Oct 25 Sunday
Sponsored by KNKX. October is Tacoma Arts Month, featuring a wide variety of arts and culture events, programs, and exhibits for all ages all around Tacoma, some of which are free. There is something for everyone to enjoy: music, dance, and theater performances; hands-on experiences; cultural events; visual art exhibits; literary readings; workshops; and film screenings.
All you have to do is choose what you want to enjoy. Take this opportunity to experience something new as we celebrate Tacoma’s cultural community!
The Tacoma Film Festival celebrates the boldness, perseverance, and grit of independent cinema. We present the best in contemporary independent filmmaking from the Pacific Northwest and around the world, connecting filmmakers and audiences around screenings and events in the Gritty City.
Now entering its 20th year, the Tacoma Film Festival has grown from a small regional festival into a welcoming haven for regional and international filmmakers, industry professionals, students, fans, critics, and creative entrepreneurs.
Maritime Blue is excited to announce the second annual One Ocean Week Seattle 2026, taking place October 19–25, 2026! This week-long gathering brings together industry leaders, marine researchers, coastal communities, policymakers, organizations, and ocean advocates from across the globe to highlight our shared connection to the water and inspire action for a healthy marine future. This is not just another conference – it features technology pilots and demonstration projects, equity-focused workforce development programming, opportunities to connect directly with investors and decision-makers, and events designed to build lasting, cross-sector alliances.
Local Olympia area artists display their work. Paintings, collage, fabric art. Join us for Arts Walk October 2-3!
Seattle Coffee Festival returns for its second year October 24–25 at Magnuson Park Hangar 30. Meet specialty roasters and coffee shops, taste coffees included with admission, and enjoy live entertainment. Food is available to purchase separately.
Sessions on both days: general admission 10am–1pm or 1:30–4:30pm; morning early admission begins at 9am. Tickets are sold by session, with a service break between sessions. Check the event website for current ticket options and availability.
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.
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.
Celebrate fall with a bounty of family-friendly thrills and spooky treats at Boo Bash, Oct. 24–31. Enjoy Halloween-inspired delights without the fright! Activities vary depending on the day of the week. Explore our Glow Zone, wander the straw bale maze, watch exciting science demos, and more!
Boo Bash Proudly Sponsored by Olympia Subaru Kia
Nocturnal
Sept 25 - Nov 15, 2026
Inspired by the world that emerges after the light fades, Childhood’s End Gallery presents “Nocturnal” featuring new paintings by Liza Brenner and Jonathan Happ, alongside mixed media sculpture by Loralin Toney.
Arts Walk Reception: Oct 2nd 5-9pmArts Walk continues Oct 3rd 12-6pm
FREE
Childhood’s End Gallery222 4th Ave WOlympia WA 98501
info@childhoods-end-gallery.com
360-943-3724
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
