Events & Festivals
Dance Festival Northwest
Corbet Hall, Centralia College
For over 20 years, each spring the Southwest Washington Dance Center hosts Dance Festival Northwest, bringing dance companies from around the Pacific Northwest to the Centralia area. Dances include classical ballet, innovative contemporary ballet, creative modern, dynamic and lyrical jazz, musical theatre, and hip hop.
Lions Fishing Derby
Fort Borst Park
April
This is a great day for kids and parents to spend together outdoors. Children up to 15 years old reel in their own fish from Borst Park while the moms and dads act as fishing coaches. Prizes will be awarded and the event is free. All you need is a fishing pole!
Evergreen Playhouse
226 W Center Street
Centralia, WA 98531
Take in an evening of theater! The Evergreen Playhouse was founded in 1959. The Playhouse is a vital part of the local arts community and is dedicated to the advancement of the theatrical arts through education, performance, and supports. It is run entirely on volunteer power; including the board, case, crew and committee members.
Northwest Wind Symphony
Corbet Hall, Centralia College
Join the Northwest Wind Symphony for an entertaining and exciting evening of music. Drawing many of the finest musicians from Western Washington and Northern Oregon for its performances, the Northwest Wind Symphony has been performing for over 20 years.
Girls Night Out
Historic Downtown Centralia
April
Ladies round up your friends for an evening of shopping, sipping, and dining in Historic Downtown Centralia! Pick up your Girls Night Out "passport." It's your ticket to great specials, lots of fun, and awesome prizes!
Visit the Girls Night Out Facebook page for more information.
Pacific Northwest Chamber Orchestra
Corbet Hall, Centralia College
The Pacific Northwest Chamber Orchestra has been providing the community with high quality orchestral concerts and performance opportunities for experienced musicians, listen to the classical musical talents of more than 40 volunteer musicians. Members of the orchestra represent five Washington counties.
Fastpitch Northwest Championships
Fort Borst Park
July
This thrilling weekend offers a unique opportunity to young women athletes throughout the Northwest to showcase their talent for college recruiters. Players will demonstrate their skills through evaluations and skills testing as well as gain exposure to college level recruiting staff, and the chance to play against other top level players in the Northwest.
Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic
Various Locations
July
Thousands of bicyclists come through our area during this famed 200-mile bicycle ride; the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest. Up to 10,000 participants ride from Seattle to Portland in one or two days. Centralia College is designated as the official mid-point of the race and many cyclists spend the evening in our area to relax, sleep, and to be entertained.
AntiqueFest
Historic Downtown Centralia
July
This annual summer event is prime time to wander through Historic Downtown Centralia. Not just for antique aficionados, listen to live music in the park, take a trolley ride and find amazing sales. Attend an appraisal fair, go to a vintage auto show and have a meal at one of Downtown's charming eateries.
Hub City Car Show
Downtown Centralia
August
Hundreds of unique cars will line the streets during the annual Hub City Car Show in Historic Downtown Centralia. Come out for entertainment, a Friday BBQ, an open cruise, the "Brick-It" Car, awards, t-shirts, prizes and games, all in the heart of Centralia. Wander historic downtown and peruse the charming antique and specialty stores.
ARTrails Gala & Studio Tours
Various Locations
September
ARTrails Gala and Studio Tours is a celebration of our local artists, during this unique event, over 60 artists open their studios to the public for a free, self-guided tour. The Studio Tours offer a rare opportunity for the public to meet artists in their studio/workplaces across the county and observe techniques of works in progress. The event kicks of Friday night was a Gala Opening Celebration downtown Centralia's Historic Train Depot
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Visit With Santa
Washington Park and The Fox Theatre
November - Thanksgiving Weekend
Kicks off the holiday season with Centralia's traditional tree lighting ceremony in Washington Park. After the lighting commences, follow Santa to the Fox Theatre for a free visit and let him know what's on your list this year!
Dickens, Christmas Home Tours
Various Centralia Locations
December
Mark your calendar for the Annual Dickens of a Christmas Holiday Home Tour. Be enchanted by the magic of Christmas past. Be inspired by sophisticated renovations and stunning holiday decor. Explore downtown historic buildings. Take the tour on a wagon pulled by draft horses, hop on the vintage trolley, or travel in your own vehicle. Enjoy delicious cookies, delightful holiday music and a bazaar along the way.
Annual Nutcracker Ballet
Corbet Theater, Centralia College
December
The delightful production of the Nutcracker Ballet has taken its place as a favorite holiday tradition. The ensemble is made up of over 100 dancers from Southwest Washington Dance Center and children and adults from the Lewis County area. Be entertained by the Sugarplum Fairy, prancing mice, the Rat King, Clara and of course the handsome Nutcracker Prince himself!
Lighted Tractor Parade
Downtown Centralia
December
Tractors ablaze in lights take to the streets for annual Lighted Tractor Parade. The streets of Downtown Centralia will showcase vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks and construction equipment, all decked out in dazzling lights. Celebrate the holiday season and the city's agricultural heritage in a uniquely fun way!
Borst Park Christmas Lights
December - around Christmas
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And that's just the point at this holiday light display. Make this fun-filled drive through Borst Park a new Christmas family tradition. Per car admission fee is charged and food donations for local food banks are accepted.