Good morning, Olympia.

The Olympia Outboard Club, started in 1950 by seven local families, celebrates 75 years of boating and community history on Puget Sound.

The club offers 150 feet of seasonal docks and RV camping spaces and hosts events for veterans, first responders, and families—continuing its long tradition of shared boating fun.

Olympia Distilling Co. won second place at the Bartender Spirits Awards for its Kelsey Gold Gin—which is infused with saffron and honors co-owner Kelsey Buchanan’s legacy—and the gin supports Kelsey’s New Beginnings nonprofit by donating five dollars from each sale as the company plans to expand its retail reach. The award and the product’s story add a personal note to their business success.

Officers in Tumwater apprehended an 18-year-old suspect after he fled on foot following a high-speed chase that caused multiple crashes—one crash left a driver critically injured and airlifted—and he now faces charges for DUI, vehicular assault, hit-and-run and possession of a stolen car while investigations continue into a related carjacking.

The Olympia City Council approved 10 new traffic box wrap designs that will turn traffic boxes on sidewalks and corners into public art following a public vote (1,439 votes were cast for 90 proposals).

The approved designs will be installed in late summer (the final review occurred on June 12).

South Puget Sound Community College’s updated proposal for an NCAA soccer field was returned to the Olympia Site Plan Review Committee on July 16th with a revised design that adds a small practice field, refines bleacher placement, and provides ADA parking.

The committee waived further land use reviews—moving the project to the engineering permit stage—while city planners called for clear documentation on environmental measures.

The Olympia City Council reviewed a Workers' Bill of Rights proposal that would set a $20 minimum wage and add new protections for workers in businesses of different sizes, and will decide on July 22 whether to adopt it or let voters decide in November (the initiative met valid signature requirements from a union petition).

At a meeting on July 14, Port of Olympia staff said they planned to upgrade their ERP system by replacing the 1998 Microsoft Dynamics SL with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central using Advaiya — an Indian-based firm with an office in Bellevue.

They will ask the commission to approve a contract in two weeks and, if approved, implement the new system over 48 weeks with an initial cost of $179,316 and an annual fee of $44,816.

Kaitie Wade Concert at Urraco Coffee Co

6-12 p.m. — Urraco Coffee Co — Entry TBA — Enjoy a night of pop-country tunes from Seattle's own Kaitie Wade as she showcases her artistry.

The Rookery Apartments Open House

Explore Tumwater's premier Net Zero luxury apartment community and be among the first to reserve one of the six available units at The Rookery. The address is 6504 Capitol Blvd SE, Tumwater, WA. Just follow the signs to find the entrance off Z Street!

Beatles vs Stones - A Musical Showdown

7:30-9 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ultimate musical clash between two legendary bands in a lively performance.

17th Annual Olympia Pub Crawl

3-8 p.m. — Nicole's Bar — $25 until August 1st, $30 day of event — A fun walking tour of local pubs supporting childhood cancer research and family support.

Dream Create: A Half-Day Workshop

10 AM – 2 PM — Kenneydell Park — Workshop fee applies — Engage in creating a dream art journal amidst nature in Olympia, WA.

Scherler Sundays: Free Concert Series

3-7 p.m. — Carnegie Library — Free entry — Enjoy a fantastic lineup of over 30 independent bands in a family-friendly, outdoor setting.

Fish, Forage, Fire!

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Squaxin Park — Cost not specified — Dive into fishing, archery, and foraging skills at this outdoor camp.

Billy Nation - A Tribute to Billy Joel

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the hits of Billy Joel with a high-energy tribute concert that gets the audience singing along.

Family Retreat Washington

Aug 18-22 — Black Lake Bible Camp and Retreat Center — $375 per person — A Christ-centered retreat designed for families living with disabilities, offering fun and accessible activities.