Capital Lakefair returns this week for the 69th year, bringing a variety of summer fun and family friendly activities to Olympia’s Heritage Park.
Lakefair kicks off Wednesday, July 15, and runs through Sunday, July 19.
The festival has been a local tradition since 1957, when residents and area small businesses sought to coordinate a family-oriented summer event, organizers state on the event’s website.
The daily festivities at Heritage Park include the Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival, food concessions, an entertainment mainstage, craft vendor booths.
The carnival is open from noon to 10 p.m. July 15-16, from noon to 11 p.m. July 17-19 and noon to midnight on July 19.
Concessions will be available along Water Street from noon to 11 p.m. throughout the festival. The groups selling concessions are primarily local non-profit organizations who use sales from the festival as a major source of funding for their annual operations.
Craft vendor booths run by local artists and craftspeople are open from noon to 9 p.m. every day of the festival.
The entertainment main stage will feature free live performances from noon to 10 p.m. every day of the festival. This year’s lineup features a variety of local, regional and national groups, including an all-day high school battle of the bands on Wednesday and performers DJ 2AM, Skank Tornado, Nineteen 80 Four, EXIT 88, and more throughout the weekend.
A full mainstage schedule is available at https://tinyurl.com/4trctjbd.
Friday, July 17 has been designated as “Senior’s Day,” with a variety of additional activities, prizes and giveaways for attendees ages 50 and over planned near the entertainment mainstage between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The Capital Lakefair Car Show runs at Marathon Park along Capitol Lake from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17.
Vehicles of all kinds will be represented, with categories recognizing custom and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles.
The show begins at Marathon Park and continues north along Deschutes Parkway toward Heritage Park. Foot traffic is open for the event and free to attend but vehicle access is blocked at 5th Avenue and restricted to show vehicles only from the south. Street parking is available in the surrounding areas.
The Lakefair Grand Parade — touted as one of the largest in the region — begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. The parade route begins along Capitol Way at 20th Avenue and continues down to 5th Avenue, ending near the bridge.
The summer festival culminates in a Grand Finale Fireworks display over Capitol Lake at 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. The fireworks are sponsored this year by Washington’s Lottery and can be viewed from Heritage Park, Deschutes Parkway, Capitol Campus, or anywhere else with a view of the lake.
Lakefair Royalty and scholarship program
Capital Lakefair is run by a 501 (c)3 non-profit of the same name that operates year-round to promote the summer festival and give back to the Thurston County community.
The nonprofit organization is volunteer-run and governed by a volunteer voting member body known as the Capitalarians.
Since its inauguration, Lakefair has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarship funding to students from local high schools to pursue the trades and higher education, organizers stated.
As part of Lakefair’s scholarship program, a new group of young women from area high schools join the Lakefair Royalty tradition each year. The royalty court participates in all aspects of the organization throughout the season, including local activities such as Relay for Life, West Olympia Jukebox Heroes, Day of Champions, and events held by other area non-profit service groups. They also visit locations across Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia as the Lakefair Float rides in parades hosted by other community festivals.
Each princess receives a $3,000 scholarship to be applied to any type of higher education, and the selected queen receives an additional $2,000.
For the first time in 15 years, the queen will be crowned at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, on the Lakefair Mainstage.
“We are thrilled to bring back the classic and unforgettable Queen announcement in all its glory,” Lakefair organizers stated.
This year’s princesses, with bios presented by Capital Lakefair organizers, are:
Claire represents Avanti High School and is the daughter of Jessica and Christopher Byers. A curious and ambitious scholar, Claire is charting her own exciting path through Running Start as she pursues her dream of a future in nursing. When she’s not conquering her studies, she generously shares her time and talents with others. Claire serves as a counselor at Camp Cispus, volunteers at a local animal shelter caring for furry friends, and participates in 4-H, helping children, animals, and her community learn, grow, and thrive.
Claire truly embraces the spirit of service. She also volunteers at a daycare, where her patience, kindness, and natural ability to connect with young children shine through. Whether she is helping campers, caring for animals, supporting children, or excelling academically, Claire approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and compassion.
A bright leader with a heart full of care, Claire shines wherever she goes and is already making a positive impact on the world around her.
Claire represents Olympia High School. She is the daughter of Eric and Heidi Olmstead and brings energy and determination to everything she does at school.
A standout athlete, she competes in track and field as a javelin thrower and races in cross-country with endurance and determination. Claire is also a dedicated musician, skillfully playing both the violin and viola. In the classroom, she challenges herself by taking AP English and AP History, reflecting her love of learning and curiosity about the world. Committed to giving back, Claire serves as a Camp Cispus counselor, guiding fifth graders through summer adventures with care, patience, and a sense of fun. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a future in education, combining her passion for mentorship with her dedication to making a positive impact. Whether on the track, in the orchestra, or at camp, Claire approaches every challenge with heart and determination.
Jazmin represents Capital High School. She is the daughter of Lorena Rivas and Emmanuel Reyes. A passionate and curious learner, Jazmin thrives in the rigorous IB Program, where she is currently studying IB Psychology, Chemistry, History of the Americas, and Language and Literature, earning college credit while still in high school. When she finds a little time away from her studies, she enjoys reading, sewing, baking, and showcasing her talents on a competitive soccer team. Beyond the classroom, Jazmin is dedicated to serving her community through her volunteer work with Olympia Parks and Recreation. With determination, compassion, and a strong sense of purpose, she has set her sights on a future career in law, where she hopes to make a difference through justice, advocacy, and care for others. Jazmin brings enthusiasm, positivity, and genuine warmth to every event she attends. Her energy is contagious, and her commitment to both her community
Isabella represents River Ridge High School and is the daughter of Victoria and Mark Valerio. A bright and determined leader, Isabella is building her future through Running Start as she pursues her dream of a career in law. When she’s not focused on her studies, she is making a meaningful impact in her community as the deputy mayor of the Lacey City Youth Council and as an officer in the National Junior Honor Society. With her sights set on law school, Isabella is already developing the leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills of a future advocate. Outside of her many leadership commitments, Isabella truly finds her voice — literally. An active member of her school choir, she has a beautiful singing voice and a passion for music that shines every time she performs. This year, her talent and dedication earned her a place at the State Solo and Ensemble Competition, a remarkable achievement that reflects both her hard work and artistic excellence.
