Dec 06 Sunday
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.
Come shop from 35+ local makers and artists all in one place! Discover unique holiday gifts, support small businesses, connect with community, and soak in all the festive holiday vibes at the cozy Hillcrest Lodge in Mount Vernon! Each weekend features a unique lineup of vendors. Free entry and fun for all ages.
Gold & Glory - a tribute to Charlie Wiggins. The exhibition features four-time gold & glory sweepstakes champion Charlie Wiggins and the original Wiggins special appearing publicly for the first timein over ninety years!
Step into the world surrounding Charlie Wiggins: the energy of Indiana Avenue, the roar of the racetrack, the craft behind the Wiggins Special, and the community that built its own space for competition and excellence. Historical imagery, artifacts, sound and immersive design reveal a story shaped by brilliance, ambition, and endurance.
Museum hours: Thursday – Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Celebrating 25 years of Halo, MOPOP’s Halo: The Great Journey artifact spotlight features rare objects from across the franchise history. Explore iconic armor and gear, original artwork, collectibles, and gaming hardware—including Master Chief John-117, Atriox, Covenant and UNSC weaponry, and limited-edition XBOX consoles. Take a closer look at the characters, designs, and fan culture that have made Halo one of gaming’s most legendary worlds. On view beginning October 14, 2026.
For hundreds of families and thousands of people across the Pacific Northwest, the holidays don’t truly begin until the first notes of “O Tannenbaum” ring out from the Jose “Juicy” Gonzales Trio.
What began over 15 years ago as a local favorite quickly blossomed into a cherished regional tradition—drawing audiences across generations who return year after year.
At the heart of the evening is Vince Guaraldi’s iconic score, recently named by Billboard as the #1 Greatest Holiday Album of All Time. Jose and his trio perform the soundtrack live in its entirety, honoring the original spirit while bringing warmth, swing, and soul to every note. From the infectious joy of “Linus and Lucy” to the nostalgic beauty of “Christmas Time Is Here,” the performance is an intimate experience that feels like a warm hug for the soul.
But the magic of this show extends beyond the music. Pianist and vocalist Jose “Juicy” Gonzales doesn’t just perform—he hosts. Through engaging storytelling, he shares behind-the-scenes history of the music and the original 1965 TV special, bringing to life the magic that made A Charlie Brown Christmas into a cultural touchstone.
Rooted in jazz, fueled by the blues, and touched with funk and lots of joy, the trio creates an experience that feels deeply human. You can feel the love in the room—it’s why audiences claim this show as their own and return year after year.
Some holiday memories begin with a song.
A few notes from Home Alone. A quiet winter night. A snowman who opens his eyes. A child looking up as the impossible begins to feel real.
Olympia Symphony brings families together for a holiday afternoon built around music, memory, and winter wonder. At the heart of the concert is Howard Blake’s beloved score to The Snowman, performed live with the animated film. As the story unfolds on screen, the orchestra carries every step, every snowfall, and the unforgettable Walking in the Air moment that has made the film a holiday favorite for generations.
The program also features John Williams’ Somewhere in My Memory from Home Alone, a piece that captures the glow, longing, and tenderness of the season in a melody many listeners know by heart.
Opening the concert, local young artist Alex Chen, winner of Olympia Symphony’s 2026 Young Artists Competition Junior Division, joins the orchestra for Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. Bright, lively, and full of conversation between soloist and orchestra, the work gives Alex a chance to bring his own voice to a piece that has challenged and delighted cellists for generations.
This concert is a chance to slow down, sit together, and let the season feel magical again.
Buon Natale: An Italian Christmas
Celebrate the beauty and spirit of the season with Buon Natale: An Italian Christmas, a choral program inspired by Italy’s sacred music and folk traditions. This festive concert moves from intimate prayer to joyful celebration, revealing the many colors of Italy’s Christmas through music both reflective and exuberant.
The program opens with Giuseppe Verdi’s Ave Maria, a deeply expressive setting of quiet reverence and serenity. From there, we enter the devotional world of Ottorino Respighi’s dramatic tableau Laud to the Nativity, which tells the wonder of the Christmas story through rich harmonic language and ancient sacred inspiration.
Next is Francesco Paolo Frontini’s Eight Christmas Songs of the Sicilian People, arranged by Howard Arman—a vivid collection of Sicilian carols filled with folk energy, warmth, and communal joy.
The program concludes with Barlow Bradford’s arrangement of Santa Lucia, a heartfelt and expressive Sicilian hymn that brings the musical journey to a resonant close.
The evening caps off with our traditional candlelight finale, a cherished moment of shared reflection and quiet beauty that closes the concert in a spirit of peace and togetherness.
The non-profit Washington Blues Society is supporting Toys for Tots at a huge blues show at Aurora Borealis on Sunday, December 6. Five blues bands including McPage and Powell, Jeff and the Jet City Fliers, The Blue Skies Blues Band, the Karyn Michaelson Band, and Miles from Chicago will perform. Bring your dancin' shoes. Food and beverage service, of course. Admission is by donation to Toys for Tots (suggested minimum $15) or bring a new, unwrapped toy.
