Olympia's 34th annual Bon Odori Japanese Dance Festival takes over a new location Saturday, inviting residents to learn traditional folk dances, watch taiko drummers and sample food from local vendors, all for free.

The festival runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in front of the Center for Student Success (Building 22) at South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Rd. SW. The Olympia Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens' League presents the event, which has moved to the SPSCC campus this year. Performances, aikido demonstrations and food vendors begin at 5:30 p.m.

Experienced dancers in colorful yukata lead the simple, repetitive dances, and newcomers are welcome to join in or simply watch. Participatory dancing runs from 7 to 9 p.m., but a free practice session starts at 4 p.m. for anyone who wants a head start.

"I love how multigenerational it is," event organizer Reiko Callner told OlyArts. "For me and so many others in our somewhat scattered Japanese-American community, it's a unique opportunity to get together and feel truly connected to our roots."

The folk dances draw on themes ranging from coal mining to fireworks to samba, all accompanied by live taiko drumming. Bon Odori is a secular version of a Buddhist holiday honoring ancestors, and the celebration centers on communal dancing rather than formal performance.

Parking is available on the SPSCC campus; organizers ask attendees to follow posted signs. For questions, contact Reiko Callner at 360-791-3295 or Bob Nakamura at 360-556-7562.

Friday night: 90s Rewind at the Port

Residents looking to kick off the weekend a day early can catch Seattle-based cover band 90s Rewind on Friday, Aug. 7, at the Port of Olympia's NorthPoint peninsula, 1210 Marina Drive NE. The free, all-ages show is part of the Summer Nights at the Port concert series, which opened in July with LeRoy Bell.

Music starts at 7 p.m. on the waterfront stage. Food trucks and a beer garden open at 6 p.m. The band covers hits by Alanis Morissette, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Weezer and other 90s staples.

Both events are free and all-ages, giving Olympia residents two no-cost options on consecutive evenings.