Types of Events You Can Hold on Campus
The Capitol Campus has many venue options for hosting different types of events, from small gatherings to grand celebrations. Find out which campus locations are best for your event.
Weddings
The Capitol Campus is a beautiful and affordable place to tie the knot! There are many unique locations for large or intimate ceremonies and receptions.
Outdoor locations include the Sunken Garden, the wisteria trellis on the East Campus, on the lawn near the Tivoli fountain, and in any of the campus parks. We also allow private events inside the Legislative Building after hours. The rotunda, along with the mezzanines and the Columbia Room, are lovely locations for weddings.
Proms and dances
The Legislative Building rotunda and the Columbia Room are wonderful spaces to host your evening dance party. We have a lot of experience with dances and can help you plan an amazing event for your school or organization.
Graduation ceremonies
Indoors or out, we have several spots perfect for graduation events. Every class of the Washington State Patrol, with only a few exceptions, have graduated inside the Legislative Building rotunda! Smaller scale graduation events have also been held in the building.
Legislative or lobbying events and rallies
These occur during the Legislative session and the Columbia Room is the most popular location for this type of event. Lobby groups frequently gather on the lawn under canopy tents and on the north steps of the Legislative Building as a way to rally for a cause!
Runs and walks
Sporting events such as races, walks, and other charity events are often held in our parks and around the picturesque Capitol Lake.
Festivals and concerts
The parks are wonderful locations for various festivals and outdoor concerts. The Olympia Symphony hosts an annual event in Heritage Park and Olympia's longstanding summer Lakefair is the largest campus event every year. We encourage these community-based events and are happy to make room for more.
Small gatherings
Consider the Columbia Room or campus park for your birthday, family gathering, or work picnic. These venues are ideal for smaller, more intimate events too.