Prairie Days is Yelm’s signature summer celebration and one of the longest-running community festivals in Thurston County. Held annually in late June, Prairie Days brings together thousands of residents and visitors for a three-day weekend of small-town charm, vibrant entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
Rooted in tradition and community pride, Prairie Days kicks off Thursday night with community bingo, a tradition that dates back to the 1980s that was resurrected in 2024. The fun continues Friday with Party on the Prairie, where summer kicks off with live music from Yelm Centennial Stage, food trucks, and a beer garden. Saturday morning sees a community parade through downtown Yelm, featuring military units, local businesses, civic organizations, youth groups, and more. This highly anticipated procession attracts spectators from across the region, lining Yelm Avenue to cheer on participants and celebrate together.
Following the parade, the celebration continues at Yelm City Park and Community Center with a weekend of festivities including children’s activities, inflatables, and carnival rides. Entertainment is free to the public and includes a magic show, chalk art contest, photography exhibit & contest, pie baking contest, and more!
We finish the weekend with the Prairie Days Charity Mushball Tournament. It’s more than just a fun day on the softball field — it’s a way for our community to come together and give back. Teams from around the area compete in a friendly, fast-paced mushball tournament where sportsmanship, teamwork, and community pride take center stage.
What makes this tournament truly special is that 100% of all team registration fees are donated directly to charity. At the end of the tournament, the winning team gets to choose the local nonprofit or cause that will receive the full amount raised — ensuring that every dollar stays local and makes a meaningful impact right here in our community.
Prairie Days is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of Yelm’s past, present, and future. It offers residents a sense of pride and belonging while inviting visitors to experience the hospitality, creativity, and spirit of our community.
https://www.ci.yelm.wa.us/explore/community_events/prairie_days.php
