What’s happening this weekend — Tumwater Artesian Brewfest and other festivities

This weekend promises fun for adults and children with events ranging from the Tumwater Artesian Brewfest to "Animal Encounters" in Thurston County.

Animal Encounters (OLYMPIA)
Friday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Meet Real Farm Animals with Animal Encounters! All the critters are gentle, docile, loved, and have lifetime homes.

Art Rocks! A Community Rock Painting Event (LACEY)
Saturday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join the Lacey Museum for an art-filled morning where you are invited to craft your own masterpieces. Trade your rock art with others, place it in a park or take it to go. This program is free and for all ages.

Pruning for Novices: Workshop at the Closed Loop Park Demonstration Garden (LACEY)
Saturday, Aug. 16, 9-11 a.m.

In this event, you will be walking throughout the garden for a discussion and demonstration of different pruning techniques. The workshop will focus on the basics of pruning various ornamental plants.

The Olympia Free Clinic 2nd annual softball tournament (OLYMPIA)
Saturday, Aug. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Local medical groups and businesses are gearing up for The Olympia Free Clinic’s 2nd annual softball tournament. In addition to crowning this year’s tournament champions, attendees can look forward to raffle prizes from local businesses and a special performance by the Artesian Rumble Arkestra.

Instrument Petting Zoo (OLYMPIA)

Saturday, Aug. 16, 12-3 p.m.

Experience the Instrument Petting Zoo with SOGO (Student Orchestra of Greater Olympia). "Zookeepers" are on hand to demonstrate and help you learn how to play the instruments.

Tumwater Artesian Brewfest (TUMWATER)
Saturday, Aug. 16, 1-8 p.m.
The brewfest provides a unique outdoor venue (in the shadow of the former Olympia Brewery) for you to sip craft beers from 50-plus Pacific Northwest breweries along with cider and spirits; savor food from local vendors and restaurants; enjoy live music, and play super-sized beer pong, cornhole, enter stein holding competitions, and more! 21 and over event.

Community Events in the Cemetery - Nature Tour (OLYMPIA)

Saturday, Aug. 16, 5-8 p.m.

Walk and enjoy nature in the cemetery. Masonic Memorial Park Operations Manager, Lindsay Andersen, will tell people about the special trees in the park.

Rutledge Family Farm Sunflower Festival (OLYMPIA)

Aug. 16-18

Experience the Sunflower Festival at Rutledge Family Farm south of Olympia, select days in August. Something new this year: you will be given a ticket to be entered for a chance to win a gift basket full of goodies from the farm.