Volunteers are encouraged to register in advance by calling (360) 345-1738 or emailing info@experiencechehalis.com. Those who sign up by April 9th will receive a complimentary Experience Chehalis Earth Day t-shirt. Community members are welcome to participate for an hour or stay for the full event.

Just a short walk away, Natural Nurture Farmacy will host its annual Earth Day celebration on Boistfort Street from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This free, family-friendly event will feature gardening information, plant starts from local growers, educational booths, face painting fun, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and businesses. Live music will bring energy to the street, creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere for all ages.

“Every year we look forward to this event coming together as a community to celebrate Earth Day,” said Annalee Tobey, Executive Director of Experience Chehalis. “We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun, learning, and making a positive impact on our planet.  It’s about neighbors working side by side, families making memories, and connecting with our community.”

The post Earth Day Activities Planned in Downtown Chehalis on April 25 appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

Hosted by Experience Chehalis, the Spring Shop Hop encourages the community to stroll through historic downtown while discovering unique finds from locally owned businesses. Shops will feature spring-themed specials, promotions, and fun in-store experiences, creating the perfect reason to get out and enjoy a day off for yourself or a day spent with friends.

Visitors are also encouraged to schedule ahead for a little self-care during the event. Downtown Chehalis is home to many women-owned wellness and beauty businesses offering services like manicures, massage, facials, and more. Booking an appointment during the Spring Shop Hop is a great way to relax, recharge, and support local businesses while enjoying the day downtown.

“The Spring Shop Hop is a wonderful time to experience downtown Chehalis,” said Experience Chehalis. “It’s a fun time to gather up with friends, support local businesses, and enjoy a spring day out in the heart of our community,” said Annalee Tobey, executive director.

Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring downtown, chat with shop owners, and discover the many locally owned stores that make Chehalis special.

The post Downtown Chehalis Welcomes Spring with the Chehalis Spring Shop Hop on April 18 appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

The Easter Eggspress isn’t just a train ride, it’s a full day of springtime fun! After your train journey, youth up to 12 years old gather candy-filled eggs on the grassy area at the depot and enjoy exciting activities, including bounce houses, and of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny and Friends! Bring your Easter Basket for your eggs and pose for your own photos with the Easter Bunny and Daisy the Donkey from Madison Grove Farms. Families can also explore hands-on fun with the Discover Children’s Museum, meet the Lewis County K9 team for puppy adoption opportunities, and learn about rail safety with Operation Lifesaver. Food and beverages will be available throughout the day, with 2 Brewnettes Coffee serving drinks and snacks, and Becerra’s Kitchen offering hot dogs, nachos, and tamales.

Don’t miss this opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends. Tickets are limited, so book your ride on the Easter Eggspress today! Walk-ups are on space available basis. Join us for a ride on the Easter Eggspress and make this Easter one to remember!

The train departs from the Chehalis Centralia Train Depot, located at 1101 SW Sylvenus Street, Chehalis, WA 98532, Exit 77 off I-5. For more details and to book your tickets, visit our website.

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The host company, under the direction of Hollie McGovern, is Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble from Chehalis, WA.  For over 43 years, Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble has given the gift of dance to the Lewis County area.  The Dance Ensemble has performed for audiences at the Lewis County Community Concerts, Miss Lewis County Pageant, The Nutcracker Ballet, Northwest Wind Symphony and the Merce Cunningham Tribute. They have also danced at Dancepalooza in Seattle, Dance to Make a Difference Charity Gala, and Olympia Dance Festival. The Ensemble also tours, every spring, with a production for Elementary Schools in greater Lewis County and South Thurston County.

Visiting companies this year include:

• Ballet Northwest, Olympia
• Centralia Ballet Academy, Centralia
• Evergreen City Ballet, Renton
• Johansen Olympia Ballet Center, Olympia
• Olympic Ballroom Dance, Olympia
• Port Townsend Ballet, Port Townsend
• Seattle Civic Dance Theatre, Seattle
• Studio West Dance Theatre, Olympia
• Studio West Dance Academy, Olympia
• Trinity Dance Prosser, Prosser
• Vashon Dance Company, Vashon Island
• Host Company, Southwest Washington Dance Ensemble, Chehalis

Tickets are available at online or in person at Southwest Washington Dance Center at 437 N. Market Blvd. in downtown Chehalis.

The post Dance Festival Northwest 2026 appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

Experience Chehalis and Dandelion Creative Space are proud to announce the twenty high school students selected to participate in the inaugural Chehalis Youth Art Walk in downtown Chehalis.

This new event celebrates youth creativity, fosters community engagement, and promotes diversity through the arts. After receiving over 40 submissions, the selection committee had the challenging task of evaluating not only the artwork itself, but also the thoughtful artist statements accompanying each entry.

The following students were selected to participate in the inaugural Youth Art Walk: Charlie Tyring Blankenship, Arik Brooling, Leslie Doolittle-Holmes, Delilah Flores Camorlinga, Jayden Frase, Alex Hernandez, McKenzine Lindholm, Ayn Mann, Eleanor McKinley, Chance McSwain, Lona Novak, Aileanna Parcel, Eve Rose, Deyvi Romero Fuentes, Madelyn Stroup, Samantha Sutherland, Autumn Taini, Maddox Von Pressentin, Payton Walchuck, and Bennett Zeedyk.

The Youth Art Walk will kick off with an Artist Reception on March 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Mint City Coffee Roasting (539 N Market Blvd, Chehalis, WA 98532). Community members are encouraged to attend the reception to meet the artists and show their support for these talented young artists. During the reception, winners for 1st through 5th place will be announced. These artists will receive a cash prize along with a $25 gift certificate to Book ‘N’ Brush.

The Youth Art Walk will run March 14 through March 21, with artwork displayed at these participating downtown businesses:  Bigfoot Treasure, Book ‘n’ Brush, Ewe & I, Gifted Hallmark, Mint City Coffee Roasting, NW Salmon Smokehouse, Shona’s Cafe, and Stout Coffee House.

In addition, a People’s Choice Award gives the community the opportunity to vote for their favorite artwork during the Youth Art Walk. The artist who receives the most votes will earn a $100 cash prize. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced on March 23.

The Chehalis Youth Art Walk is made possible through the generous support of the James Augustus Smith Charitable Performing Arts Trust, Experience Chehalis, Dandelion Creative Space, and participating downtown businesses.

This inaugural event highlights the incredible talent of local high school students while inviting the broader community to explore downtown Chehalis and celebrate the arts together.  The public is invited to attend the March 14 reception, visit participating businesses throughout the week, and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

The post Inaugural Chehalis Youth Art Walk Winners Announced  appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

If you love exploring the Pacific Northwest, its forests, wildlife, stories, and creative spirit, then mark your calendar. PNW Wilds is coming to downtown Chehalis on March 7 from 10AM-5PM, bringing together authors, artists, vendors, and speakers for a day inspired by everything we love about this region.

Hosted in the heart of Chehalis, this one-of-a-kind event invites the community to gather, learn, shop, and connect around the culture and beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Featured Presenters

PNW Wilds 2026 will feature an exciting lineup of regional voices, including Marc Myrsell, a longtime Pacific Northwest Bigfoot researcher and member of the Olympic Project; Craig Romano, award-winning guidebook author, outdoors writer, and Northwest hiking expert; Alison Jean Cole, author of Beautiful Rocks & How To Find Them and A Rockhound’s Guide to Oregon & Washington; and Tyler Bounds, who grew up in the Cascade foothills and has been fascinated with Bigfoot lore since a childhood sighting. Presentations will take place upstairs at The Loft and require a ticket.

The PNW Wilds Art Show

The PNW Wilds Art Show will be hosted at Mint City Coffee Roasting and managed by the Lewis County Historical Museum. This curated showcase will feature Pacific Northwest–inspired art celebrating wildlife, landscapes, mystery, and regional heritage.

New for 2026: The Bigfoot Beer Garden

New this year, the Bigfoot Beer Garden, managed by the Lewis County Historical Museum, adds another exciting element to the event. Guests can enjoy regional beverages — including selections from Jones Creek Brewing — in a lively setting that captures the adventurous spirit of the Northwest.

Event Details & Ticket Information

General Admission (Ground Floor): Free
Explore vendors, connect with artists, and enjoy the event atmosphere at no cost.

Speaker Presentations at The Loft (Upstairs): Ticketed

• Morning Session: $35
• Afternoon Session: $35
• VIP Ticket: $70 (includes a beverage token)

PNW Wilds is a collaborative event benefiting Nature Nurture Farmacy and the Lewis County Historical Museum. Join the fun in downtown Chehalis and celebrate the wild, creative heart of the Pacific Northwest.  Purchased tickets and find more information here.

The post PNW Wilds Comes to Chehalis: A Celebration of the Pacific Northwest appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

February 8, 2026

Experience Chehalis is seeking design proposals for an Earth Day graphic to promote Chehalis’s upcoming Earth Day Community Clean-Up on April 25. The selected design will be used across event materials, including posters, social media, T-shirts, and stickers. The goal is to create an engaging image that encourages community participation and inspires residents to care for our planet.

Experience Chehalis is inviting artists to submit up to two designs that incorporate specific elements.

• A representation including planet Earth in the design
• Image will depict a positive and colorful representation of our planet / Earth Day
• Design will be contained to a square area so it can be easily placed into an 11×17 inch poster.
• Please DO NOT include words in the design.

Artists do not need to have previous experience in a similar project.  The selected artists for the project will be paid $350 for their design.  The artist will be responsible for all costs associated with the creation of the design.  Experience Chehalis requests ownership of the artwork in addition to the artist.  This opportunity is open to all ages.

To be considered for the project, please submit the following by March 6, 2026:

• Basic Information. Provide your name, mailing address, phone number and email.
• Artist Profile. Tell us about yourself! Please submit a short bio.
• Include a finished concept of your artwork in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format.
• Submit Instructions. Please submit the information requested to info@experiencechehalis.com by the submission deadline of March 6, 2026.  Selected artist will be announced by March 13, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in our project, and for supporting Earth Day and a beautiful, vibrant Chehalis! We look forward to receiving your submission.  Please email questions regarding this project to info@experiencechehalis.com.

The post CALL FOR ARTISTS:  2026 Earth Day Promotion Image appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

The dinner excursion will take place on Saturday, March 14, at 5:00 p.m. Guests will indulge in a delicious Irish dinner catered by Joy’s Once Upon a Thyme. When purchasing tickets, guests can choose between a hearty rustic Irish stew or a vegetarian option featuring a portobello mushroom entrée. This scenic 2-hour round-trip journey is the perfect way to embrace the Irish spirit—so be sure to wear your green to keep the leprechauns away!

The cost is $79 per person, which includes a three-course meal and the train ride. Tables seat four in the dining car. Only one lucky group will enjoy a private dining experience in the newly restored Spokane, Portland, and Seattle (SP&S) 99 Business Coach, so make sure to reserve your tickets early!

Reservations must be made at least five days before the departure date.

The train departs from the Chehalis Centralia Train Depot, located at 1101 SW Sylvenus Street, Chehalis, WA 98532. This special excursion is limited to 100 guests, so be sure to make your reservation soon. For more details and to book your tickets, visit our website.

The post 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Train Ride appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

The Historic Preservation Commission works to identify, protect, and promote Chehalis’s historic and cultural resources. Commissioners help review proposed changes to historic properties, advise the City Council on preservation matters, and support community education about local history and heritage.

Who Should Apply?
Residents of Chehalis with an interest in history, architecture, archaeology, planning, or community preservation are encouraged to apply. Professional experience is welcome but not required. Enthusiasm for preserving Chehalis’s historic character is essential.

Commitment:  The Commission typically meets Monthly, or as needed. Members are appointed by the City Council.

How to Apply:  Applications are available at City Hall, on the City website, or by contacting City Clerk, Cassie Frazier, at cfrazier@ci.chehalis.wa.us.

Application Deadline:  Open until filled

Help preserve Chehalis’s past while shaping its future—apply today!

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission plays a vital role in shaping the future of Chehalis by advising the City Council on land use, development, comprehensive planning, zoning regulations, and growth management. Commissioners help ensure that development reflects community values and supports a safe, livable, and sustainable city.

Who Should Apply?
Residents of Chehalis with an interest in community planning, land use, housing, transportation, economic development, or environmental stewardship are encouraged to apply. Prior experience is helpful but not required. Diverse perspectives and a commitment to public service are valued.

Commitment:  The Planning Commission typically meets monthly. Members are appointed by the City Council.

How to Apply:  Applications are available at City Hall, on the City website, or by contacting City Clerk, Cassie Frazier, at cfrazier@ci.chehalis.wa.us.

Application Deadline:  Open until filled

Get involved and help guide the growth and development of Chehalis—apply today!

The post City of Chehalis Seeks Volunteers for Historic Preservation Commission & Planning Commission appeared first on Experience Chehalis.

The city has been awarded a TIB grant that will provide partial funding for its critical transportation and infrastructure improvements along North Market Boulevard, North National Avenue, and the North Market/North National and North Front Street intersection near the railroad tracks. The total estimated cost of the first phase of the project is estimated at $8,109,650.

The grant will fund approximately 49.3% of eligible transportation-related project costs, up to a maximum of $4 million. Eligible improvements include roadway reconstruction, pedestrian and safety enhancements, intersection improvements, and stormwater system upgrades along the project corridor and at the key intersection near the railroad tracks.

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