Comedy, burlesque and some May the 4th fun are entertainment highlights this weekend

Molly Gilmore
·2 min read

Ladies’ night

These days, it seems as though there’s at least one comedy show in town every week. This week, the heavy hitter is Ladies of Laughter, happening Friday, May 3, at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts. The current edition of the LOL touring show, a patron favorite at the center, features Alycia Cooper, Liz Glazer and Maureen Langan, all of whom have a long list of accolades. Glazer, a former lawyer who took up comedy after she took an improv class, was the 2021 LOL Newcomer winner and took first place in the 2020 Boston Comedy Festival — which was, of course, held via Zoom. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $25-$45. Also at the center this week: Comedy Underground at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in the Black Box. Drew Dunn is headlining, and the show is recommended for ages 18 and older. Tickets are $28-$36.

Jessabelle Thunder, headlining the Pacific Northwest Burlesque Festival on May 3 and 4, was ranked in the Burlesque Top 10 from 2020 to 2022.
Jessabelle Thunder, headlining the Pacific Northwest Burlesque Festival on May 3 and 4, was ranked in the Burlesque Top 10 from 2020 to 2022.

Strip like the mountain is out

That’s the slogan of the Pacific Northwest Burlesque Festival, happening Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, in Olympia. The third annual festival features two shows — a showcase on Friday and a competition on Saturday — plus workshops. Headliner Jessabelle Thunder of Los Angeles, who tours internationally, will perform at both shows. Also, headlining are Inga of Seattle, a queer burlesque star who was crowned Queen of Burlesque in 2018, and Jacqueline Boxx of Baltimore, the 2023 Monarch of Pacific Northwest Burlesque, known for using glamour and spectacle to bring awareness and attention to disability. Both shows (for ages 18 and older) begin at 7:30 p.m. at The Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. Tickets are $30-$40.

West Central Park’s Saturday Market will launch into its 2024 season with a Star Wars-themed band and an invitation for market attendees to come in costume to celebrate May the 4th, Star Wars Day.
West Central Park’s Saturday Market will launch into its 2024 season with a Star Wars-themed band and an invitation for market attendees to come in costume to celebrate May the 4th, Star Wars Day.

May the 4th be with you

West Central Park’s Saturday Market is celebrating both its 2024 opening and the world of Star Wars with Star Wars Day events, happening — yes — Saturday, May 4. The nonprofit community park will launch into the season with a Star Wars-themed band and an invitation for market attendees to come in costume. Many of the vendors will have Star Wars stuff, too. The free celebration is happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the park, 1919 Harrison Ave. NW, Olympia.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.