Welcome to our community calendar of arts events — the best arts calendar in the South Sound! OLY ARTS does not charge for posting arts events. Events are submitted by organizations and community members and published at OLY ARTS’ discretion. Events are not sponsored or endorsed by OLY ARTS. Please do not upload images or files larger than 1 MB. Please only post once, and your event is sent to the OLY ARTS’ Editor for review and approval.
Calendar of Events
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2 events,
Stories of Food, Food as Story
Stories of food, food as story is a 4-session project-based workshop to explore our history and cultural heritage through food traditions. Local teaching artists will guide participants through the process of: Identifying a food tradition through which they can learn about their history or culture Conducting an oral history interview(s) to document the tradition Using interview ...
COMEDIC WORDPLAY PRODUCTIONS & OFS PRESENT: MAJORLY QUEER – A QUEER COMEDY SHOW EXPERIENCE & MUSIC CELEBRATION
COMEDIC WORDPLAY PRODUCTIONS & OFS PRESENT: MAJORLY QUEER – A QUEER COMEDY SHOW EXPERIENCE & MUSIC CELEBRATION
Hosted by Forest Ember Featuring: Andy Iwancio A.J. Noris Burn Out Brass Band Doors 7pm / Show 8pm Comedic Wordplay Productions and the Olympia Film Society bring you an evening of queer comedy and the music of Burn Out Brass Band!!
2 events,
Coming Home – The Olympia Peace Choir
Coming Home – The Olympia Peace Choir
Join us for a magical night of choral music at our house, our rehearsal space at Westminster Presbyterian Church! This is a free, all-ages event. Masks and vaccination cards are required. Thanks for your help keeping our choir and audience members safe!
2 events,
Movie Night: “Born in Flames”
Movie Night: “Born in Flames”
Join us at the library for this special presentation of the landmark film Born in Flames, which celebrates its 40th anniversary the week of this screening. Set in an alternate socialist democratic United States, Born in Flames delves into anti-racism, feminism, and political upheaval. Director Lizzie Borden made the film over the course of five ...
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
THE SITKOVETSKY TRIO
THE SITKOVETSKY TRIO
Emerald City Music peeks into the musical friendship of two iconic composers – Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms – in our flagship date-night classical music experience. The evening features the premiere of the Sitkovesky Trio from the United Kingdom, an open bar, and a “wander-around” concert setting with no stage dividing you from our vastly ...
9 events,
OFS Presents: THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – AT MIDNIGHT! Featuring Riff Raff’s Street Rats
OFS Presents: THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – AT MIDNIGHT! Featuring Riff Raff’s Street Rats
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back at the Capitol Theater with live shadowcast by Riff Raff's Street Rats and audience participation! Patrons are encouraged to engage with the film by dressing up and purchasing prop bags for audience participation. Sorry, no outside props are allowed. Come be a part of the longest-running midnight movie ...
Build a Microtonal Zither with Ben Luca Robertson, Ph.D.
Build a Microtonal Zither with Ben Luca Robertson, Ph.D.
In this one day course, each student will construct a five-string zither with moveable bridges. In addition to instrument-making skills, the class provides students with a hands-on introduction to the basic concepts behind just intonation, microtonal music, and different Non-Western scales. Through guided experimentation, each student will construct their own instrument and design their own ...
Neurodivergent Kids Book Club at Sensory Tool House
Neurodivergent Kids Book Club at Sensory Tool House
Registration is required for this event. Please click here and scroll down to register. Join us at Sensory Tool House for a book club for neurodivergent (ND*) school-age kids! This group's mission is to provide a space for ND kids & tweens to find community with their peers and find joy in reading! There are many ...
3 events,
House of Mirth: A New Musical by Terry Shaw
House of Mirth: A New Musical by Terry Shaw
House of Mirth is based off of Edith Wharton's novel of the same title. Lily Bart is the center of New York elite. Surrounded by wealth and it's trappings, she is penniless and looking for love...and a husband. Unfortunately, love and a husband don't come in the same person in this society. House of Mirth ...
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) Winter Concert!
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia (SOGO) Winter Concert!
Lead. Inspire. Perform. :|| Orchestrating lifelong participation in the arts. Sunday March 5th, 4pm at the Washington Center. Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia presents our winter season concert featuring student clarinet soloist Alessandro Martinez, and local composer James DeHart. This concert will also showcase our amazing Teaching Artists performing An American in Paris by ...
1 event,
1 event,
2 events,
An Evening with MariNaomi
An Evening with MariNaomi
Join us for the Olympia book launch of MariNaomi’s newest graphic memoir, I Thought You Loved Me, a collage-comics memoir about queer friendship and the unreliability of memory. The evening will consist of a reading (with visuals) by MariNaomi, followed by a moderated conversation with the author and Frank Hussey of Danger Room Comics, and ...
1 event,
6 events,
“Material Matters” Fine Art & Craft Exhibition
Material Matters is a collection of bold new work in a diverse array of materials. Five local artists present their work in cut feathers (Chris Maynard), batik (Lisa Kattenbraker), ceramic sculpture (Garrison Coverdale), watercolor (Julie Creighton), and carved blocks (Sara Gettys). Come by during our open hours to explore the collection. Join us for an ...
House of Mirth: A New Musical by Terry Shaw
House of Mirth: A New Musical by Terry Shaw
House of Mirth is based off of Edith Wharton's novel of the same title. Lily Bart is the center of New York elite. Surrounded by wealth and it's trappings, she is penniless and looking for love...and a husband. Unfortunately, love and a husband don't come in the same person in this society. House of Mirth ...
Ladies of Laughter
Ladies of Laughter
This fest of funny femmes returns to the Center as the Ladies of Laughter comedy event has been a patron favorite with rave reviews! Expect big laughs, big fun, and a memorable night out.
Free Range Drag (& Variety) Show
Free Range Drag (& Variety) Show
March is the month of merriment and our Chickens and Special Guests want to show you why it is also a bit sexy! Come see us at A Free Range Drag (& Variety) Show!! Friday, March 10th 2023 Doors at 730 PM Show starts at 8 PM $13 at the door Cast: Vanessa The Witch ...
6 events,
Artist Talk with Chris Maynard
Artist Talk with Chris Maynard
Childhood's End Gallery is excited to announce, in conjunction with our new exhibit “Material Matters” opening this Friday, we will have an Artist Talk with Olympia Artist Chris Maynard on Saturday at 2PM. Chris is an Olympia artist whose unique and stunning artworks using hand-cut feathers have gained international acclaim. Learn about his creative process ...
Rattlin’ Bog Benefit Concert
Rattlin’ Bog Benefit Concert
Rattlin’ Bog will perform a benefit concert for Tenino Young-at-Heart Theatre on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the Evergreen Playhouse 226 W Center St Centralia, WA. Enjoy a fun evening of Irish Pub music and sea shanties from 6:30-8:30 on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. Tickets are free, but seating is limited so you ...
House of Mirth: A New Musical by Terry Shaw
House of Mirth: A New Musical by Terry Shaw
House of Mirth is based off of Edith Wharton's novel of the same title. Lily Bart is the center of New York elite. Surrounded by wealth and it's trappings, she is penniless and looking for love...and a husband. Unfortunately, love and a husband don't come in the same person in this society. House of Mirth ...
2 events,
Comedy Underground
Comedy Underground
Comedy Underground is back to make you laugh. Each event features a new slate of touring comedians that are sure to make you laugh out loud! Recommended for ages 18+.
2 events,
Building Madness by Kate Danley
Professional World Premiere and Winner of the Panowski Playwriting Award Max and Paul are just trying to keep their architecture company afloat, but they accidentally hired the mob to build a police retirement home. They may never get the project done in this screwball comedy, but they are most definitely building madness. If you love ...
3 events,
OFS Presents: Unwound with Thrones
OFS Presents: Unwound with Thrones
Born in 1991 in the Pacific Northwest as the Riot Grrrl and grunge musico-social movements took hold of underground pop culture, Unwound leveled their small corner of the ’90s punk scene with a scathing Future of What barrage in the brightest corners of the underground.
3 events,
Olympia Symphony Orchestra – “Breaking the Glass”
Olympia Symphony Orchestra – “Breaking the Glass”
The second in a series of “love letters to the community,” Music Director Alexandra Arrieche presents a program that breaks barriers that we have constructed within our world and amongst ourselves, and imagines a future of unity, belonging, and understanding. THE MUSIC: ESTANCIA - Alberto Ginastera (1941) Alberto Ginastera’s Estancia (“Ranch”), reflects the sights and ...
4 events,
Jennifer Berney and “The Other Mothers”
Jennifer Berney and “The Other Mothers”
Join us for an evening with Jennifer Berney, author of the WA State Book Award Finalist The Other Mothers: Two Women's Journey to Find the Family that was Always Theirs, an LGBTQ memoir about one couple's struggles to defy the patriarchy and redefine the nuclear family, The Other Mothers dives into the history and social challenges queer couples ...
Movie and Live Music With David Lee Joyner
Movie and Live Music With David Lee Joyner
Music Enthusiasts Invited to Special Event to Benefit Olympia Jazz Central & Explore David Lee Joyner's Musical Career This will be a fundraiser for Olympia Jazz Central (OJC) to bring back live jazz back to the community Music enthusiasts are invited to a one-of-kind-event to explore the many musical facets of composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist musician, ...
5 events,
“Am I Trans Enough?” with Author Alo Johnston
“Am I Trans Enough?” with Author Alo Johnston
Join us for an evening with Alo Johnston, @thetranstherapist and author of the new book Am I Trans Enough? How to Overcome Your Doubts and Find Your Authentic Self. The author will read from and discuss the book, followed by a brief Q&A. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Born out of thousands of ...
Animal Fire Theatre Readings presents: Brecht
Animal Fire Theatre Readings presents: Brecht
Animal Fire Theatre continues our series of staged readings with a presentation of "The Life of Galileo" by Berthold Brecht. New Traditions Cafe, 300 5th Ave. SW, Olympia, WA 98501 Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6:30 pm FREE! Donations gratefully accepted. Refreshments available for sale at New Traditions.
Los Lobos with Gaby Moreno
Los Lobos with Gaby Moreno
Grammy-winning Los Lobos returns with special Guest Gaby Moreno! Over the last five decades, the East L.A.-bred band has made an indelible mark on music history by exploring an enormous diversity of genres—rock-and-roll and R&B, surf music and soul, mariachi and música norteña, punk rock and country—and building a boldly unpredictable sound all their own. ...
3 events,
Tenino Arts Spring Market
Come experience the magic of the 💐Tenino Arts Spring Market!💐 A collection of brand new artistry will be revealed at the 3rd Annual Tenino Arts Spring Market the weekend of March 24th-26th. The Tenino Arts Spring Market will play host to 32 artisan displays offering fine art & handcrafted items in more than 14 fields ...
5 events,
Auditions: TCMedia “Live at 5” TV Sketch Show
Auditions: TCMedia “Live at 5” TV Sketch Show
Thurston Community Media (TCMedia) announces its search for community members to participate in ‘Live at 5’ collaborative community variety show in partnership with Olympia Film Collective (OlyFilm.) The first round of auditions for Live at Five will be Saturday, March 25th from 12-4 pm. There will be another opportunity to audition on Saturday, April 22nd ...
Meet InGenius! Artist Ashley Larsen: Art Show & Reception
Meet InGenius! Artist Ashley Larsen: Art Show & Reception
On Saturday evening March 25th from 5:00-8:00 PM at InGenius! Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique in Yelm, join us for an art show & reception for InGenius! featured artist and Yelm resident Ashley Larsen. View an extensive exhibit of Ashley's artwork for sale, including new original and never-before-seen pieces. You’ll also have the opportunity to ...
5 events,
Ray On My Mind A Tribute to Ray Charles
Ray On My Mind A Tribute to Ray Charles
This concert/theater work brings the music and the story of the great Ray Charles to vivid life! Portraying Ray, master pianist/vocalist, Kenny Brawner leads his 11 piece orchestra and three sultry vocalists (a la the Raelettees), performing this American legend’s most popular hits.
The Esoterics
The Esoterics
The Esoterics will be performing, Villains and Heroes, Messiahs false and true, at St. John’s Episcopal Church (19th & Capitol Way, Olympia) Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 3 PM. Two brand-new choral compositions by the Los Angeles-based composer, Rex Isenberg, will be performed. The first piece, If we have wisdom, is based on a letter ...
4 events,
STEM Hour: Stop Motion Video
STEM Hour: Stop Motion Video
Kids grades 3-6 are welcome to join us for a stop motion video hour! Using iPads and LEGO Bricks®, we will create short scenes and share them with other attendees. Space is limited and registration is required - if you'd like to join as a group working on one project together, only one person needs ...
AWAKEN YOUR INTUITION & CONNECT WITH SPIRIT
AWAKEN YOUR INTUITION & CONNECT WITH SPIRIT
Join me, Heidi Connolly, The Celestial Professor, Author Medium Spirit-Guided Musician for an illuminating workshop to develop your own unique intuitive abilities by identifying your Unique Energetic Signature and connecting with your very own Spirit team. Register here $35 Limited Participation. Open to anyone with an open heart and spirit! www.heidiconnolly.com WHERE: Gallery Boom, 3959 ...
4 events,
April Fools’ Live Painting Challenge
April Fools’ Live Painting Challenge
Watch InGenius! featured artists Ashley Larsen, Michelle Osborne & Payette Still paint live & improvised! Audience members help determine what the artists paint by providing painting prompts, which will be pulled from the April Fool's hat and unknown to everyone, especially the artists! In three rounds of 15 minutes each, all three artists will paint ...
ON THE BACKSTAGE: IQU, SELECT LEVEL
ON THE BACKSTAGE: IQU, SELECT LEVEL
It has been said that the IQU (formally icu) way was to translate electronic music as a live performance. Along with the usual electronic music equipment, they play live instruments such as theremin (KO plays it like no one else), guitar, turntables, organs, vintage synths, talk box, and whatever else they can get their hands ...