Nisqually Watershed Festival

Celebrate nature, culture, and community! The Nisqually Watershed Festival is at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, September 27th, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, a free, family-friendly event that honors the people, wildlife, and history that shape the Nisqually Watershed. You  can explore and discover the wonders of the watershed through interactive exhibits, hands-on education activities, and a variety of performances and presenters! Free parking and a continuous shuttle will be available from the Hawks Prairie Park-n-Ride.

Highlights include:

• Live Performances: Kick off the day with rousing bagpipes as the Olympia Highlanders perform alongside local dancers followed by drum and song from the Nisqually Indian Tribe Canoe Family
• Up-Close Animal Encounters: Don’t miss seeing everything from snakes and alligators to vultures and owls as The Reptile Lady takes the stage in the morning followed later in the afternoon by The Falconer
• Interactive Exhibits & Activities: Step inside a 25-foot salmon replica in Critter Corridor, decorate your very own salmon print t-shirt, and meet fascinating creatures in the Insect Extravaganza!
• Hands-On Learning: Join environmental educators and local scientists for fun, educational activities for all ages featuring salmon and dogfish dissections, invasive species archery, survival crafting skills, and walks through the Refuge’s nature-filled trail system.
• Delicious Local Food: Enjoy a salmon barbecue lunch with fish provided by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, plus local food vendors offering burgers, coffee, sweet treats, and more.

For more information, visit: https://nisquallyriver.org/festival

Parking: Free parking and a continuous shuttle will be available from the Hawks Prairie Park-N-Ride (2548 Hogum Bay Road NE, Olympia).