Calendar of Events
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There are so many exciting events that take place annually in downtown Olympia; they can easily fill up a Washington State events calendar. Our area has something to offer everyone, whether you're an artist, athlete, or a person who just loves to have fun.

Visiting art lovers will enjoy both our Sand in the City and Artswalk events. The former is a uniquely delightful display of numerous sand sculptures by locals and visitors alike. Each year, over 240 tons of sand invades the downtown area! We guarantee it will be one of the most unusual art displays you will ever witness. The Artswalk is a biannual event that takes place in April and October, and features the work of local artists displayed throughout downtown Olympia shops, boutiques and restaurants. The October Artwalk is followed quickly by the Olympia Film Festival in November. They feature an eclectic mix of fine small features and larger budget films over the years.

The athletes in the family will appreciate our Kick in the Grass soccer tournament and our Capital City long distance running events. Kick in the Grass is a three-day tournament held in the second half of July in Tumwater. Grab some picnic fodder and watch local teams battle it out for the top spot - the quality of soccer is well worth earmarking a day of your visit to head out to the fields. The Capital City Marathon takes place in May and is a popular event for area runners, all of whom look forward to custom, designed shirts, awards, and medals each year. For those of you whose spirit is willing but body is less sure - the website also "relays" information regarding their half-marathon, five-miler, and kids run.  Click here for more details.
  Families are sure to enjoy the Olympic Flight Museum and their annual Olympic Airshow.  See aerobatic demonstrations and static displays.  You will also have the opportunity to see the US Army Special Operations Parachute team and more.  Click here for more information.  Afterward, make time to visit Wolf Haven International, just a few miles away.  See wolves and coyotes while learning about conservation efforts to save these animals.  Afterward, visit their gift shop then explore the mounds.  Kids are sure to love this and so will you.  For more information click here.
If you are visiting Olympia and just want to kick up your heels and have a good time, our area is home to a few festivals and carnivals throughout the year. Olympia Harbor Days is in its 33rd year and is one of the most locally beloved events, celebrating our area's maritime heritage and featuring over 30 tugboats and 120 arts and crafts booths. The Dixieland Jazz Festival has been swinging since 1991 and is dedicated to the continuing tradition of American music. The event has attracted some of the best jazz musicians in our country. The Capitol Lakefair Festival was founded in 1957 to promote the construction of Capitol Lake Park. Every few years new aspects were added to the event, including floats, water skiing, sailboat races, street dances, a car show, and much more. Today, the festival has a budget just shy of a quarter of a million dollars and is one of the biggest entertainment draws to Olympia.

For more information about our local events, please click on the link below. The Governor Hotel is ideally located for you and your family to enjoy them.

For a more detailed listing of events please click here.