What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, April 30
Silent Movie — Douglas Fairbanks in “Robin Hood:” The first motion picture ever to have a Hollywood premiere, Douglas Fairbanks in “Robin Hood” was one of the most expensive films of the 1920s. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts’ house organist Dennis James will bring the silent era to life performing on the center’s historic 1924 Andy Crow Wurlitzer Organ. Film fans of all ages are welcome to step back in time to revel in the authentically recreated sounds and nostalgia from times gone by. The movie will screen at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
Wednesday, May 3
Welcome to Medicare Zoom Presentation: Senior Services for South Sound’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) will provide an introduction to options for new Medicare beneficiaries at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 3. It covers Parts A and B; Medicare Advantage Plans; Part D Prescription Plans, and Medicare supplements and programs available to limited-income beneficiaries. Email jrich@southsoundseniors.org or call 360-586-6181 ext. 134 to get a link to register.
Friday, May 5
Pacific Northwest Burlesque Festival: The second annual Pacific Northwest Burlesque Festival will run over two nights at the historic Olympia Ballroom, where performers from across the country will be strutting their sequins and tail feathers across the stage. There will be two shows per night at 6 and 9 p.m. Tickets are $38 for the first four rows, or $28 general admission. For tickets and more information, visit the festival’s website.
Saturday, May 6
A tribute to Bud Johansen: The community is invited to honor Bernard “Bud” Johansen, who died in late March, at a 3 p.m. Saturday, May 6, celebration of life at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Johansen was the founder of the Johansen School of Ballet and Ballet Northwest, and taught dance at The Evergreen State College. All are welcome.
Beneficial Bugs: Do bug hotels have benefits? Join the City of Olympia Park Stewardship team to learn how beneficial bugs can be. Make a bug hotel to take home using recycled containers and plant litter. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Admission is free.
West Olympia Timberland Library Grand Reopening: The West Olympia Timberland Library, inside the Capital Mall, will host a Grand Reopening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6, to showcase enhancements and upgrades made during a two-month remodeling project. The West Olympia location opened in June 2021 and has been so successful that despite being one of the smallest TRL libraries, it now ranks 9 out of 29 TRL locations in volume of circulation. The floor space in the West Olympia library has been doubled to allow for a larger collection and more space for patrons to spend time in the branch, including in a children’s area designed to appeal to children birth to age 5 and their caregivers. The event will include a ribbon cutting, refreshments, guest speakers, and giveaways.
Writing with Trees at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge: Deric Young will host this event from 10 a.m. to noon at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, 100 Brown Farm Road, Olympia. This event will invite participants to connect with the beauty of the surroundings and develop a real sense of place. Then using queries and writing prompts, participants will journal about the experience. Participants will receive excerpted readings from Henry David Thoreau and Linda Hogan. This event is $3 (or free will offering encouraged) to a maximum of 15 participants. Register at brownpapertickets to save your space. It is suitable for those over 14; no pets. Participants will walk about a mile.
Shelton Farmers Market Grand Re-Opening: Come celebrate the Shelton Farmers Market’s new location at 425 W. Cota St., and the start of the Shelton Farmers Market season. There will be live entertainment, farm and craft vendors, food trucks, community resources and special discounts for senior citizens. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Blue Heron Bakery Soup and Pie Fun-raiser: Help support the transition of Blue Heron Bakery to Blue Heron Community Cooperative. The event will run from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at South Sound Fresh, next to the bakery, 4419 Harrison Ave., Olympia. Four soups, salad, bread and dessert will be served, and there will be a pie and cake auction after the meal. Options for a certificate for a cake/pie in the future will also be available. BHB logo soup bowl will be given to every attendee. Tickets are $40, and are available at the bakery or online.
Sunday, May 7
Dispute Resolution Center’s “A Celebration of Peacemakers”: The Dispute Resolution Center is hosting this event from 1-3 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center at Woodland Creek Community Park, 6729 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey. The event will celebrate the center’s volunteers, supporters, advocates and community partners and honor Anne Larsen with the 2023 Evan Ferber Peacemaker Leadership Award. Hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats and libations will be served. Those wishing to attend should RSVP on the center’s form.
Thurston Hunger Walk: This annual pledge walk will benefit the Thurston Food Bank and the Community Kitchen. The walk will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Huntamer Park in Lacey. There will be live music, with parking, restrooms and water available. To donate or join the effort, go to the event website.
Would you like to have your event included in our weekly What’s Happening listing? Email the details to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days before the event.
