July 29, 2026 — Weekend boasts tributes to big names — including first POTUS
Aerialists take to the sky
Aerialists will soar above Olympia’s East Side on Saturday, Aug. 1, at “Possibly//Maybe,” an outdoor circus show featuring artists from Sparrow Studios and the Airbound Underground Circus Collective. The show, which organizers describe as “wonderfully weird,” is inspired by and set to the music of Icelandic singer Björk. (“Possibly Maybe” is the title of one of her songs, a 1996 breakup ballad.) “Björk’s creativity, her introspection, her fierceness, her powerful and eclectic songwriting, even the performance art of her costuming, really exemplify much of what I love about art of all kinds,” said Emily Van Kley of Sparrow Studios. “It has been thrilling to invite local performers to make acts inspired by her genius. What they have been coming up with is thrilling.” The show, which explores the importance and challenges of being in community, will happen at 6 and 9 p.m. in the field next to Capitol Vision Church, 1775 Yew Ave NE, Olympia. Admission is by donation, with $20-$30 suggested.
George Washington goes to the fair
Entertainment abounds at the Thurston County Fair, happening Thursday, July 30-Sunday, Aug. 2. There are, of course, carnival rides, concerts, entertainment for children and shows spotlighting animals, including the Sheep and Goat Costume Contest (3 p.m. Friday). (Perhaps some will masquerade as — or simply resemble — characters from “The Sheep Detectives”?) This year’s fair, whose mascot is a bald eagle named Colonel Beaks, also has an unexpected guest: George Washington, as channeled by Vern Frykholm of Sequim. Frykholm, who has been portraying Washington since 2012, will stroll the fairgrounds, staying in character as he interacts with people. He’ll also do a stage presentation at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 2. The fair (https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/community-planning-and-economic-development/fairgrounds-events-center/2026-thurston-county-fair-thursday-july-30-sunday-august-2) happens 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday at the county fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd. SE, Lacey. Tickets are $7-$9, with those 5 and under admitted free. Parking is $7.
All about ABBA
Lacey in Tune will spotlight the Swedish superstars at the Friday, July 31, Lacey in Tune. The evening will begin with a concert by the Portland-based tribute act Band After Midnight, which promises to transport audiences back to the golden age of pop by re-creating ABBA’s harmonies, energy and even costumes. At dusk, the peppy tunes continue with a screening of the 2008 musical comedy “Mamma Mia,” starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. The free event (https://laceyparks.org/lit/) starts at 7 p.m. in Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey. Also serving up musical memories is West Central Park’s Summer Nights concert series (https://wcpnc.org/events/). The park is hosting a Jerry Garcia Birthday Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 1. The free concert happens from 7 to 10 p.m. in the park, 1919 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia.
Molly Gilmore’s favorite ABBA-related movie is “Muriel’s Wedding.”
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