Beat the Heat, Have Fun and Save Money at Capital Mall’s 'Back To School' Event

Free family fun includes bounce house, face painting, caricatures and more August 19

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I was always excited for back-to-school shopping. My mom would drive my friends and I to the mall, give me a bit of cash, and set us loose for a few hours of shopping without parental guidance. Sodas in hand – coffee and boba weren’t the big thing they are now! – we would spend all day picking out just the right outfit for the first day of school, homecoming formals and finding a backpack everyone would think was cool – or slap as your kids would say today. Capital Mall is making back to school shopping in Olympia even more fun with a free fair August 19 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

“We want to bring the community together to have a good time,” shares Hope Montag, marketing and business development manager for Capital Mall. The mall is partnering with Northwest Military Salute, an organization that helps new military families get settled and connected with the community. “These events are one of the ways we do that,” she adds. The US Army is a sponsor for the Back To School event and will have a table in Macy’s Court.

The entire family is encouraged to head to Capital Mall and enjoy activities at the Macy’s court, food court and the Shoe Department court. Activities will include a bounce house, face painting by Miss Kelly with Tangerine Tales, glitter tattoos, balloon twists by JLO Magic, caricatures and more – all for free! Enjoy this mini carnival out of the sun and beat the hot summer day.

Capital Mall makes back-to-school shopping easy with everything you need nearby – and you hardly have to get out of the air conditioning! Getting the right clothes to show of your kid’s unique style is important – especially that all-important first day outfit. The mall has plenty of clothing stores that cater to all styles. Kids looking for the latest fandoms can find them at Hot Topic and Box Lunch. Practical uniform staples are at JC Penney’s. And for that kid that likes to be one-of-a-kind, head to Design Customs to create their very own hoodie or t-shirt that no one else has – or maybe no one else besides their three closest friends!

Have an athlete? Dick’s and REI can make sure they have the right gear for fall sports. And almost every child needs a new pair – or two – of shoes for school. Again, Capital Mall has several stores so you can find just want you need without ever moving parking spots, definitely a win!

Of course, Capital Mall always has great spots for an afternoon pick-me-up during back-to-school shopping. Northwest Grind will give you that caffeine kick you need while 777ish Cookies or Sub Zero Freeze Dried Candy will satisfy your sweet tooth. For something more filling, head to the food court where a new restaurant will be opening soon, hopefully by the Back-To-School event. Speaking of, on August 19, there will be special food vendors as well, to give you extra staying power to get all your shopping done.

Finally checked off the last item on that back-to-school list? Celebrate with a movie at Century Theaters! Summers go by too quick and kids grow up so fast – soon they won’t need you to drive them for back-to-school shopping. Make the most of it while you can with a trip to the Capital Mall – where the community shops.Capital Mall Back To School EventAugust 19, 2023 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.625 Black Lake Boulevard SW, Olympia