Dive deeper into stories about Olympia’s early Chinese immigrants and Chinatowns in a presentation by local historian Ed Echtle. Then, celebrate Olympia’s present-day Chinese and AANHPI communities in a presentation by Lin Crowley, TESC Chinese Language Teacher and Asian Pacific Islanders Coalition and Olympia Area Chinese Association member.

Presentations will be followed by an audience Q&A and time to explore the exhibit.

On Thursday, April 16th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Homes First will host Comedy for a Cause 2026 at the Swantown Inn Grand Victoria Ballroom in Olympia. The evening features nationally touring headliner Sam Miller, whose debut comedy album reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts, alongside performers El Sanchez and opener Aaron Riggs.

Be ready for a 50/50 raffle too!

Ticket proceeds support a $3,500 goal that will fund the relocation of a current Homes First tenant into a more accessible unit, simultaneously opening a home for another community member in need of stable housing.

VIP: $45 (early entry at 6:15 PM, preferred seating, one complimentary drink)

General Admission: $35 (beer, wine, and specialty cocktails available for purchase)

The Wizard of Oz on Ice is a stunning blend of storytelling, skating, and visual artistry that brings this timeless tale to life in a whole new way. The themes of friendship, courage, self-discovery, and the magic of home will continue to resonate with audiences, both young and old. As you watch Dorothy and her friends glide across the ice, remember that the journey they embark on is one that speaks to the heart, reminding us all that the answers we seek may already be within us.

We are kicking off Arts Walk Weekend in Olympia with a live Cabaret event at The Leaning Maple!

A Night of Food, Drinks, and Theatrical Musical Performances! 4/24 at 5:30pm

MISCAST! – Live Cabaret at The Leaning Maple in Downtown Olympia!

*Oxford dictionary definition:

/mis-kast • verb

Definition: assigning an unsuitable role to a particular actor

Description:

What would happen if a group of actors audition for a Cabaret Revue, but are terribly miscast?

Join the Signature Players at ‘The Leaning Maple’ on 4/24, for a hilarious musical trip through the resulting mix-ups!

Important:

Address is 111 Washington St NE Olympia WA 98501

Doors open at 5:30pm on Friday 4/24

All Proceeds go to support the performers and help grow the arts culture in Olympia, WA. Food and drinks are available but not covered by the ticket price.

Parking on the street and in the parking lot across from us is FREE after 5pm.

We look forward to seeing you there! It will be a night to remember!

Join us for a Wicked sing along! This is your chance to sing “Loathing” along with Glinda and Elphaba and belt out “Defying Gravity” with the rest of the audience! Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart. Local host Lauren O’Neill will be back to warm up the audience!

Olympia’s Paws 4 A Cause dog walk to fight cancer in people and pets is back for the fifth year in a row!

Cancer strikes indiscriminately. That’s why hundreds of people and their pets come together each year to support Paws 4 A Cause, an annual dog walk and cancer-fighting fundraiser, at Capitol Lake.
• What: 1.5-mile, canine-friendly walk to beat cancer + vendors, contests, silent auction and raffles
• When: 11 am – 3 pm on Saturday, May 2
• Where: Heritage Park/Capitol Lake, 701 Water St SW, Olympia, WA 98501

Harlan’s Homes for Hope, a Relay for Life Team dedicated to raising funds to find a cure for cancer, joined forces with Dr. Lisa Parshley, a local veterinary oncologist, to form Cancer Fighters, a local nonprofit public charity hosting the annual PAWS 4 A CAUSE dog walk five years ago.

The event has grown from a 200-person event raising $11,000 in 2022 to attract more than 500+ people in 2025, raising $23,000 to support the American Cancer Society and the Animal Cancer Foundation.

This year, KGY 95.3 and Olympia Subaru are teaming up to provide a live broadcast onsite. They join a list of more than 40 sponsors in the Thurston County area supporting the event.

The Animal Cancer Foundation funds comparative oncology research and unites pet and human research for a cure. The American Cancer Society funds critical cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient and family services.

Since the event kicked off in May 2022, it has raised $72,500 and the group aspires to raise $30,000 this year alone.

Register by April 11 to get t-shirts and swag bags.

Donation:
• $25/person, including t-shirt and swag bag
• $35/group of two (one t-shirt included, additional shirts available for purchase)

For more information: https://www.olypaws4acause.com/

Award-winning pianist and composer Marina Albero weaves a tapestry of sound that defies categorization, drawing from her rich multicultural background in Barcelona, Cuba, and Seattle. A musical polyglot fluent in jazz, flamenco, classical, and Latin traditions, Albero has captivated audiences worldwide with her innovative improvisational style and emotional depth. Her latest album “A Nomad of Sound” (2024) showcases her unique artistic voice alongside acclaimed musicians from New Orleans, building on her impressive collection of Golden Ear Awards and sold-out performances. Whether performing, teaching at Cornish College of the Arts, or curating innovative concert series, Marina creates musical experiences that are both intimately personal and universally moving.

The Wailin’ Jennys are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse — three distinct voices that together make an achingly perfect vocal sound. With their varying backgrounds, each of the Jennys is unique in their individual expression and together they have grown into one of today’s most beloved acts on the international folk-roots scene. The Jennys forge a unified folk-pop sound — all delivered with the irresistible vocal power of three. Their live performances never fail to impress and entertain with show-stopping harmonies, impressive instrumental prowess, breathtaking songs and, of course, witty stage banter.