What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Dec. 31
Olympia Symphony Orchestra presents More John Williams Movie Music: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Olympia Symphony, which will perform “MORE John Williams Movie Music!” including from the Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones movies. There will be two performances, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., in the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE., Olympia. Audience members are invited to dress as their favorite movie characters. Tickets range from $85 to $16. Following the 7 p.m. concert, the symphony will host a post-concert party — complete with door prizes, appetizers, noisemakers, dancing, and an “It’s Midnight Somewhere” toast — in the Washington Center’s Black Box. Tickets to the party are $45 and are sold separately from the concert; capacity is limited to 125 guests.
Hell’s Belles NYE Show: Hell’s Belles, the AC/DC tribute band, will perform a New Year’s Eve show at the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek Casino Resort. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. Must by 21 or older to attend. Tickets are $26.
Monday, Jan. 1
Salish Sea Plunge: Kick off the New Year by joining others in the 10th Annual Squaxin Community Salish Sea Plunge. It will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Arcadia Boat Ramp, Southeast Lynch Road, Shelton. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and donations will be collected for the food bank.
Polar Bear Plunge: Join fellow enthusiasts for a chilling New Year’s ritual plunge into Long Lake in Lacey. Enjoy music starting at noon at Long Lake Park, 2790 Carpenter Road SE, then take the plunge at 1 p.m. — or stay warm and dry on shore and cheer on the swimmers. Free. All ages welcome. Information: 360-491-0857.
Offut Lake New Year’s Polar Plunge: You could start 2024 with a jump into the chilly waters of Tenino’s Offut Lake. The Lady of the Lake at Offut Lake Resort, 4005 120th Ave. SE, Tenino, is hosting the plunge at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1. The resort will be collecting donations for Bucoda Mayor and volunteer firefighter Rob Gordon, who has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer. There’ll be a lakeside bonfire, and the restaurant — open from 9 a.m. to noon — will serve biscuits and gravy, bloody marys and hot buttered rum.
Tuesday, Jan. 2
Banned Books Bingo: The Lacey Timberland Library invites you to join a fun and informative reading adventure. Play Banned Books Bingo Jan. 2 through March 31 to get better acquainted with banned titles, and make up your mind about their content. Bingo sheets will be at the Lacey Library, 500 College St. SE. Complete any horizontal, vertical or diagonal line to be entered into the prize drawing. Fill out the Prize Drawing Entry form and turn in your sheet at the library. Turn in a new sheet for each row you complete. You can participate even if the Lacey Library is not your regular library, but bingo sheets do need to be returned to the Lacey Library.
Wednesday, Jan. 3
Welcome to Medicare Zoom Presentation: This presentation at 11 a.m. is an introduction to options for new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Plans, Medicare Supplements and programs available to limited-income beneficiaries. To get a link, email jrich@southsoundseniors.org or call and leave a message at Senior Services SHIBA program at 360-586-6181 ext. 134. A registration link will be sent to you.
Saturday, Jan. 6
WET Science Center hosts “Science of Snow”: Get ready to dive deep into the science of snow, a fascinating world important for everything from Disney movies to avalanche protection. But be warned – you’ll never look at snow the same way again! Presentation at 11 a.m. and activities all day at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. SE, 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.
