Saturday, May 4
Yelm Farmers Market kickoff
The 2024 Yelm Farmers Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 4, at 206 McKenzie Ave., near City Park. The event will feature 20 or more vendors offering farmers, artisans, bakers, beekeepers, leatherworkers and more, plus a children’s program and special events. The event will take place Saturdays through Saturday, Sept 28. Visit http://yelmfarmersmarket.com/yfm/ for more information.
Galaxy Fest
The City of Yelm Parks and Recreation Department will host “Galaxy Fest” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4, at the Yelm Community Center, 301 Second St. SE. The free event will allow attendants to meet actual Star Wars characters, create a hero or villain to take home, participate in the special Agents of Discovery “Space Challenge” and earn a sticker for their Parks Passport.
Wednesday, May 8
Learners Without Limits 5K fundraiser
Learners Without Limits is hosting its third annual 5-kilometer walk run, Wednesday, May 8, at Yelm City Park. Runners and walkers can participate in one of two sessions: at 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Kids under 6 can participate for free, while student participants must pay $15 and adults pay $20. Donations will also be accepted after the event. LWL’s goal is to provide low-income students with access to stable housing, clothing, nutrition and hygiene essentials to ensure that every student graduates with a plan. Register online at https://bountyforfamilies.org/product/5k-run-walk-runner-registration/ or donate at the event.
Saturday, May 11
2024 Tenino Japanese Festival
The Tenino High School Japan program and Japanese Club present the 2024 Tenino Japanese Festival, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at Tenino High School, 500 Second Ave. W., Tenino. Admission is free, but food costs around $5. People are invited to explore Japanese culture and participate in many activities, including workshops, a photo booth, games, arts and crafts for Mother’s Day, and watch performances, including Taiko drumming, live calligraphy and student musical performances.
Yelm Farmers Market
The 2024 Yelm Farmers Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 11, at 206 McKenzie Ave., near City Park. The event will feature 20 or more vendors offering farmers, artisans, bakers, beekeepers, leatherworkers and more, plus a children’s program and special events. The event will take place Saturdays through Saturday, Sept 28. Visit http://yelmfarmersmarket.com/yfm/ for more information.
LEGO Club at Timberland Library
The Yelm Timberland Library is set to host a LEGO Club meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11. The club meetings take place on the second Saturday of each month, including on June 8. Each meeting will present a monthly theme to build around, but participants are welcome to use their creativity to create their own LEGO masterpieces, if desired. Younger children should be accompanied to the event. The library is located at 201 Prairie Park St. SE, in Yelm.
Saturday, June 15
Yelm’s first “Color Fun Run”
The City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department and YARD seek to kick the summer off by hosting its inaugural Color Fun Run, which starts at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 15, at Yelm City Park. Every participant will receive a white T-shirt to wear while the run is happening along with some “fun swag.” Registration costs $40. To register, go to https://bit.ly/4avmFMV.
Saturday, June 22
Prairie Days Parade
Beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 22, near Prairie Park Street Southeast in Yelm, the annual Prairie Days Parade will kick off and march downtown toward Yelm City Park. This year’s parade is dubbed “Party Like It’s 1924” in celebration of Yelm’s centennial celebration. The event, hosted by Yelm Chamber of Commerce, kicks off a full weekend of fun activities throughout Yelm.
Prairie Days “Touch a Truck”
The second annual Prairie Days Touch a Truck event returns from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22 at Yelm City Park as the City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department welcomes visitors of Prairie Days to explore “big trucks and other vehicles.” The event is free, and children must be accompanied by an adult at the event.
Party on the Prairie: Centennial Celebration Concert
The City of Yelm Parks and Recreation Department will host its free “Party on the Prairie: Centennial Celebration Concert” from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Yelm City Park, 108 SE McKenzie Ave. The event will feature country music artist and songwriter Adam Craig as the headliner. The Hogue and Moore Band will open for Craig at the free concert. People are invited to indulge in food and beverages from a selection of vendors or bring their own refreshments. A beer garden will also be available at the event.
Sunday, June 23
Fourth annual charity mushball tournament
The City of Yelm Parks and Recreation Department will host the fourth annual charity mushball tournament from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 at Longmire Park, 16820 Canal Road SE. Registration for the event will open soon. Each team must have at least four women and four men on its roster.
Saturday, July 27
Fifth annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally
The fifth annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at Yelm City Park. The yearly event is one of Yelm’s most popular attractions, drawing crowds of thousands each year to the park. Entertainment this year includes live bands and performances, along with a youth and adult pie-eating contest. The amateur barbecue competition will return; a beer, cider and wine garden will be included; and there will be activities for kids.
Friday, Aug. 2
Seventh annual Jazz in the Park
Enjoy a family-friendly night of “cozy ambiance” from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Yelm City Park, Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3, as the seventh annual Jazz in the Park event returns to Yelm. Admission to the event is free and allows spectators to enjoy live jazz bands. There will be a beer and wine garden featured, along with different food vendors.
