Good morning, Olympia.

The Thurston Conservation District will host Harvest Festival on Oct.

4 at South Union Grange Hall in Olympia from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—attendees can join a pie baking contest, press cider from apples, and attend workshops while picking up pre-ordered bulbs and seeds.

On Sept. 15, City Manager Jay Burney presented two proposals—raising a business tax and a public safety sales tax—to address a projected $7M gap in Olympia’s budget for 2026.

City staff will continue refining alternatives, with recommendations set to be shared on Sept. 30 while council members weigh concerns about affordability and reserve use.

Providence St. Peter Hospital installed a concealed weapons detection system today at the emergency department entrance that uses advanced sensors and AI to screen for hidden weapons without gathering personal data—ensuring a quick, touchless process for all entering the facility.

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.

Ethan Tucker Live at The Pig Bar

7-11 p.m. — The Pig Bar — Tickets available — Experience Ethan Tucker's soulful acoustic roots and bluesy vocals in a lively setting.

Tree & Fungi Identification Basics

1:30-4:00 p.m. — Rose Garden at Squaxin Park — $25 — Explore tree and fungi identification on a guided nature walk during the Fall Fungi Season.

DSHS Mobile Office Visit

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Olympia Timberland Library — Free service — Access food, cash, and medical benefits right in your community.

Ballet Northwest - Crescendo

7-10 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — Adult: $45, Youth: $35 — Celebrate 55 years of dance with world premieres and performances from local ensembles.

Bodie's Light 5k Fun Run/Walk

10:00 AM – 11:30 PM — Heritage Park — Registration required — Participate in a fun run to support Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Mariachi Herencia de México Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Washington Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience the vibrant sounds of a bicultural mariachi band gaining acclaim across North America.