Amy Tan, Skerryvore and Randy Rainbow perform at Olympia's Washington Center for the Performing Arts between Oct. 7 and Oct. 15. The three headliners anchor the center's October lineup, spanning literature, folk-rock and comedy across three nights in downtown Olympia.
The shows were announced in the center's October programming release. Tickets are on sale through the Washington Center's website or by phone at 360-753-8586.
The run opens Wednesday, Oct. 7, with An Evening with Amy Tan at 7:30 p.m. Tan, a New York Times best-selling author known for "The Joy Luck Club," will discuss her latest book, "The Backyard Bird Chronicles," about her connection to nature through birdwatching.
A Literary Lounge pre-show gathering begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Washington Center lobby.
Jill Barnes, the center's executive director, said in June when the full 2026–2027 season was announced that the center was making a deliberate push to feature authors.
"We're very excited to have Amy Tan and Tim Egan coming in this season … These are two of the most acclaimed popular writers right now, and it is so exciting that they are coming to Olympia," Barnes told OlyArts.
Ahead of the Tan appearance, Washington Center Board Chair Tim Coley and Browsers Bookshop owner Andrea Griffith lead a Page to Stage Book Club discussion of "The Backyard Bird Chronicles" at Browsers Bookshop on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m.
Two days after Tan's show, Skerryvore takes the stage Friday, Oct. 9, at 8 p.m. The eight-piece Scottish folk-rock band blends bagpipes, fiddle, accordion and whistles with guitar, bass and drums.
Three-time winners of Scotland's Live Act of the Year, the group played the Washington Center in 2025, according to OlyArts. Their 2023 album "Tempus" debuted at No. 1 on the Official Scottish Album and UK Folk Album charts.
An optional "Drams and Reels with Skerryvore" whisky tasting starts at 5 p.m. on Oct. 9. Attendees sample four Scotch whiskies while band members share stories and songs. A mainstage ticket is required, and guests must be 21 or older.
Randy Rainbow closes out the October headliners on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. with his "National Freakin' Treasure" tour. Rainbow is a six-time Emmy-nominated comedian, producer and actor whose debut album earned a Grammy nomination.
Concert Closet clothing drive
The Washington Center is also collecting donated concert attire for young performers in grades 4–12. The Concert Closet program accepts new and gently used black and white clothing, including pants, skirts, dress shirts, belts and ties.
Donations are accepted through Oct. 15 at three locations: the Washington Center (weekdays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. or at any ticketed event), R.L. Ray Violin Shop (Tuesday–Friday, noon–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and the Olympia Arts & Wellness Building (weekdays, 4–9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon).
A free distribution event is set for Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5–6:30 p.m. in the Washington Center Black Box. Students can browse racks and take home what they need for their next band, orchestra or choir concert.
