What’s happening this week around Thurston County

Sunday, Jan. 28

Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience: Fans of country-music icon Johnny Cash can revisit Cash’s songs about loss, tribulation and prison time Sunday, Jan. 28, in Olympia. This show combines footage of the Man in Black performing with live musicians, plus interpretations of Cash classics by other singers. The video footage, projected above the stage, includes both performances and stories from “The Johnny Cash Show,” a TV program that ran from 1969 to 1971. Among the songs featured are “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire” and “I Walk the Line.” The show is at 7 p.m. Sunday at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $49-$99.

Tuesday, Jan. 30

North Thurston community meeting on school levies: North Thurston officials will explain and field questions about the Feb. 13 special election. It will run from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, in the Timberline High School library, 6120 Mullen Road SE.

Free swing dance class: OlyDance will offer this class, exclusively for those age 65 and older, from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Olympia Eagles Ballroom, 805 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. No dance experience or partner required — instructors will guide you through the moves. Dress up in your favorite attire or keep it casual. There will be an evening of swing dancing after, until 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 31

Tumwater Comprehensive Plan Open House: What do you want to see in Tumwater in the coming years? The public is invited to share their thoughts at an open house from 7–9 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Tumwater Headquarters Fire Station, 311 Israel Road SW. City planners will share what they’ve heard so far and listen to your ideas. The public is welcome to attend in person, by telephone or online via Zoom with Webinar ID 848 7987 4260 and Passcode 817757. Or listen by phone at 253-215-8782, listen for the prompts and enter the Webinar ID 878 7653 5505 and Passcode 800244. You can also share your perspective by completing the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update Survey by Feb. 14

Thursday, Feb. 1

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide free tax preparation: Free tax preparation is available in Thurston County with appointments beginning in February and ending in mid-April. Tax-Aides are preparing tax returns at certain libraries, senior centers, and other locations, and welcome clients of all ages and income levels unless the return is complicated and outside the scope of their training. All volunteers are IRS-certified. In most cases, your return will be prepared in one visit unless you are missing important tax documents or identification. There are three ways to make an appointment: Call 360-474-3869 and leave a message. Make an appointment on the Washington Tax Aide website, or stop by one of the sites during open hours. They will accept walk-ins if space is available and at least one hour remains before closing, or they will schedule an appointment for a later date. Sites are Lacey Senior Center, Lacey Timberland Library, The Olympia Center, Panorama’s Chalet Apartments, Rochester ROOF, Tumwater Family Education and Support Services, and Yelm Timberland Library. Check the website for days and hours.

International Guitar Night: International Guitar Night brings some of the world’s best guitar musicians to one stage. The lineup includes Italian acoustic rock sensation Luca Stricagnoli; progressive fingerstyle guitarist Thu Le from Vietnam; Marco Pereira, the award-winning master composer and performer from Brazil; and Australian Minnie Marks, a blues slide guitarist and singer on her North American debut. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia. Tickets are $64 to $25.

Saturday, Feb. 3

Beavers as Ecosystem Engineers: Using their sharp teeth, nimble fingers, and clever minds, beavers not only build dams but also create entire wetlands. Come learn about these ecosystem engineers, and try your hand at building your own beaver dam. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Admission is free.

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. Please put What’s Happening in the subject line.