Finding a good meeting place in Olympia

Olympia has several great spots to meet and mingle, you just have to know where to look.

Gone are the days when everything took place remotely. We may not return to a traditional 40-hour, behind-a-desk work week but in-person meetings are occasionally required. These are a great way to touch base, build morale, compare notes, and generally keep business flowing. Rentable space is also handy for nonprofits, groups, and charitable organizations prepping for an event or families scheduling long overdue weddings, reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries.

Olympia has several great spots to meet and mingle, you just have to know where to look. Whether daytime mixer or evening celebration, there’s something for everyone and any budget.

The Olympia Center

Operated by the Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation Department, the Olympia Center offers a wide variety of rental spaces. From multi-purpose rooms to space with a stage, kitchens to gymnasiums, space there comes with plenty of free parking, and complimentary tables, chairs, coffee pots, easels, podiums, and microphones. Rental is by the hour with a deposit and capacities range from 15 to 300 people. Call 360.753.8380 with questions or to schedule a reservation.

Harbor House

Right on the Percival Landing boardwalk, Harbor House offers stunning waterfront views. For more social events, there is a gas fireplace surrounded by armchairs and dim-able lighting. But an audio-visual cart, tables, projection screen, and flat-screen monitor are also available. There is also a small on-site kitchen and prep space with a microwave, refrigerator, and sink. Harbor House accommodates up to 25 seated attendees and can also be opened up for indoor/outdoor mingling. Reservations can be made online or by calling 360.753.8380.

Mercato

For private dining or banquets, consider one of Mercato’s three unique spaces. With a built-in wall screen, the Board Room can seat 24 or up to 45 at a cocktail-style event. The Wine Room can handle between 40 and 65 guests amidst the restaurant’s gorgeous wine selection and the Roma Room seats 60 with up to 85 mingling attendees. Submit request details online or call 360.528.3663 for details.

The Heritage Room

Found in the newly renovated American Legion building, the Heritage Room has plenty of space for parties up to 200 guests. There is free Wi-Fi, and the site is wheelchair accessible. From rehearsal dinners to a business meeting, it’s great for intimate gatherings or large get-togethers with a view of the Capitol and Capitol Lake. Call 360.943.9494 to check availability.

The Olympia Ballroom

Recently updated and under new ownership, the Olympia Ballroom has a 2500 square foot ballroom for up to 300 guests. Private parties, performing arts events, and business functions will find no vendor restrictions and tiered event management packages to fit every budget. Reservations can be hourly or designed to include tables, chairs, projectors, screens, and a full sound system. The site is truly a historic downtown gathering place and will continue to be so for many years to come. Call 360.789.6050 with questions or to reserve a date.

The Abigail Stuart House

Ballroom, parlor, catering kitchen, and dance studio all in one, the Abigail Stuart House is open for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, corporate events, recitals, trainings or retreats. A historic building with more than 100-year-old pedigree, monies raised benefit the Woman’s Club of Olympia. Book a tour or call 360.753.9921.

Various Hotels

Many local hotels also offer meeting and workspace to their guests. DoubleTree by Hilton and TownePlace Suites Olympia have accessible rooms and business-friendly amenities to those hosting a meeting or working away from home. These reservations are ideal when office space isn’t available or your team needs to plan and prep together, in person.