Dakota Poorman and The Olson Bros Band rock Yelm’s Centennial Stage at Party on the Prairie

The erratic weather — which featured cold rain and solid wind at times throughout the night on Friday, June 26 — did not stop the Yelm community from coming out to Yelm City Park in strong numbers to watch the third annual Party on the Prairie summer concert on the Centennial Stage.

According to Line Roy, Yelm’s communication and recreation coordinator, the Party of the Prairie summer concert is a fun, newer way for Yelm residents of all ages and demographics to gather and connect for a free and enjoyable evening of music.

“It’s insane that it’s our third annual already. Tonight has been so much fun. We had to battle a little bit of weather in the beginning, but the sun has come out for us and everyone looks like they’re having such a great time. The energy is so fun. Everyone is just vibing,” Roy said. “This event is something that I always wanted. It’s getting the full community together in one place for some live music. You get some energy and excitement and everyone ready for the Prairie Days weekend. This is really a fun way for us to welcome everyone to the party and get everyone into the right frame of mind.”

Local artist Dakota Poorman opened up the Party on the Prairie and performed for roughly two hours, from 5 p.m. to 7. After he wrapped up, The Olson Brothers Band took to the stage and closed out the event around 9 p.m.

According to Roy, the two musical acts are both very talented artists and Yelm is extremely lucky to have them frequently playing throughout the region.

“They want to come back to our stage year after year, and our community wants to see them perform year after year,” Roy said. “It’s just such a testament to their talent as musicians and our overall need for fun and excitement.”

After two successful renditions of Party on the Prairie in 2024 and 2025, Roy was thankful to see the Yelm community come out in force, once again, to enjoy an evening of live music and community bonding.

“It’s so fun to me to have seen this event grow up from the first year, when we were on second street with a stage that we pulled in, to now the stage is built and we get to celebrate on that. This event has grown up as a community with us from something really small. It keeps on getting bigger and better — just like we do,” Roy said. “Stay tuned for what we have planned to do next year. We’re just going to keep making it bigger and better.”