Celebrate the Visual, Literary and Performing Arts at Olympia’s Spring Arts Walk

Bring the whole family along for this semi-annual celebration of creativity and culture! Since 1990, thousands have gathered in the heart of downtown Olympia during spring and fall to celebrate the talent and drive of local and regional visual and performing artists. At Spring Arts Walk, happening April 26-27, 2024, the streets of downtown Olympia are turned into an art party filled with over 100 family-friendly activities. From sock puppet making to Japanese calligraphy, there is something for everyone. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The Arts Walk turns downtown Olympia into a party of many local artists, vendors and performers. Photo credit: Sarah Gonia

huge crowds of people milling under pop up tents in downtown Olympia — The Arts Walk turns downtown Olympia into a party of many local artists, vendors and performers. Photo credit: Sarah Gonia

Discover New Artists in Downtown Olympia

Enjoy a festive art experience that uses creativity to engage and connect the community to talented local artists. Vendors and businesses turn their spaces into colorful, creative displays filled with art, demonstrations and pop-up performances.

“Arts Walk is about discovery,” says Stephanie Johnson, City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation program and planning supervisor. “Everywhere you go, there’s visual and performing art, there’s street performances. It’s all about discovering artists you’ve never seen before.”

Each Arts Walk, Innovation Award recipients represent excellence and innovation in community engagement through the arts. Presenting the Spring 2024 awardees and their featured events:

POWER (Parents Organizing for Welfare and Economic Rights):

Sock Monkeys for Social Justice Project craft
Kevette Palmas, Azure McCormick, and Ahdekae, mixed media
Phoenix Holmes, crocheted textile art
Desiree Chantal Toliver, interactive photo exhibit on the history of nonprofits in Olympia
The Art of POWER youth, caricature
Vincent Brown, live music, Saturday 1-3pm

Stellar Juices and Pressing On Fitness:

Indoor Event:
- Daniel G. Bernstein, photography
Outdoor Event:
- Wellness Fair & Art Market Vendors mixed media, craft, + culinary arts
- Olympia Waldorf School Students, textile jump-ropes

The Spring Arts Walk provides hundreds of family-friendly attractions and activities to enjoy. Photo credit: Sarah Gonia

Olympia Family Theater:

Jill Carter, mixed media shadow box illustration, + mini 3D sticker collage activity hosted, Friday, 6-8pm
Kids Disco Dance Party, youth activity
Arts & Crafts, youth activity
Family Dress-Up Station, youth activity

CaTMA Gallery:

Group Installation: FIBER, multimedia fiber art show interlaced with performances, Friday 9pm + Saturday 1pm
China Star, fine art curation + installation
Abel Zimmerman Zyl, sound collage production
Arrington de Dionyso, live performance art
Guest Musicians, synth, electronic, + acoustic performance
Guest Artists, printmaking, music, books, + textile

Olympia Knitting Mills:

Avanti High School ACE Students (Apprenticeship for a Creative Economy), printmaking, photography, painting, + mixed media
J Hukee, oil paintings
Ry King,experimental photography + encaustic painting
JR of FILS THREADS, natural fiber garments made by hand

“The goal of Arts Walk is to help our amazing community of artists and creatives thrive,” says Jessica Strauss Tomy, City of Olympia Parks, Arts, & Recreation program aide. “We encourage all levels of artists to participate. We find ways to connect artists to businesses that support what their art stands for.”

To plan your visit, you can pick up a pocket-map at one of many participating downtown businesses or at The Olympia Center or Olympia City Hall. You can also check out Olympia Arts Walk’s digital schedule and add events to your itinerary!

Lanterns and light-up creatures take over the skies at night for the Luminary Procession. Photo credit: Sarah Gonia

Procession of the Species 2024 Returns to Spring Arts Walk

After a four-year hiatus, Earthbound Productions is proud to announce that the iconic Procession of the Species Celebration will return to the streets of Olympia! Eli Sterling, Earthbound Productions director, announced that this year’s theme will be “The Rise of Reflection.” Embark on a journey filled with joyous artistic expression, intended to inspire learning, appreciation, and protection of the natural world.

At 8:30 p.m. on Friday, lanterns and illuminated rice paper creatures take over the skies for the Luminary Procession. Lanterns, laughter and live music are aplenty at this nighttime celebration that’s been lighting up the streets of Olympia for over 20 years.

The daytime Procession features a lively pageant of human-powered animals, suns, water and other earthly elements that celebrate the creatures of the Earth. As always, the Procession is free to attend, and will take place on April 27 at 4:30 p.m.