Summer is a magical time in the Great Northwest. With the sun not touching the horizon until 9 o’clock in the evening, the days are long and warm and peppered with laughter and memories to last forever. In fact if you are considering to move to the Olympia area, but haven’t decided if the Pacific Northwest is for you, we have compiled a list of summer fairs and events in the area that show off some of the best that we have to offer!
TUMWATER INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE • Tumwater City Hall • July 4
The quintessential small town celebration is still alive in Tumwater! This patriotic parade showcases floats, marching bands, drill teams, and of course other entertainment for kids of all ages. People show up hours early to get the best seats in the house for this parade that kicks off the celebrations in style. Later that evening the City of Tumwater lights up the sky over the Tumwater Valley with an amazing fireworks display.
LAKEFAIR • Downtown Olympia • July 17-21
Lakefair is the area’s premier summer event and centers around Capital Lake which is the reflecting pool for the State Capital Building. With rides and locally sourced fair foods that range from the long standing favorite Demo Burger to St. Martin’s Curly Fries, to elephant ears. The fair is topped of with an old school twilight parade through downtown on Saturday evening and an impressive fireworks display on Sunday night.
HUB CITY CAR SHOW • Downtown Centralia • August 24
High polished chrome and candied paint jobs line Centralia’s iconic Tower Avenue for the stunning event. Show cars line both sides of the streets for blocks while people from all ages admire everything from polished show cars to projects in various stages of completion to brand new show-room hot rods. You will also find Centralia’s famous antique and gift shops are also in on the festivities opening early and closing late.
GARLIC FESTIVAL • Downtown Chehalis • August 23-25
The Washington State Garlic Fest is the largest gathering of garlic eats and artisan crafts in Washington State. Vendors from across the state and the nation bring their wares to the Fairgrounds for the 23rd Annual Garlic Fest, August 23rd – 25th, 2019. Come let the aroma of garlic, sounds of Dixie Land, and enticement of unique crafts make for a Garlicous Weekend!