Fun Fact Fiesta Logo

Discover the Top 6 Unforgettable Fun Facts About Olympia, Washington!

illustration of olympia-washington
Unearth the quirky, unexpected, and downright fascinating side of Olympia, Washington as we serve up a platter of delightful tidbits for the trivia enthusiasts and the curious alike.

1. Liquid Sunshine Paradise

Who needs sunshine when you've got liquid sunshine? Olympia, Washington sure doesn't: during the summer months, this famously rainy city transforms into a sun-soaked paradise, boasting 10 whole hours of radiant sunshine per day in July. With average temperatures lounging at a comfortable 76.8°F, it's the perfect time to swap out your rain boots for flip-flops and bask in the glory of Olympia's verdant parks and picturesque green spaces.
Source => allreadymoving.com

2. Earthquake-Proof Capitol

When the earth does the jitterbug, Olympia's Capitol building knows how to jive: The Washington State Capitol in Olympia has withstood three massive earthquakes since its construction, including the Nisqually quake in 2001, thanks to its seismic improvements and peculiar design with a 26,000 metric ton dome held in place by gravity instead of bolts or fasteners, and sandstone columns that can shimmy up to three inches during a tremor without causing disaster.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

3. Birth of Riot Grrrl Movement

"Riot Grrrls just wanna have fun-damental rights": In Olympia, Washington during the early 1990s, the birth of the Riot Grrrl Movement took place – a feminist punk rock awakening that challenged sexism in punk culture, championed female empowerment, and fostered non-hierarchical musical creation, all while shouting about issues such as domestic abuse, rape, sexuality, abortion rights, and equal pay.
Source => actorsbridge.org

4. Co-op Farmers Market

Who said you can't mix business with pleasure? The Olympia Farmers Market begs to differ: a unique gem among Washington's farmers markets, it's one of the few that's vendor-owned and operated! With a cooperative structure and a volunteer board of directors, this foodie haven runs over 150 days a year rain or shine, supports food access programs like WIC and Senior FMNP and EBT, and is home to over 100 vendors from the surrounding counties.
Source => olympiafarmersmarket.com

Wooden Boat Fair Extravaganza

5. Wooden Boat Fair Extravaganza

Ahoy there, landlubbers and seafarers alike! Gather around, for 'tis the time to unfurl a tale of merriment and maritime magnificence, where wood meets water, and gastronomic delights abound upon the shores of Olympia: Every Mother's Day weekend, downtown Olympia's Percival Landing Park hosts the annual Wooden Boat Fair, featuring a dazzling array of wooden boats, artisanal handicrafts, an International Food Alley, boat-building workshops for kids, and local musical entertainment — and the best part is, admission is free!
Source => thurstontalk.com

6. Antique Chic Living

When "home is where the heart is" turns antique chic: The Bigelow House in Olympia, Washington is not just one of the oldest frame buildings in the state, but it also holds the title for the oldest continuously inhabited residence by the same family in the Northwest since 1854. Living among history like a time-traveling real-life sitcom, this Carpenter Gothic style gem boasts its spot in the National Register of Historic Places and functions as a museum, offering a glimpse into the middle-class Pacific Northwest lifestyle during the mid-1800s.
Source => bigelowsociety.com

Related Fun Facts