The Second Annual Olympia Zine Fest

Olympia Zine Fest is a celebration of zines and DIY culture. The second year of the fest offers three days of music, workshops, and opportunities to buy and trade zines. It's free and all-ages.

Friday, September 30th
Kick-off event with Guest of Honor, Osa Atoe.
It's a punk show at the library featuring bands whose members also make zines: Spider & the Webs, Dr. Identity, VOG. Hosted by MC Osa Atoe with tunes in between sets by DJ Erika Elizabeth. The show starts at 7pm at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 8th Ave. SE.

Saturday, October 1st
Tabling Expo with over 70 zine-makers, distros and libraries. 11am - 5pm at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW.

Sunday, October 2nd
Workshops, 11am - 5pm, at Obsidian (414 4th Ave. E) and Mixx 96 Meeting Room (119 Franklin St. NE). The schedule and descriptions are available here.

More information is available at olympiazinefest.org.

Kids can enjoy plenty of playtime, New Year’s Eve crafts, face painting, hats, noisemakers, a FREE family picture, and more! Closed on Monday, January 2, in observance of the holiday.

Snowflakes and snow crystals are fascinating and complex. Join us at the WET Science Center for a 2pm presentation about the science of snow, including stunning visuals and hands-on activities, and expand your understanding of the winter wonderland. Plus we’ll make snow crafts and do fun activities all day long! 

There have always been stories about the origin of the land and the life that calls it home. These ancient stories are powerful and rooted in science. From Salmon Woman to mice hiding in Douglas Fir cones, you’ll hear a variety of stories that come from our local Salish peoples and from around the world that teach respect for nature and the cycle of life. Stories begin at 2pm at the WET Science Center. 

Lichens and moss are found on tree trunks, sidewalk cracks, mountain tops, forest floors – and even Antarctica! How is it that these organisms can thrive in so many diverse environments? Join us at the WET Science Center for a day of adventure and learning as we explore the awesome lives of mosses and lichens and the roles they play in our ecosystems. With common names like Fairy Puke and Golden Moon Glow, who wouldn’t want to find out more about these fascinating organisms? Presentation starts at 2pm, followed by an interactive microscope activity. Moss and lichen activities in the classroom all day.

Kris Leefers, Scientific Diver for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will present at 2pm at the WET Science Center on the special work of her Dive Unit. She explores both fresh and saltwater, and polluted water, throughout the Pacific Northwest. Listen to her stories, learn about her gear, and discover how her work impacts environmental programs, research, and law enforcement. Then, touch and try on real EPA dive gear. Great opportunity for a unique scuba selfie! All ages welcome. For a sneak peek visit epa.gov/diving.

What is a watershed, and what does it have to do with me? We’ll explore the answers to those questions through a hands-on workshop where you and your family can design a watershed and engineer solutions to protect it. This 2pm program is best for ages 10 and up, but families of all ages can participate together and learn how to protect the water around us! 

From outhouses to squat toilets and everywhere in between, the average human spends nearly 100 days on the toilet over their lifetime! But that doesn’t look the same everywhere you go. Come in for a 2pm presentation about different toilets around the world, including the International Space Station! We’ll also talk about the 2.4 billion people around the planet who don’t have a toilet and what that means for them.

Some of earth’s spookiest creatures live in the deepest parts of the ocean. Come to the WET Science Center for a 2pm presentation that will amaze and inspire you through enchanting photos and videos of mesmerizing bioluminescence. Make anglerfish hats – a great Halloween costume option – and other bioluminescent art throughout the day.

Celebrate fall by creating beautifully colored works of art inspired by leaves and the returning salmon at the WET Science Center. Design color-diffusing paper leaves, leaf or fish prints, and much more. We provide the supplies and inspiration, you bring the creativity! Feel free to bring in your own fall leaves to use in your artwork.