Magic Garden and Clam Chowder Challenge

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South Sound Life

Oct 2, 2026

Magic Fall Garden
Clam Chowder Challenge

Fall Slow Cooker Recipes

Discover the magic of fall at Meerkerk Gardens

Weekend Events

Olympia Fall Arts Walk 2026

📅 Date & Time:
Friday, October 2, 5 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, October 3, 12 pm - 6 pm
📍 Location: Downtown Olympia
🎟️ Tickets: Free
📄 Details: One of Olympia’s signature cultural weekends returns with art exhibitions, performances, demonstrations and activities throughout downtown. Details here!

South Sound Clam Chowder Challenge

📅 Date: Saturday, October 3
🕒 Time: VIP entry 4:00 PM; general admission 5:00 PM; winners announced 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Thurston County Fairgrounds, Lacey
🎟️ Tickets: $30 at the door; children 12 and under free with a paid adult
📄 Details: Local restaurants compete for bragging rights while attendees sample chowders and vote for the People’s Choice. Admission includes one taste from each competing team plus appetizers, a beverage and dessert. The event raises money for Hawks Prairie Rotary Foundation community projects. Learn more here!

Upcoming Events

Lacey Night Market — Haunted Night Market

📅 Date: Friday, October 16
🕒 Time: 5 pm - 9 pm
📍 Location: The Depot, Lacey
🎟️ Tickets: Free
📄 Details: Get set for Halloween at the Lacey Night Market with local artisans and small businesses, food vendors, live entertainment and spooky themed experiences. Get all the details here!

Family Fun

Hands On Children's Museum

Downtown Olympia

🎟️ Admission: Museum admission applies - Click here for deails!
One of the best options for families with younger children. Interactive exhibits, maker spaces, outdoor play areas, and seasonal activities make it a popular weekend destination.

📣 Local Business Owners – Let’s Partner!
Want to get your brand in front of an engaged, local audience? We are actively looking for local businesses to spotlight each week in the South Sound Life newsletter. Let's shine a light on your business or a local business you love! Let us know!

👉https://go.southsoundlifenewsletter.com/favoritelocalbiz

Olympia Farmers Market

Olympia Farmers Market Weekend

Saturday, September 26 & Sunday, September 27

Morning through afternoon

Percival Landing & Olympia Farmers Market

🎟️ Admission: Free entry

Spend part of your weekend along Olympia’s waterfront enjoying fresh local produce, handmade crafts, live music, coffee vendors, and scenic marina views at the Olympia Farmers Market and nearby waterfront activities. Grab details here!

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Adopt a Pet

Australian Shepard/Mix Needs A New Home

Found wandering Capitol State Forest, Aspen was matted, frightened, and unsure of the world around her. Her rescuers weren’t certain she had ever lived inside a home. Today, thanks to her foster family, this sweet girl is discovering how good life as a dog can be.

Aspen has blossomed in foster care, warming up to the entire family... including their middle- and high-school-age children. She has had positive interactions with dogs and positive-to-neutral interactions with cats.