Prepare for an extraordinary maritime adventure at Olympia Harbor Days, brought to you by the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association. This cherished free community event returns from Friday, Aug. 30 to Monday, Sept. 1, with an expanded lineup of activities including a stunning drone show at 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 and a preview of the event on the evening of Aug. 29 over the East Bay in downtown Olympia.

Immerse yourself in the waterfront magic as downtown Olympia transforms into a bustling maritime hub. Explore a variety of historic vessels including tugboats, workboats, tall ships, steamships, dragon boats and more. Indulge in delectable Northwest cuisine from 22 food vendors, featuring specialties like Tribal Cedar Smoked Salmon from Lucky Eagle Casino. Enjoy performances by over 30 talented bands and musicians throughout the weekend, and browse through more than 100 art and craft vendors, sand sculptures, stone etching displays, and engaging kids' activities.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to tour the iconic Lady Washington, experience daily harbor cruises aboard the Virginia V, and embark on private two-hour day sails with the Schooner Pterodactyl. Reservations and tickets are required and can be purchased at www.HarborDays.com.

The excitement kicks off on Friday evening with a mesmerizing drone show, where 150 drones will create a spectacular maritime-themed display. As twilight falls, Percival Park will feature glowing entertainment with illuminated belly dancing, while Port Plaza hosts a dazzling fire and LED light show.

"Olympia Harbor Days is more than just an event; it's a beloved tradition that unites our community in celebrating our maritime heritage," says Carol Riley, Executive Director of Olympia Harbor Days. "We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the waterfront for a weekend packed with fun, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences."

Olympia Harbor Days started in 1973, showcasing the vintage tugboats of the Puget Sound at Percival Landing in Olympia. Today Olympia Harbor Day features the world's largest annual vintage tugboat show and tugboat races in addition to workboats, a historic tall ship and steamship, cruises and sails.

Live music performances at the Port Plaza and Percival Landing stages

Highlighting the performances will be America's First Corps Bad on Sunday from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the Percival Landing stage.

Other scheduled performances include Amira's Belly Dancing, Curlews Call, Mikana Marimba, Tone Roller, The Selassie ites, Garage Majal, Cosmos Dream, Olympia Highlanders, Two Town Sound and Tuners Barbershop, Knot for Sail, Stix and Bones, Cool Breeze, Humor and Heart, Vuelta La Luna Fire/LED Spinning, Rainier Riff, Cool Breeze/Beluga Zumba, Coast Saish Tribal Performances, Choro Tomorrow, Selah Korah, FisherPoets, Danni Rose, Samba Olywa. Check Olympia Harbor Days website for details.

Family fun

Sand sculpting, (near the corner of Columbia St. and Olympia Ave.) is a large, sculpted sand display, the sculpting can be observed all weekend and will be completed for viewing on Sunday.

Also Sunday at 11 a.m. on the north side of Budd Bay Café, there will be a quick carve contest. Two contestants at a time will be given 15 minutes to compete. The audience will judge who wins.

Lego harbor building is available provided by TrainBuilder. Tables will be set out for both little kids and big kids to build boats from Lego bricks.

Puget Sound Estuarium will be hosting marine biology activities with a touch tank of bay marine animals. See their website for hours and details: pugetsoundestuarium.org.

Hands On Children's Museum will be hosting its Make, Race and Take boat building from recycle materials activity both Saturday and Sunday, and is free to public. Check their website for details: hocm.org.

The success of Olympia Harbor Days is made possible through the generous support of sponsors, whose contributions are vital for the event's continued growth and success.

For more information about the festival schedule and activities, visit harbordays.com, and stay updated on Instagram or Facebook. For additional details on things to do and see in Thurston County, visit www.experienceolympia.com.