Good morning, Olympia.

Authorities arrested 34-year-old Ari Hall after she drove her moped into two Olympia grocery stores on August 13 and threw bottles at an employee and a police officer—damage was estimated at $800 and she admitted to drinking heavily while facing assault and burglary charges.

Students in the Olympia School District helped cut food waste and save energy by working in programs like a farm-to-table effort, scratch cooking, and careful meal planning using production records.

The district is partnering with Puget Sound Energy on a pilot project that uses bi-directional chargers for electric buses—five additional buses will arrive in September.

Saint Martin's University offers strong support for military and veteran students with a Veterans Center that gives academic advice, career help and guidance with VA benefits—helping service members move into college life.

The university earned a Gold designation as a Military Friendly School for 2025 to 2026 and will offer a 16 week certificate program in IT starting in January, May and August.

Utility installation work for the Chick-fil-A project will cause delays near Cooper Point Road and Capital Mall Drive from August 18 to Labor Day—drivers should expect work during both day and night shifts.

North Adams Street will also close on August 20 and again from August 28 to 29 for paving work, so motorists are advised to use alternate routes or allow extra travel time.

State auditors gave Olympia's 2024 financial statements an unmodified audit on August 18—highlighting only a late invoice and subrecipient monitoring issues while city officials plan to improve grant reporting going forward.

South Sound Block Party 2025

5 PM – 6 AM — Port of Olympia — Ticket required — Celebrate the vibrant musical arts with exciting performances at the South Sound Block Party.

South Sound Block Party 2025

Aug 22–23 — The Port of Olympia — Get tickets now — Experience a vibrant two-day music festival along the beautiful shores of the Puget Sound with a diverse lineup.

Wall-E Paint-n-Sip Class

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Insert Coin Olympia — All materials included — Create art inspired by beloved robots Wall-E and Eve while enjoying your favorite drinks.

Coyote Island Live Performance

7:30-11 p.m. — Wild Child — $17.06 — Experience the electric sound of Coyote Island blending folk and psychedelic indie vibes.

Free Introduction to Square Dancing

6:30-8:15 p.m. — Lac-A-Do Hall — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening of friendly square dancing with no experience necessary.

End of Summer Dance Party at Nicole's Bar

8 PM - 12 AM — Nicole's Bar — Check for entry fees — Switchback 360 returns for a lively evening of dancing in Olympia's favorite bar.

ABBA Tribute with ABRA Cadabra

7:30-9 p.m. — Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts — Ticket prices vary — Dance and sing to ABBA's greatest hits performed live by a renowned tribute band.

September Book Club Meeting: Warblers & Woodpeckers

4:30-6 p.m. — Browsers Bookshop — Free entry — Dive into the avian adventures of a father-son duo as they embark on a Big Year of birding.

Brad Williams Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience one of the funniest comedians in the country as he delivers high-energy performances and insightful humor.