Slurp oysters, laugh at visiting comedian or attend circus in the Olympia area this weekend

From the Grand Ole Opry to Olympia

Comedian Henry Cho, playing Friday, Oct. 4, in Olympia, was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2023. He was the first comedian in 50 years to be added to the Opry — and the first Asian American to receive the honor. (He’s of Korean descent.) “I’m an Asian with a Southern accent,” Cho, who grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, likes to say. “To many people, that right there is funny.” He’s known for his clean comedy, cracking jokes about stereotypes, life in the South and his wife. Sample: “My wife got her identity stolen, but the guy’s spending less money, so I’m just going to let it ride.” The comedian, who favors plaid shirts and a deadpan expression, takes the stage at 8 p.m. at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. S.E., Olympia. Tickets ( https://www.washingtoncenter.org/event/henry-cho-from-here-to-there-tour-2024/ ) are $35-$50.

Shuck and slurp in Shelton

Yes, it’s time once again for the Shelton Skookum Rotary Club Foundation’s OysterFest, happening Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6. The festival ( https://oysterfest.org/ ) — which is, according to its website “shucking wonderful” — centers around the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championship, in which pros and beginners alike can show their speed and skill. (It’s not too late to register ( https://oysterfest.org/store/p/shucking-competition-registration ). Eating oysters is also a big part of the action, though The Olympian notes that there’ll also be plenty of food available for those who say “no, thank you” when offered a raw mollusk, along with beer and wine to wash it all down. The event also boasts music on two stages and entertainment and activities for kids. It all happens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Sanderson Field, 250 W. Sanderson Way, Shelton. On Saturday, tickets are $15, $10 for ages 7-17 and free for children 6 and younger. On Sunday, members of the military are admitted for $5 and everyone under 17 gets in free. Those who can’t wait to start slurping can dive in early with OysterFunk, an adults-only party held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. Tickets are $5.

Circus fun in Lacey

Lacey Children’s Day, happening Saturday, Oct. 5, is adding a traveling circus to its day of fun and games for kids. Seattle’s Vuelta La Luna is bringing aerial and cirque performance and interactive fun to the free festival, which also features crafts, bounce houses, food vendors and more. The event ( https://laceyparks.org/events/childrens-day/ ) runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Huntamer Park, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Lacey.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore talks with DJ Kevin the Brit about what’s happening around town on KGY-FM’s “Oly in a Can,” airing at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.