Experience the Capitol Theater: Reviving the Cultural Heartbeat of Olympia

The Rich History of the Capitol Theater

The Olympia Film Society (OFS) and its historic Capitol Theater have been pivotal cultural landmarks in Olympia, Washington, for over four decades. Established in 1980, the Olympia Film Society began as a collective of film enthusiasts and community members dedicated to showcasing independent, international, and classic films. Their passion for diverse cinematic experiences led to the acquisition of the Capitol Theater in 2010, a historic venue built in 1924.

The Capitol Theater stands as a symbol of architectural grandeur, boasting a design that reflects the opulence of its era. With its ornate interior, including a grand proscenium arch and balcony, the theater was repurposed by the Olympia Film Society to serve as a hub for a wide array of cultural events, primarily centered around film.

View the Capitol Theater Restoration Project Timeline

The Olympia Film Society cultivates a vibrant cultural scene by curating an eclectic mix of films, including art-house cinema, documentaries, and retrospectives. Society’s dedication to preserving the art of film and promoting diverse cinematic experiences has made the Capitol Theater a beloved institution, drawing both local residents and visitors to its doors.

Experiences at Capitol Theater

Weekly Film Series

Olympia Film Society presents the best award-winning, international, and independent films. Additional special, one-time-only screenings are also presented, featuring question-and-answer sessions with visiting filmmakers and mixed-media performance artists.

What's Playing?

Live Music and Special Events

As part of our mission to provide new opportunities for the community to engage with the arts, OFS is committed to bringing live music and performance art to the South Sound. We seek out musical performers and performance artists of all stripes to reflect the diverse cultural interests of our membership and our audience.

Art in the Mezzanine, curated by artists from around the Olympia area, provides a space for local visual artists to present their work in the mezzanine, alcoves, and halls of the Capitol Theater. The art space also supports local artists by producing the wildly popular annual holiday arts and crafts fair, Duck the Malls.

Experience Live Music

Volunteer Run

The Olympia Film Society’s Volunteer Community is the vital, beating heart of the organization. OFS Volunteers work to ensure the health and longevity of Olympia’s historic Capitol Theater by staffing the lobby, projecting the films, promoting the events, cleaning the facility, and preserving it for future generations of film lovers in Olympia.

Now is the time for you to get involved! Learn more about how you can be a part of OFS and sign up on our Volunteer Management System today!

Become a volunteer!

The Annual Olympia Film Festival

The Olympia Film Society has been the driving force behind the yearly Olympia Film Festival, a vibrant ten-day marathon celebrating cinema. This extravaganza showcases a diverse array of films, hosts renowned filmmakers and industry guests, and offers special performances, discussion panels, and educational workshops.

Despite its global recognition, the festival's creation is a testament to the dedication of local efforts—fueled by the tireless work of committed volunteers and the generous backing of community businesses. Drawing between 5,000 and 7,000 attendees annually, this event remains a beloved local and international cinematic highlight.