint and SIp Rumors Wine Bar

SoundCore Exchange

CryptMother-The Vampire Drag Ball

Dungeons and Drag Queens Olympia: Critical Hit at The Crypt!

Points of Interest near Olympia

Where can I find live music events in Olympia?

Which venues in Olympia host comedy shows?

What kind of art events happen in Olympia?

Are there family-friendly things to do in Olympia?

What is the nightlife scene like in Olympia?

How can I explore Olympia's food and drink scene through events?

Where are some free events in Olympia?

What are some good date night ideas in Olympia?