The Olympia Downtown Alliance announces the return of Music in the Park as the annual summer series celebrates its 45th anniversary.
Held over four Wednesdays in July, this year’s free concert series features local and touring acts spanning samba, community chorus, surf punk, indie folk, Americana and pop-infused soul, a news release from event organizers stated.
New in 2026, the series adds roving performers throughout each event. Thanks to a partnership with the City of Olympia, it will also feature opening performances that spotlight more local talent and community groups.
The 2026 concert schedule is as follows:
Olympia Family Fun Night, July 8, at Sylvester Park
The season opens with a celebration of community featuring the lively rhythms of Samba Olywa, the harmonies of Voices of the Sound, and the historic American Legion Band, which have performed for Olympia audiences for over a century.
6 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.; Samba Olywa
6:20 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Voices of the Sound
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; American Legion Band
Punk Power, July 15, at Sylvester Park
Downtown comes alive with the dance-punk energy of J. Graves, followed by Olympia surf-punk legends The Proffits.
6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; J. Graves
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; The Proffits
Next Gen Talent, July 22, at Sylvester Park
Celebrate emerging local talent with singer-songwriter Anne Magnolia and Olympia-based soul-pop group WINEHOUSE.
6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Anne Magnolia
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; WINEHOUSE
Finale: Indie-Americana, July 29, at Port Plaza
The series wraps up with an evening of heartfelt songwriting and harmonies featuring Olympia favorite Erina and acclaimed Americana band Daring Greatly.
6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Erina
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Daring Greatly
“For over 40 years, OlyFed has been proud to support Music in the Park,” Casey Kilborn, OlyFed chief relationship officer, said in the news release. “This fantastic community event brings people together and supports a strong and vibrant Downtown by bringing together the performing arts with economic development. We love seeing friends and neighbors enjoy a live performance, along with the many wonderful shops and restaurants that call Olympia home.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and takeout from downtown restaurants. Food vendors are still being finalized, but guests can expect favorites such as Sofie’s Scoops, Lolli Llama Candy Company, and Batdorf & Bronson Legacy Cafe.
More details are available at https://tinyurl.com/5fdvnmc5.
