The Nisqually Watershed Festival is an annual, family-friendly event celebrating local culture, history, and the environment. Held at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Olympia, WA, it features guided nature walks, live animal encounters, interactive educational exhibits, and a traditional salmon barbecue.
What to Expect
- Live Performances & Demonstrations: Traditional songs and dances by the Nisqually Indian Tribe Canoe Family and performances by the Olympia Highlanders bagpipers.
- Animal Encounters: Catch shows featuring live birds of prey, reptiles, and insects.
- Hands-On Activities: Kids and adults can step inside a giant, walk-through salmon replica, decorate custom T-shirts, and take part in science and conservation demonstrations (like invasive species archery).
- Local Food: The Nisqually Indian Tribe provides fish for the popular salmon barbecue lunch, alongside other food and coffee vendors.
Important Parking & Shuttle Info
There is no parking on-site at the refuge. You can park and catch a free, high-frequency shuttle to the event:
- Pick-up/Drop-off Location: Hawks Prairie Park-n-Ride (2548 Hogum Bay Rd. NE, Olympia, WA 98516)
- Shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes, with additional shuttles provided at the end of the day. [
