Jul 11 Saturday
Get pumped for Fire Rescue Spectacular, the ultimate firefighter and first-responder experience for kids! The free street fair is held outside the Museum and is guaranteed to be an action-packed day. Kids can explore Olympia’s fleet of emergency vehicles, take the Jr. Firefighter Challenge, meet Sparky the Fire Dog, and more!
Presented by MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Health Network in partnership with the Olympia Fire Department
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Washington State Historical Society invites you to explore the history of building the State History Museum. 30 Years and Counting: The Making of the Washington State History Museum is a special exhibition that uncovers the vision, effort, and community spirit that brought this iconic Tacoma landmark to life.
Discover the bold ideas and architectural ingenuity that shaped the museum’s distinctive look. From early sketches to final blueprints, see how the building’s design reflects both innovation and reverence for Washington’s past. Go behind the scenes of the museum’s construction. Through photographs and artifacts from the building process, witness how a dream took shape—brick by brick, beam by beam.
Staff Picks: 30 Objects for 30 Years
In a special feature area, museum staff share their favorite objects from the collection—each one a personal reflection on the power of history to inspire, surprise, and connect us.
Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music unveils the profound legacy of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul artists who shaped the soundscape of American culture and used their music as instruments of resistance, identity, and representation.
Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul embody the profound influence of African American music on culture and history. From the spiritual foundations and transformative movements of Gospel hymns to the revolutionary improvisations of Jazz, the Blues’ Southern roots rising from the Mississippi Delta, and Soul’s powerful amplification of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, these genres have defined the unique sound and undying spirit of a nation that continues to echo through contemporary Black music today.
This is a permanent exhibition. Since time immemorial, Tribal nations have existed in this place we call Washington. This Is Native Land invites visitors to understand Washington State through the lived experiences and voices of its Native people.
Tribal nations are sovereign nations. Today, Native history, culture, and community thrive in our state. Through everyday acts of sovereignty – big and small – Indigenous peoples demonstrate they are still here, they have persevered, and they will always be here.
This Is Native Land is guided by three teachings:We are of the land and watersWith knowledge comes responsibilitySovereignty protects people, lands, and waters
These teachings are shared through multimedia, artwork, and interactive objects designed for guest engagement. They represent a contemporary continuation of Tribal stories and traditions.
Over 100 Native contributors from more than 60 Tribes shaped the exhibition’s stories and content. We thank the Native Advisory Committee and all community participants for their contributions.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum proudly presents The Birth of the American Supercar, a groundbreaking exhibition guest curated by renowned automotive innovator Steve Saleen. This one-of-a-kind display invites guests on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of American supercars. From early speed pioneers to cutting-edge modern marvels, visitors will experience a stunning lineup of vehicles that have redefined engineering, speed, and style, built by a wide range of American automotive manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Saleen himself, and even some more obscure ones like Vector, Cunningham, and Hennessey. From roaring V8s to sleek carbon-fiber bodies, discover how American automakers pushed boundaries, challenged European rivals, and redefined what a supercar could be. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most thrilling and historically significant American-made performance vehicles ever built—all under one roof.
“Every piece I create, from the humblest tumbler to the most baroque sculpture, makes a statement about isolation, striving, access, perseverance, boundary pushing, and the pursuit of excellence. I believe my presence in the field as a working-class Black man, striving and excelling in a field occupied chiefly by society’s most privileged (whitest), is a powerful artistic and political gesture. “—Jason McDonald
Glass vessels evocative of the highly ornamented Baroque style, black silhouettes embedded in scenes on ancient pottery vessels, and medallion reliefs of Black figures all abide in the deliberate, expansive practice of Jason McDonald. McDonald’s visual language is deeply rooted in research of ancient histories, traditional techniques, and race. Here, contemporary ideas blend and transform tradition with caring attention to detail, precision in thought, and beauty. Motivated by glass—with its magical properties, myriads of endless possibilities and potential—McDonald’s devotion lies in the desire to refine the craft, making his hands more familiar and knowledgeable with each replication. Through his repetition and re-imagination of these historical forms, the objects transform into sculptures and vessels of time, carrying with them the essence of centuries-old traditions, as well as McDonald’s commitment and insertion of the representation and notions of Black identity. With a commitment to the craft that transcends his own work, McDonald diligently carves out space for those who will follow him through mentoring and the creation of his own glass studio, which he has named Ideal Conditions.
Organized by Tacoma Art Museum and curated by Victoria Miles.
Day Out With Thomas July 10 – 12, 17 – 19, and 24 – 26. Several departure times available.
Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour will be rolling into the Northwest Railway Museum with loads of games and activities! Enjoy a real train excursion with Thomas, live entertainment, photo opportunities, the exclusive gift shop, and lawn games. Spend the day creating memories and enjoying music-inspired fun with Thomas & Friends!
There’s so much to do at Day Out With Thomas including,
Hop aboard a train excursion with ThomasEnjoy music-inspired activitiesSee the scale model railway displayPlay with Thomas & Friends™ toys in the Play Pod and apply your temporary Thomas and Friends tattooPhoto opportunities throughout the event, including with Thomas the Tank Engine himselfAn activity sheet that will guide guests through the event experience highlighting the four key station stops to visit for a free giveawayLive entertainment including Eric OdeOutdoor activitiesA meet and greet with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway,Railway museum admission with access to the Train Shed exhibits,Pop-up gift shop on site with exclusive Thomas & Friends™ products available only at Day Out With ThomasSnacks and drinks available on-site for purchaseVisit the historic downtown district of Snoqualmie for shopping and dining opportunitiesCreate lifetime family memories.
Each week brings new adventures during the Summer Splash! Festival of Fun! Our event calendar is filled with exciting activities and special guests that spark creativity, curiosity, and wonder. Enjoy roller-skating parrots, circus performers, inspiring artists, border collie athletes, sand carvers, a 25-foot rock wall, and so much more!
Presented by WSECU
A Fine Art and Craft Exhibition featuring the works of Susan Christian and Steve Belz
Spend the day at Bosma Estate Winery with open fire cooking, estate-grown wine, and a vineyard dinner you’ll remember.
MasterChef alum Shawn Niles of The Fat Pastor and his son Asher, a MasterChef Junior alum, will lead a chef-led grilling demonstration, followed by a picnic-style dinner in the vines.
Guests who join for the class will learn open fire grilling techniques, practical tips, and flavor ideas they can bring back to their own grill. After the demonstration, guests will gather for a summer dinner featuring grilled meats, seasonal sides, and a glass of Bosma wine.
The menu includes The Fat Pastor’s tri-tip with Beef and Bodyworks dry brine, El Tigre South American-rubbed salmon, fire-grilled potato salad, corn on the cob with tallow butter, tomato salad with grilled green beans and hot bacon vinaigrette, wood-fired cornbread, old-school southern quick pickles, and apricot upside-down cake with whipped cream.
Come for the class and stay for dinner, or join us for dinner only.
Class at 2:00 PM. Dinner at 5:00 PM.
Adult tickets include a glass of Bosma wine. Non-drinker tickets include a non-alcoholic beverage. Washington state sales tax and 15% gratuity will be added at ticket purchase.
