shop, dine & explore downtown Olympia
Discover the charm of downtown Olympia, Washington, where historic streets lined with eclectic shops, diverse dining options, and cultural landmarks create a bustling urban hub. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene, savor local cuisine, and explore its rich history while strolling through the heart of this captivating capital.
what’s happening
Whether it is one our annual LoveOly events or a host of other fun, festive or cultural activities hosted by community members...there is always something going on downtown, Olympia!
january
21nov(nov 21)10:00 am11jan(jan 11)6:00 pmAnimal Dreams
Event Details
Event Details
Time
November 21 (Friday) 10:00 am - January 11 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Location
Childhood's End Gallery
222 4th Ave West
Organizer
Childhood's End Gallery
Representing over one hundred American artists and artisans working in oil, glass, ceramics, wood, metal, and more, we are pleased to provide an exceptional variety of choices for truly unique gifts, personal mementos, functional craft, and home decor.
09jan6:00 pm9:00 pmArtist Showcase Series at The Carpenter’s House
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Friday) 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Carpenter’s House
212 Legion Way SW
Organizer
09jan8:00 pm9:00 pmBlack Box Jazz: Randy Halberstadt
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Friday) 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
11jan4:30 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Workshop
Event Details
Samba Olywa kicks of a new year, and the 2026 Procession season, with a dance workshop presented by Donna DonnaMation Pongetti. All dancers, returning and
Event Details
Samba Olywa kicks of a new year, and the 2026 Procession season, with a dance workshop presented by Donna DonnaMation Pongetti. All dancers, returning and first-timers, are invited on Sunday, January 11, to this exciting Latin fusion workshop. Doors to Eagles Ballroom open at 4:30pm — plan to be in your place and ready to start promptly at 5. Tuition is $10 – 20, on a sliding scale. We are able to keep costs low, thanks to a grant from Inspire Olympia. Eagles is located at 4th & Plum Streets in downtown Olympia. Hope to see you there!
more
Time
(Sunday) 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Organizer
Samba Olywa
14jan6:00 pm8:00 pmNative American Storytelling
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Wednesday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Harbor House
217 Thurston Ave NW
Organizer
16jan7:30 pm8:30 pmStop Making Sense: Live Event Hosted by Jerry Harrison
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Friday) 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
17jan3:00 pm4:00 pm"It is Happiness" Fundraising Concert
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
United Churches of Olympia
110 11th Ave SE
Organizer
18jan5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
january 25, 2026 5:00 pmfebruary 1, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
24jan7:00 pm8:00 pmStories from the Warrior Society
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
25jan5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
february 1, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
26jan7:30 pm8:30 pmDirty Dancing in Concert
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Monday) 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
27jan5:30 pm6:45 pmParenting Class: The Magic of Meltdowns
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Tuesday) 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
Location
Hands on Children's Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Organizer
Hands on Children's Museum
31jan1:00 pm4:00 pmPaint A Tlingit Dance Paddle Workshop
Event Details
Join Us for the Tlingit Dance Paddle Painting Workshop with Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa (Bill Pfeifer, Jr.). This hands-on experience explores the artistry and cultural significance of
Event Details
Join Us for the Tlingit Dance Paddle Painting Workshop with Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa (Bill Pfeifer, Jr.). This hands-on experience explores the artistry and cultural significance of Tlingit ceremonial paddles (axáa), rooted in Southeast Alaska’s coastal communities.
**Paddle Size:** 24″ long, 4″ wide, 3/4″ thick
The Role of Paddles in Tlingit Culture: For the Tlingit, paddles symbolize connection, identity, and storytelling. Used in canoes for hunting and fishing, these paddles come in various shapes and sizes, crafted mainly from yellow cedar for its durability.
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Time
(Saturday) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Harbor House
217 Thurston Ave NW
31jan7:30 pm8:30 pmPink Martini
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
february
01feb5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Organizer
Samba Olywa
01feb7:00 pm8:00 pmInternational Guitar Night
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Sunday) 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
06feb6:00 pm8:00 pmFree Dental Screenings
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Friday) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Hands on Children's Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Organizer
Hands on Children's Museum
07feb2:00 pm4:00 pmFree Dental Screenings
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Hands on Children's Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Organizer
Hands on Children's Museum
08feb4:30 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Workshop
Event Details
Samba Olywa kicks of a new year, and the 2026 Procession season, with a dance workshop presented by Donna DonnaMation Pongetti. All dancers, returning and
Event Details
Samba Olywa kicks of a new year, and the 2026 Procession season, with a dance workshop presented by Donna DonnaMation Pongetti. All dancers, returning and first-timers, are invited on Sunday, January 11, to this exciting Latin fusion workshop. Doors to Eagles Ballroom open at 4:30pm — plan to be in your place and ready to start promptly at 5. Tuition is $10 – 20, on a sliding scale. We are able to keep costs low, thanks to a grant from Inspire Olympia. Eagles is located at 4th & Plum Streets in downtown Olympia. Hope to see you there!
more
Time
(Sunday) 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Organizer
Samba Olywa
14feb1:00 pm2:00 pmNot in This Lifetime
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location
Capital High School Performing Arts Center
2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia WA
14feb2:00 pm4:00 pmFree Dental Screenings
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Hands on Children's Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Organizer
Hands on Children's Museum
15feb2:00 pm3:00 pmSilent Movie: Love, Luck, and Laughter: A Buster Keaton Double Feature
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Sunday) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
15feb5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
february 22, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 1, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 8, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 15, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 22, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 29, 2026 5:00 pmapril 5, 2026 5:00 pmapril 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
21feb2:00 pm4:00 pmFree Dental Screenings
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Hands on Children's Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Organizer
Hands on Children's Museum
21feb6:00 pm7:00 pmNot in This Lifetime
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Capital High School Performing Arts Center
2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia WA
22feb5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
march 1, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 8, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 15, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 22, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 29, 2026 5:00 pmapril 5, 2026 5:00 pmapril 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
26feb7:30 pm8:30 pmComedy Underground
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Thursday) 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
27feb8:00 pm10:00 pmBlack Box Jazz: Francesco Crosara
Event Details
Francesco Crosara is a Seattle-based Italian-born jazz pianist & composer who is making a significant impact on the jazz scene with a passion for creating
Event Details
Francesco Crosara is a Seattle-based Italian-born jazz pianist & composer who is making a significant impact on the jazz scene with a passion for creating and sharing innovative and soulful music.
Time
(Friday) 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
28feb2:00 pm4:00 pmFree Dental Screenings
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
Hands on Children's Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Organizer
Hands on Children's Museum
march
01mar5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
march 8, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 15, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 22, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 29, 2026 5:00 pmapril 5, 2026 5:00 pmapril 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
03mar5:30 pm6:45 pmParenting Class: Imminent Adolescence
Event Details
Event Details
Time
(Tuesday) 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
Location
Hands on Children's Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE
Organizer
Hands on Children's Museum
07mar8:00 pm9:00 pmYesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience
Event Details
Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is not just another Beatles tribute show – it’s an unforgettable journey that places the audience in the
Event Details
Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is not just another Beatles tribute show – it’s an unforgettable journey that places the audience in the heart of the experience. Created by brothers Billy, Matthew and Ryan McGuigan, the show lets the audience choose the entire setlist. Before each performance, audience members fill out request cards with their favorite Beatles song and the reason behind their choice. Minutes before showtime, these cards are collected, and a unique setlist is crafted based on the audience’s selections.
more
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
08mar5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
march 15, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 22, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 29, 2026 5:00 pmapril 5, 2026 5:00 pmapril 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
14mar7:00 pm9:00 pmTILT! A Circus Thrill Ride
Event Details
Journey back to the 1980s and experience a high-flying homage to America’s iconic amusement parks. Bursting with acrobatics, aerial feats, juggling, and a dose of
Event Details
Journey back to the 1980s and experience a high-flying homage to America’s iconic amusement parks. Bursting with acrobatics, aerial feats, juggling, and a dose of nostalgic charm, this theatrical circus adventure brings the sights, sounds, and spirit of the era to life. At the heart of the spectacle is a marvel of man-powered engineering: a giant Ferris Wheel, surrounded by incredible mechanical creations that reimagine classic rides and games of the time. The story follows a weary amusement park worker, worn down by the grind and long disconnected from the joy around him. When he confiscates a guest’s boom box, a playful chase erupts—an exhilarating whirlwind of stunts, surprises, and laughter. By the end, the pursuit transforms into a touching moment of connection, proving that even in the unlikeliest of places, shared joy can bring us together. Recommended for ages 6+.
more
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
15mar5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
march 22, 2026 5:00 pmmarch 29, 2026 5:00 pmapril 5, 2026 5:00 pmapril 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
22mar5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
march 29, 2026 5:00 pmapril 5, 2026 5:00 pmapril 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
29mar5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
april 5, 2026 5:00 pmapril 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
april
05apr5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
april 12, 2026 5:00 pmapril 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
12apr5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Future Event Times in this Repeating Event Series
april 19, 2026 5:00 pm
Organizer
Samba Olywa
19apr5:00 pm7:00 pmSamba Olywa Practice
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to
Event Details
Samba Olywa meets most Sunday evenings from 5 to 7pm at the Eagles Hall on 4th Ave in Olympia. All are welcome to attend to learn to drum or dance to Samba and other Latin rhythms, no experience necessary. Small donation requested at the door but no one turned away for lack of funds. Samba Olywa is funded in part from a grant by Inspire Olympia. See our website for more information.
Time
(Sunday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Eagle's Ballroom
805 4th Ave E
Organizer
Samba Olywa
“I am lucky enough to be able to walk downtown to a job I enjoy and to my favorite shops and breweries – all surrounded by Olympia’s natural beauty and caring community.”
– Lyndsie M.
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