Tumwater Falls Fest to showcase local entertainment, Deschutes River loop trail

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The third annual Tumwater Falls Fest will open on Saturday, September 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls.

The festival features local musicians, artists, children’s activities, and demonstrations. Attendees may also indulge in local food options fitted to their appetites.

New this year is the scenic half-mile loop trail along the Deschutes River, showing views of the Old Brew Tower, cascading waterfalls, and quiet pools.

The first Tumwater Falls Fest was held last October 1, 2022. The festival celebrates the history of the Deschutes River as a traditionally sacred area and a place of trade and industry.

Click here for a map of the event.

Food and entertainment

Several food vendors will be present during the fest: Baby Dream Dogs, Boogie Beans Coffee, Langostino Sushi Burrito and Tornado Potato, Meggie's Lumpia, Radio Fryer, Steve's Wicked Kettle Korn, Sweetlee’s Ice Cream, and Taqueria La Esquinita.

Attendees may engage in family-friendly activities, with the likes of Balloon Twisting with Mr. Twister, Face painting with Gayle Lindeblom, and Tenino Stone Carvers Demonstration.

The schedule for the Falls Lagoon is yet to be determined. The schedule for the Forest Stage is as follows:

  • 10:15 a.m. Welcome from Mayor Sullivan
  • 10:30 a.m. The Bridge Music Project
  • 11:30 a.m. Washington State Poet Laureate Arianne True
  • 12:30 p.m. Oly Chamber Brass (Members of Olympia Symphony Orchestra)
  • 2:00 p.m. Shamrock
  • 3:00 p.m. Harvest Moon Story Telling
  • 3:50 p.m. Closing

Pre and post-festival activities

The Falls Fest Art Show will open at the Tumwater Timberland Library two weeks before the festival.

“Olympia Art League artists are given the summer to create art that represents the theme of waterfalls, salmon, and nature. Library patrons can vote for their favorite work of art,” the fest’s site stated.

After the festivities on September 28, post-event entertainment will take place at the Tumwater Craft District, with a 4 p.m. performance from Entertainer Nikko and the Night Shift.

In addition to the live entertainment, attendees may also enjoy great food and beverages from some of the finest craft producers in the Tumwater area.

Volunteer registration for the fest is also open. Assistance is needed to greet attendees, provide event information, assist with art activities, and more.

Parking

Parking for Falls Fest is limited. On the actual day, Brewery Park lots will be open for ADA parking only. Parking is available in the following locations:

  • FREE parking at The Brewery Lot
  • Peter G. Schmidt Elementary*
  • Department of Revenue in Tumwater*
  • Department of Revenue on Capitol Blvd/ Point Plaza West in Tumwater*
  • Across from the park on Deschutes Way
  • Historical Park, access via Deschutes Valley trail to Brewery Park
  • Schmidt House
  • Tumwater Old Town Center and 2nd Avenue
  • Valet Bike Parking next to the kiosk at Brewery Park

An Intercity Transit shuttle will service the locations with an asterisk (*)—more information to be announced.

Interested people may ride the bus to avoid parking issues. Intercity Transit provides service near Brewery Park, which is a walk away from the fun.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Our human editorial team carefully reviewed and edited all information to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Comments

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  • Snevets

    Sounds like a great time for everyone!

    Friday, September 13 Report this

  • PamelaJHanson

    Finally, some light at the end of the tunnel. Finally, the Mayor(s) no longer give out beer mugs at city council meetings. It is a Falls Fest but uses The Brewery Park (as renamed for beer instead of the falls). The college funding money transfer for 'craft enebriating stuff' isn't far from some of our ethics backed memories. I hope everyone blames the City and the current Mayor for encouraging and financially supporting the enebriating of guests of the event before driving. It begs the question why the Davis Meeker Oak tree is an over $10 Million risk of death, and the endorsed Mayor Sullivan's continuation of Mayor Pete Kmet and City Administrator John Doan's Brewery District and The Old Brewhouse's use of the transportation fund, a money sinkhole, isn't a financial and community health liability. I get weary from being a public testimony target. Staff should go back into city notes and review information that a Tumwater municipal court judge got caught twice drinking and driving (by County and Tumwater law enforcement). But those times it wasn't a city municipal corporation enebriation event, it was just the valley next to the golf course. Why not have the city and college make cigars? Cigars would be too obvious of a cancer cause though, meaning not as visible in the media as alcohol. Save the tree (because it ain't law breaking dangerous). I won't be driving near the drinking event(s). I have already been a victim of a drunk driver - my neighbor that was trying to drink away his wife's death died that day. I found out later while in the hospital with my own injuries. I miss him. Don't drink, do drugs, and drive. You will get caught. I hope you get caught before a death or injury. The City of Tumwater should not be encouraging drinking alcoholic beverages, period.

    Friday, September 13 Report this