Good morning, Olympia.

Deputies in Rochester arrested a man on August 20th after he woke up and became combative near a propane fill station and a search tied to an active arrest warrant revealed a homemade explosive — the Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad secured the device.

The start date for the Brawne Avenue Water Quality Retrofit Project was moved from Aug.

18 to Sept. 8 and will run until mid-October. The project will cut suspended solids from a 55-acre basin at West Bay Park—construction may lead to trail closures, noise, and minor traffic delays.

The Olympia City Council is weighing a 0.1% sales tax increase to support public safety—this tax will raise the rate from 9.8% to 9.9% and help unlock state grant funding for police and other services.

City Manager Jay Burney said the council will act by mid-October to trigger a 45-day review so that if approved the tax takes effect Jan. 1, but a delay would push it to Apr. 1 with lower revenue.

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.