Oct 29 Thursday
Supported by KNKX. After thirty-five years of being at the forefront of the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans, Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary decided to bring that sound back home, both figuratively and literally. He assembled his Absolute Monster Gentlemen (his acclaimed all-star big band) in his home studio in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, drew up a setlist of some of his most beloved songs– and some new favorites– and rolled tape.
The result is The Bywater Sessions, a musical tour-de-force that showcases the grit, funk and joy that’s packed concert halls from New Orleans to Tokyo and beyond. Co-produced by Cleary and John Porter (Roxy Music, The Smiths, Taj Mahal), it’s a stunning collection of performances that affirms Cleary’s place in the New Orleans musical vanguard.
As for the musicians, it’s the best of the best. Long time Monster Gentlemen Cornell Williams and A.J. Hall anchor the band on bass and drums, respectively. They are joined by Nigel Hall (Lettuce) on Hammond organ, Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars) on percussion, Xavier Lynn (MonoNeon, Ledisi) on guitar, and an all-star horn section of Aaron Narcisse (Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra), Charlie Halloran (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Preservation Hall All Stars) and Jason Mingledorff (Galactic).
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!
Styled by the Streets: Black Women in Hip-Hop Fashion explores how Black women transform Hip-Hop fashion into a cultural and political force, transcending the boundaries of music to influence global style, self-expression, and identity. From streetwear to couture, hair to jewelry, and iconic photography, the exhibition showcases style as a powerful expression of Black womanhood across 30 unique artifacts. Layered in late 1990s and early 2000s denim, holographic finishes, and Y2K palettes, the gallery highlights the artists and cultural creators who bring these iconic looks to life—centering the women visionaries whose creativity reshapes Black and Hip-Hop communities through storytelling, authorship, and legacy.
Local Olympia area artists display their work. Paintings, collage, fabric art. Join us for Arts Walk October 2-3!
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.
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
Explore personal writing in this generative-focused series. Participants will look at and write short pieces of memoir, essay, and personal narrative pieces in this series designed for writers of all experience levels. Through guided prompts, creative exercises, and inspiration from SilverKite's garden, participants will leave each session with their own personal writing on the page. This series emphasizes creativity and self-expression. Sharing writing with the group is optional.
Facilitated by SilverKite® Teaching Artist Mollia Jensen
Series Dates:
October 15 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
October 22 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
October 29 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
November 5 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
November 12 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
November 19 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
Registration required by October 8. Full refunds are available if cancelled 8 or more days before the workshop start date. If cancelled 7 days or fewer before the workshop you will be reimbursed 90% with a 10% administrative fee. Cancellations after the series begins will not be refunded.
