Good morning, Olympia.

A suspect wanted for second-degree assault with a firearm dug into a crawl space at a home on Highway 99 SE and Tilley Road South outside Tenino on Wednesday—he tried to escape as SWAT teams deployed gas but deputies and a K9 stopped him with no officer injured.

Superintendent Patrick Murphy briefed the school board that the district expects nearly 9,000 full-time enrollees for the 2025–26 school year—3,623.4 elementary, 2,196.7 middle, and 3,048.2 high school students—at a meeting on Thursday, August 28th.

Saint Martin’s University and Yakima Valley College have partnered to launch a new pathway for students to earn an online master’s degree and special education endorsement—aiming to ease the teacher shortage in the Yakima area.

The program will begin in summer for graduates from the BAS-TE program and for current classroom teachers seeking to add a special education endorsement.

The City of Olympia is offering a free lawn aerator rental program this fall when at least three neighbors join together.

The program helps air the soil so water and nutrients reach the grass better—utility customers must apply with a waiver for one day’s rental.

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.

First Annual Oktoberfest

11 AM – 7 PM — Stone City Event Center — Details upcoming — Experience the vibrant Bavarian spirit with beer, brats, and lively contests.

Silent Movie: Chaplin's The Gold Rush

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — $18-$20 — Experience the charm of silent cinema with Chaplin’s classic, accompanied by live organ music.

PNW Fungi Basics Crash Course

6:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Nisqually Reach Nature Center — Interactive course — Explore the fascinating world of fungi and mushrooms with hands-on training and expert guidance.