Chehalis Centralia Events Calendar

This community events calendar is the place to find fun activities and things to do throughout Lewis County, including Centralia, Chehalis and beyond.

Sep
26
Sat
Discovery Trail Work Party @ Discovery Trail
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Discovery Trail Work Party @ Discovery Trail

Join us to improve the riparian area along the Discovery Trail. This work party will remove invasive weeds; adults and older teens only. The work can be hard, but Oh so satisfying!
Bring your leather gloves if you have them, loppers, etc. Dress for the weather.
We will provide snacks, water and coffee; gloves if needed.

Masks required and social distancing.

Apr
24
Sat
LUNAFEST Virtual Film Festival @ Online
Apr 24 – Apr 25 all-day

For the second year, the Lewis County Chapter of the American Association of University Women is sponsoring its virtual LUNAFEST film festival on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, celebrating women in film. The ticket price is $10. All seven of the independent films are directed by and about women in our world.

Just think…you can view award-winning films in the comfort of your own home by accessing the films on your computer, tablet, or smartphone! Host a “Watch Party”! There is even “closed captioning” for those who need or want it. The films will be available to watch at the viewer’s convenience during a 24-hour window on Saturday, April 24 – Sunday, April 25. You may purchase tickets for LUNAFEST-2021 for yourself and others online on the Lewis County, Washington, Branch of AAUW website or through the LUNAFEST website. A streaming link and password will be sent on the morning of the event to all who pre-register.

This year, AAUW is also offering an online raffle including many one-of-a-kind items. The raffle is listed on the same website as the film registration.

LUNAFEST is a nationally touring film festival featuring award-winning films by and about women.  All the directors of the films are females. “Why women directors?” A little-known fact is that women are vastly underrepresented in the entertainment field of directing and producing films. This project sponsors and mentors women filmmakers worldwide, giving them a voice in the industry.

In 1999 two California women created the LUNA BAR — the first nutrition bar exclusively for women. Fast forward to 2001, when these same successful women wanted to champion women and spark change in the world. Their vision inspired them to create LUNAFEST — the world’s first all-female traveling film festival. For the last twenty years, LUNAFEST has showcased the work of over 170 women filmmakers. Each year a few films are chosen from among hundreds of entries to be included in LUNAFEST. The festival travels to over 200 cities each season, has raised $6 million for non-profits and held over 2500 screenings. This year proceeds nationwide go to Chicken & Egg Pictures to finance and mentor females in filmmaking throughout the world.

The films are diverse, and the subjects, locations and content are eye-opening. They are poignant, often humorous, and provocative. Each year the festival seems to contain one film that is a little edgy. That is why they and we recommend a 16+ age limit for the showing.

LUNAFEST
The film, Knocking Down Fences tells the story of AJ Andrews the first woman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Photo courtesy: LUNAFEST

Contained in the seven-film offerings for this year is Overexposed,” a behind-the-scenes look at the film team that captured the daring story of the Women’s Euro-Arabian North Pole Expedition. Another of the films is titled A Line Birds Cannot See, ”separated at the border, a 12-year-old set out on a harrowing journey to the U.S. to find her mother.”  Knocking Down Fences tells of AJ Andrews, the first woman to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award, and her struggles to succeed as one of the best professional softball players in the world.

All proceeds from online ticket sales will benefit Hope Alliance, a local non-profit advocating for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, and Women Supporting Women local scholarships.

As always, with the LUNAFEST offerings of previous years, the viewer will continue to muse over the films long after having watched them.  Don’t miss LUNAFEST – 2021!

Summit to Swamp Obstacle Mud Run FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY @ Summit to Swamp
Apr 24 @ 10:00 am – 10:15 am

Our Summit to Swamp Obstacle Mud Run is FREE this year. Come for the day. Bring your family and friends. Bring something for a potluck if you like. Enjoy a bonfire and music. Make new friends.

Let’s kickstart an AWESOME 2021 together!

A fun and challenging obstacle mud run from the rocky peaks to the swampy flats.
Something for everyone…..beginner to competitor!
2021 registration is FREE! Come spend time with old friends and make some new!
The Summit To Swamp mud run has many natural and man-made obstacles over a scenic course in the foothills of the Big Bottom Valley. The trek to the summit gains over 400 feet of elevation in less than a 1/4 mile. The flat land is full of fun (and dirty) obstacles.
This run is designed to be a test of grit for those who want it, yet fun for the whole family. Most obstacles can be bypassed in some way for those who are not ready to meet that challenge.
Family or Individual…..Beginner or Competitor…..There is something for everyone!
May
15
Sat
Gun & Knife Show @ Southwest Washington Fairgrounds
May 15 – May 16 all-day
Gun & Knife Show @ Southwest Washington Fairgrounds

BIG GUN & KNIFE SHOW!
Over 100 tables!!!!
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 9am-3pm
Admission: $8 ($6 for Military/Veterans with valid ID)
Children 12 and under are free

May
19
Wed
Discovery Trail Habitat Restoration Work Party @ Discovery Trail, Centralia
May 19 @ 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Discovery Trail Habitat Restoration Work Party @ Discovery Trail, Centralia

Discovery Trail Habitat Restoration Work Party
Wednesday, May 19th from 9 am ‘til 12:30 pm
(Sponsored by the Chehalis River Basin Land Trust)

What: Discovery Trail Habitat Restoration Work Party.
Snacks and drinking water will be available (bring your own bottle).
You must pre-register for this event; see the link below.

Where: Centralia’s Discovery Trail, at the end of Goodrich Rd, Centralia.
Parking for volunteers will be at the old barn (look for signs).

When: 9 AM until 12:30 PM, Wednesday, May 19th, 2021.

Please join in with Chehalis River Basin Land Trust volunteers, the Great Old Broads and others as we continue habitat restoration work along Centralia’s Discovery Trail from 9 am until 12:30 pm, Wednesday, May 19, 2021. (See: Discovery Trail along the Chehalis River (lewiscountytrails.org)) Please arrive early to sign the waiver.

We will be weeding around recently planted tree seedlings and removing some invasive plants. Sturdy gloves and suitable work clothes are recommended. We will have facemasks as well as some tools and gloves available at the site. Please feel free to bring your own tools if you’d like.

Covid-19 Precautions:
The number of participants for this event will be limited due to Covid-19 concerns. Face masks and social distancing will be required in accordance with the latest statewide guidelines in effect at the time of the event.

Please use the following link to pre-register.
https://www.chehalislandtrust.org/events/volunteer

Jun
18
Fri
Celebrating 100 years of Egg Days @ Winlock
Jun 18 – Jun 19 all-day
Celebrating 100 years of Egg Days @ Winlock

On August 13, 1921 a road between Winlock and Cowlitz Corner was completed. There was a big celebration commemorating the event, and since Winlock was becoming quite a famous poultry center, they decided to call the celebration “Winlock Poultry and Egg Day.” There were about 1,000 people present at the celebration. Otis Roundtree was the General Chairman for the event. After the celebration, it was decided to make this an annual event, which was done.

(A History of Winlock, Washington, written by C. C. Wall, 1952)

Celebrate the 100th year of Egg Days on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19 with a parade, vendors, entertainment, talent show, Egg Day royal coronation, car show, egg salad sandwiches and more.

Jun
26
Sat
Ride The Willapa 2021 @ Owl & Olive
Jun 26 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Ride The Willapa 2021 @ Owl & Olive
We’re back! Ride the Willapa makes its return to the Willapa Hills Trail for a family-friendly bike ride on June 26. Come join us!
Back for its fifth year, Ride the Willapa is an all-ages and all-levels bike ride in the Chehalis River Valley of southwest Washington state. Providing a beautiful break from city life, Ride the Willapa brings people of all ages and abilities to the verdant Chehalis River Valley for a leisurely-paced bike ride on the Willapa Hills Trail, Washington state’s newest rails-to-trails project.
This year’s route begins at Owl & Olive near Pe Ell, Washington. Enjoy up to 52 miles of pure countryside glory as you choose from a variety of route options!
Experience the ride at your own pace and leisure! Choose however many miles you want to ride. With three aid stations along the trail, and with several small stores and restaurants nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to relax, chat for a bit, grab a bite to eat and just enjoy the beauty of the trail’s surroundings. Most families with young kids opt to ride about 20 miles or so, while more experienced cyclists will opt for longer mileages and check out the more remote portions of the trail.
You’ll want a bike with 700x28c or wider tires…basically anything with thicker tires than a road bike will do alright. To do the entire 52-mile circuit, we recommend mountain bikes — hardtails are okay, but you’ll have an easier go of it with a suspension.
Please note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are hosting this as a one-day event and are encouraging travelers from outside our area to stay at local hotels or campsites. We won’t be hosting camping or meals but will hand out refreshments at our aid stations.
We’ve also reduced the price this year. All tickets are priced at $15 per rider and with each ticket purchase a kid under 10 rides for free!
We’re looking forward to seeing you on the trail!
Jul
3
Sat
Mossyrock Freedom Festival – A Celebration of Heroes @ Mossyrock WA
Jul 3 @ 7:00 am – Jul 4 @ 10:00 pm

Free Admission! Join us on the 3rd and 4th of July, 2021!

Join us on the Fourth of July weekend, as we celebrate both our country and our amazing first responders. There will be a parade, live music, magic shows, a family dog show and of course, a pie-eating contest. There will also be a car show, skydiver, activities for the kids and a Flag ceremony as well as a dedication to our pioneer families.

The Festival will kick off with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m., July 3. There will be a spectacular fireworks show at dusk on July 4, live music will close out the event. Vendor booths Will be opening up Saturday morning at 8 a.m.

Jul
8
Thu
Toledo Cheese Days
Jul 8 @ 8:00 am – Jul 11 @ 10:00 pm

Cheese Days is July 8-11, 2021

Cheese Days is Toledo’s biggest annual summer celebration that includes a parade, classic car and motorcycle show, pancake breakfast, kids carnival, many auctions and raffles, arts and crafts, sports tournaments, wine, beer and cheese tasting and much more. Most of the big Cheese Days events are on Saturday, July 10, 2021.

Jul
9
Fri
Cowlitz Falls Lavender Company 2021 Lavender Celebration @ Cowlitz Falls Lavender Company
Jul 9 @ 10:00 am – Jul 11 @ 4:00 pm

Come join us for a three-day celebration of the lavender harvest. We will have multiple farm items, crafters, and artisans on-site in an open-air market.

Every year our event continues to improve and grow. The selection of vendors has broadened and our guests provide even more fun opportunities. This year you will be treated to almost 50 vendors providing a wide variety of hand-crafted goods, one-of-a-kind artwork, artist demonstrations, guest appearances, and don’t forget the star of the show-our lavender field. Stroll the field, stay for lunch, stop by for dinner, harvest u-cut lavender, check out our store before you leave and use your ticket from registering here to get a BOGO on U-Cut lavender! Check back often as the schedule builds out and register for tickets to be notified of changes or additions. Must present your ticket for the BOGO, so make sure to print it out or save it to your phone, please.