The 5th Annual Tumwater Falls Fest returns to Brewery Park, and for 2026 kids can paint their own pumpkins.

The free, all-ages festival runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, 110 Deschutes Way SW in Tumwater. The City of Tumwater and the Olympia Tumwater Foundation are presenting the event for a fifth year, with cooperation from The Copper Wolf Tattoo Studio and Art Gallery.

The city's event page lists more than two dozen activities spread across the park.

New for 2026 is Schilter's Farm Pumpkin Painting Patch, where children can paint free pumpkins while supplies last. Returning activities include balloon twisting with Mr. Twister, face painting with Gayle Lindeblom, a Tenino Stone Carvers demonstration, salmon education from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and a storytime hosted by the Tumwater Timberland Library.

The South Sound Bird Alliance, Tumwater Historical Society and Tumwater Water Resources Stream Team are among the environmental and heritage groups with booths.

Live music plays on the Forest Stage throughout the day. The city lists the stage schedule on its website, though specific 2026 performer names were not available at the time of publication.

Twenty-three local art vendors will set up shop, including Flipped Pot Ceramics Studio, Calico Crochet LLC and Formline Evolved. A companion Equinox Art Show, presented by The Copper Wolf and Tumwater Arts, runs all September at The Craft District in Tumwater. The public can vote on a Community Choice Award winner, who receives local gift certificates.

Food vendors are also on site. Experience Olympia lists options including Boogie Beans Coffee, Taqueria La Esquinita, Sweetlee's Ice Cream and Steve's Wicked Kettle Korn, though the final 2026 vendor lineup has not been confirmed.

Parking at Brewery Park is reserved for ADA-accessible and vendor vehicles on event day. Intercity Transit offers free bus service to a stop near the park, and its Walk N Roll program provides free valet bike parking steps from the festival entrance. Riders can plan trips by calling 360-786-1881.

O Bee Credit Union and Eric Zabala State Farm Agency are the festival's main sponsors. Peak Credit Union sponsors the Forest Stage.

The park's half-mile loop trail along the Deschutes River stays open during the festival, passing cascading waterfalls, quiet pools and views of the Old Brew Tower. Late September also marks the season when wild salmon return to the river.

Volunteers are still needed to greet attendees and help with art activities. Residents can contact Arts Coordinator Lena Miltimore at 360-754-4160 or email [email protected].