Mark your calendars!
Originally published on The JOLT News on April 14, 2026
How is it already the middle of April? Time is flying by, and there are so many incredible performances, events and festivals being planned.
The best part of being in the audience this time of year is that there tends to be more outdoor events. What is better than a sunny day, a warm breeze, and arts and community?
The weird thing about this time of year is that despite the “free time” we are given through spring breaks and summer vacations, we tend to be very busy. That is why it is so important to plan ahead!
I always recommend checking out our JOLT News Event Calendar to see what is happening on specific dates. I encourage you to use our calendar as a resource for any event you might be interested in below. If something is not already posted on our calendar, it will be there very soon.
Grab your calendars and make a plan, I would hate for you to miss out on any of the fun.
Upcoming performances
Last month, I wrote a piece on all the upcoming High School Performances. I invite you to check this out too when making your plans. Our students are very talented and we want to show them as much support as possible.
April
Wizard of Oz on Ice: April 17 at 7 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Masterworks Choral Ensemble Presents: The Searching Soul: April 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Harlequin Productions Presents a Bold Voices Event: The Children: April 18 - 19 at The State Theater
Olympia Symphony Orchestra Presents: MOVE: Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Olympia Film Society Presents: Oly Film Fest: April 23 - 30 at the Capital Theatre
MISCAST! A Night of Live Cabaret: April 24 at 5:30 p.m. at The Leaning Maple
Olympia Little Theater Presents: Love/Sick: April 24 - May 10t at the Olympia Little Theater
Theater Artists Olympia Presents: Anna Considers Mars: April 24 - May 9 at the Jefferson Street Arts Center
WICKED Sing-Along: April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Studio West Dance Theater: Coppelia: April 30 – May 2 at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
May 2026
Harlequin Productions Presents: Where The Summit Meets the Stars: May 1 - 17 at The State Theater
Comedy Underground: May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Ballet Northwest: Swan Lake: May 8 - 10 at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Black Box Jazz: Marina Albero: May 8 at 8 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The Center Salon: May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Pace Live Presents: A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation: May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
The Hobbit: May 14 - 28 at the Olympia Family Theater
The Wailin’ Jennys: May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia Spring Concert: May 17 at 4 pm.. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
SPSCC Theater Collective Presents: Anastasia: May 22 - 31 at South Puget Sound Community College
June 2026
Olympia Little Theatre Presents: All in the Timing: June 5 - 21 at the Olympia Little Theatre
Masterworks Choral Ensemble Presents: 80’s Dance Party: June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Harlequin Productions Presents: Million Dollar Quartet: June 19 - July 19 at The State Theater
Olympia Chamber Orchestra Presents: Unsung: June 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Capital High School Performing Arts Center
Annual traditions
April 2026
Spring Arts Walk: April 24 - 25
Luminary Procession of the Species: April 24 at 8:30 p.m.
Procession of the Species: April 25 at 4:30 p.m.
May 2026
Olympia Wooden Boats Festival: May 8 -10
Lacey Fun Fair: May 16 -17
June 2026
Tenino Arts Stone City Arts Festival: June 13 at 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shoestring Circus: June 19 - 28
Olympia Annual Juneteenth Festival Celebration: June 20
Olympic Air Show: June 20 - 21
Yelm Prairie Days: June 25 - 28
Capital City Pridefest: June 26 - 28
July 2026
Lacey Fireworks Spectacular: July 3 at 4 - 11 p.m.
Tumwater's 38th Annual Independence Day Parade July 4 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tumwater's Family Festival & Nisqually Red Wind Casino Fireworks Show: July 4 from 6 - 10:45 p.m.
Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm Festival 2026: July 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Olympia Dragon Boat Festival: July 11
Capital Lakefair 2026: July 15 - 19
Tenino Oregon Trail Days July 24 - 26
Thurston County Fair: July 30 - Aug. 2
August 2026
Yelm Jazz In The Park: Aug. 7 from 5 - 10:30 p.m.
South Sound Block Party 2026: Aug. 28-29
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/mark-your-calendars,28819