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Good morning. It's Tuesday, January 13, 2026. We're starting the day with a focus on community and progress: Lacey is officially honoring Korean American Day, the Governor Hotel demolition is underway, and you can now walk like a penguin this week!
Alright, here's today's edition of your local lowdown:
📰 LOCAL NEWS SNAPSHOTS
Penguin Palooza: Get Your Waddle On!
Forget building a snowman, build some memories at the Hands On Children's Museum's Penguin Palooza on January 17th and 18th! They're turning the place into a winter wonderland with sock skating and science experiments, so your kids can learn while they waddle. Just try not to slip on the way in!
Today, Lacey Honors Korean American Day
The City of Lacey has proclaimed January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day, joining other Washington cities in this recognition. The Lacey City Council made the designation last week to honor the contributions of Korean Americans to the community.
🎯 BUSINESS HAPPENINGS
Governor Hotel Renovation Has Begun
Hard hats now, complimentary waffles later this year! The Governor Hotel in downtown Olympia is officially being renovated into a Hampton Inn by Hilton. Interior demolition is already underway, full renovations start next week, and the project is expected to be completed by this fall.
📷 READER PHOTO SPOTLIGHT
Dale & Becky Carlson @bluemoonistic
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📆 EVENTS LOWDOWN
Tuesday, 1/13
Live Music
Food & Drink
Thurston County Line
Show up hungry, leave humming. A laid-back early-evening set pairs nicely with whatever you are craving and your best "I totally meant to clap on beat" energy.
Tuesday
Open Studio
DIY
Make Art With Hummingbird
Low-stakes creativity, high-quality vibes: show up, grab some supplies, and make something cool. The only rule is to have a good time (and RSVP by email).Tuesday
First Aid / CPR
Crafts & Workshops
CPR Class With Thurston County Medic 1
Become the calm, capable hero in the room: learn hands-only CPR and AED basics in one quick class, then walk out feeling much more prepared.Tuesday
Trivia
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift Trivia
Ready for a knowledge-era moment? Gather your crew, name your team something dramatic, and battle for trivia glory one question at a time.Tuesday
Ecstatic
Oly Dance Co-Op - DJ Moon Bear
Bring your best dance moves (or your weirdest ones). No choreography, no judgment, just a big ol' dose of rhythm and community vibes from start to finish.Tuesday
Dating
Let's Start 2026 Off With a Bang Speed Dating.
Rom-com energy, but with a timer. Rotate, flirt responsibly, and enjoy that first drink on the house-2026 might just come with a plot twist.Tuesday
Twosdays at Tumwater Falls - A Gathering of Elders
Bring your stories and your comfy shoes - its a low-key hang where the only agenda is fresh air, good chat, and leaving a little lighter than you arrived.Tuesday
Cooking
Food & Drink
Hands-On Chicken Pot Pies
Roll, fill, crimp, repeat: this is comfort food with a side of pastry drama. Leave with individual pies ready to bake and the confidence to pull off flaky perfection at home.Tuesday
Special expires January 30th!
Wednesday, 1/14
Live Music
Greg Rekus + Liv Louis + Lonesome Bramble + Dear Match Girl
Four acts, one night-pace yourself like its a musical buffet and go back for seconds.Wednesday
Outdoors & Adventure
Run
Walk the Old and the New Dupont 5K & 10K Walk
Bring comfy shoes and your best "I totally meant to walk 10K" confidence. Expect easy paths, fresh air, and a satisfying finish with fellow walkers cheering you on.Wednesday
Town Hall
Educational
January Chamber Forum: State of the Community
Lunch, networking, and big-picture updates from local leadership, because nothing pairs with a buffet like a little civic momentum.Wednesday
Teen
Hobbies & Collecting
Teen Hangout
Bring your best vibes and your worst luck at games-this teen hang is powered by snacks, crafts, and questionable playlist choices.Wednesday
Yoga
Yoga Class
Stretch, breathe, and pretend you totally do this every day. Bring a mat, claim your spot early, and leave feeling like a new person (or at least looser).Wednesday
DIY
Hobbies & Collecting
Woodcarving Club
Bring your carving vibe (and maybe a lucky chip) and see what you can whittle out in one evening. Beginners welcome, masterpieces optional.Wednesday
Book
True Crime Book Club
Come for the cold cases and hot takes - share the podcast you binged, the book you couldn't put down, and your best armchair-detective theory.Wednesday
Community Organizing
Volunteer
January Program Meeting, Woman's Club of Olympia
Come for the community, stay for the good vibes: a low-pressure evening meeting where service ideas, friendly faces, and a little local momentum are on the agenda.Wednesday
Performing Arts
Open Mic
Step up, grab the mic, and become a legend for 5 minutes. Or be a professional applause machine from your seat. Either way, expect surprise talent and big energy.Wednesday
Expires Feb 28th.
Thursday, 1/15
Contra
Beginning Square Dance Lessons
Bring your two left feet and leave with a do-si-do. Expect laughs, gentle coaching, and a surprisingly good workout for both brain and body.Thursday
Kids
Children's Theater
Magic Curtain Mornings Presents The Adventures of Moo Kitty
Tiny audience, big stage magic: expect giggles, cues to join in, and at least one kid who becomes the unofficial director from their seat.Thursday
Story Time
Anywhere Library
Your library is rolling in. Bring a tote, grab a hold, and leave feeling suspiciously productive.Thursday
Folk / Acoustic
William Elliott Whitmore + Briarfinch
Bring your best cheering voice: banjo, stomp, and strings are on deck. Expect foot-tapping and at least one "how is that instrument doing that?" moment.Thursday
Causes & Charity
Bingo
Rebuilding Through Bingo!
Eyes on the card, hopes on the numbers - enjoy a laid-back night of bingo where your luck might help someone rebuild.Thursday
Mending & Repair
DIY
Clothing Repair Workshop
Buttons popping off again? Bring your rebellious wardrobe and learn to fight back with patches, thread, and a little crafty confidence.Thursday
Networking
Business After Hours | COVE
Bring your best handshake and your worst small talk - the snacks and friendly crowd will do the rest. Come mingle, sip, and leave with new contacts.Thursday
Blockchain / Crypto
Olympia Bitcoin
Bring your curiosity and your best "wait, how does that work?" questions. You might leave smarter, more connected, and only slightly more convinced you need a hardware wallet.Thursday
Painting
Art & Exhibits
Beginner Drawing
Sharpen your pencils and your powers of observation. Expect lines, shadows, perspective, and at least one moment where a "simple" object becomes weirdly dramatic.Thursday
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🍸 SOUND BITES
happy hours | food & drink specials | late night deals
Gardner's Restaurant | Tapas Tuesday | 4–7pm. Book now: Northwest seafood downtown.
Anthony's HomePort | Happy Hour | Mon–Fri 3–6:00 pm. Sip, snack, waterfront.
Cynara Restaurant & Lounge | Happy Hour | Mon–Fri 3:30–5:30pm. $5 Craft Beers.
Cascadia Grill | New Winter Menu | Sun–Thu 12–8pm. Local brasserie vibes.
Octapas Cafe | Brunch Sat–Sun | 9am–2pm. Dec Theme: Benedicts Galore!
Chicory | Christmas brunch | Sat–Sun 10am–3pm. Seasonal plates, natural wine.
Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar | Oyster hour | Fri–Sat 4–6pm. Flights and cocktails.
Basilico Ristorante | Happy Hour | Tue–Sat 4–5pm. Italian sips, $4 off snacks.
Ninevah Restaurant | Buffet Brunch | Sat–Sun 9 am–2pm. Assyrian flavors await.
Well 80 Brewhouse | Late-night bites | Fri–Sat 9–11pm. $4 Craft beer, pizza.
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Thanks for Reading!
Thank you for reading this week's edition! We hope you found these local updates informative and engaging. Now go forth and waddle like a penguin, or contemplate the profound wisdom of our state's founders. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends, family, and neighbors to keep everyone connected to our community's happenings. Together, we can continue to celebrate and support the growth of Tumwater, Lacey and Olympia!
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Written with ❤️ for Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey, WA.
Behind the name Olympia Lowdown: A community only thrives when its people are connected to it. In a world where local papers are disappearing and algorithms dictate what we see, we believe finding community news & events shouldn't be a struggle. The Olympia Lowdown exists to bridge the gap between you and your community, ensuring you never miss a moment to celebrate local life.