August 12, 2026 — Celebrate Squaxin Culture, Local Artists — and Beer
Good Times Flow in Tumwater
Beer, cider, spirits and even wine (from Eaglemount Wine & Cider in Port Townsend) will be flowing at the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest, happening Saturday, Aug. 15. But the drinks aren’t the only draw. The festival (https://tumwaterartesianbrewfest.com/) is known for its stein-holding competition (hey, those things are heavy) and such oversized pastimes as giant beer pong, a supersize version of the block-balancing game Jenga and “human Foosball,” in which human beings play a version of a tabletop soccer game inspired by the sport, which is of course played by actual human beings.
The event, from 1 to 7 p.m. at Tumwater Valley Golf Course, 4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE, Tumwater, also features a lineup of sip and sing karaoke and live music by DSB, which bills itself as the world’s greatest Journey tribute band; Rob Tudor and The Cory Wilds Band. Tickets (https://tumwaterartesianbrewfest.com/TICKETS-AND-FAQ) are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. Designated drivers are admitted for $20. The cost for parking is $10, which benefits Thurston County Special Olympics; only cash is accepted for parking. The brewfest is open only to people 21 or older. You’re encouraged to bring a water bottle, and the festival now has a clear-bag policy (https://tumwaterartesianbrewfest.com/TICKETS-AND-FAQ).
It’s the Water — and the Culture
The Festival of the St̓əč̓as (Steh-chass), happening Friday, Aug. 14, celebrates both the culture of the Squaxin Island Tribe and the waters which the St̓əč̓as have long stewarded, including the Deschutes Estuary and Budd Inlet. The event, co-produced by the tribe and the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team, will include environmental education as well as stories, food, art and music, with a focus on tribal artists. The free festival (https://secure.anedot.com/deschutes-estuary-restoration-team/events/2026-festival-of-the-steh-chass) happens from noon to 4 p.m. in Heritage Park, 330 5th Ave SW, Olympia.
Creative Space Opens Downtown
The Oly Creative Co-Op is hosting a grand opening pop-up market Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16. The co-op (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590560072078) aims to create more space for the creative community to gather, mingle and sell their work. The market is happening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 112 4th Ave. E., Olympia.
Molly Gilmore has noticed a lot of people are already referring to summer in the past tense. She would like to point out that summer doesn’t officially end till Sept. 22.
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