Good morning, Olympia.

Saint Martin’s University will hold its 20th Anniversary Gala on November 1 at the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on the Lacey campus—celebrity chef Rick Bayless will cook live as he helps raise funds for student scholarships.

Thurston County’s Board of County Commissioners reviewed proposals to cut spending and balance the 2026 budget while facing challenges from unfunded state and federal mandates.

The county is also buying a downtown building using bond funds—this move keeps lease payments off the general fund— and invites public comments to help guide future funding decisions.

Thurston County Public Health & Social Services invites residents to complete a short, anonymous online survey that takes 5–10 minutes, which will help shape the future Community Health Improvement Plan; the survey is open until late October and paper forms are available at outreach events such as the County Emergency Preparedness Expo on Sept 20. The county aims to gather at least 1,500 responses to better understand how to improve local health.

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.