Good morning, Olympia.

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia will show two silent films in its 2025-2026 season, with Charlie Chaplin’s 'The Gold Rush' on September 28th at 2 p.m. and a Buster Keaton double feature on February 15th, 2026 at 2 p.m.—tickets cost $20 and can be bought at the box office.

Today, families can join hands-on seafaring activities at the WET Science Center in Olympia—learning map making, knot tying, flag decoding, and lighthouse building.

On Sept. 13, the center will host a tardigrade program and a 2 p.m. wastewater treatment plant tour for visitors 10 and older, and a salmon event on Sept. 27 will explain the fish’s life cycle and habitat protection.

The Olympia City Council will consider a $1 million state grant application for South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity’s housing development at 3900 Blvd. Road SE on Tuesday, Sept.

9. The project—already allocated $2 million in 2023 along with federal and state funds—will build 112 affordable units with accessibility features starting this fall and finishing in phases through 2029.

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.

Ethics of Simple Self-Care in Nature Workshop

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM — The ONE Center — $199.00 — Explore the healing power of nature while earning law and ethics continuing education credits.