Olympia Thunder Run

The Olympia Thunder Run is a Memorial Day tradition that brings thousands of motorcycles to the Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia to honor fallen service members. You will feel the city shift as the official Memorial Day ceremony inside the Legislative Building gives way to a coordinated procession through downtown. It is a meaningful gathering for veterans, families, and visitors who want to pay respects with the collective presence and sound of riders moving together.

Plan to arrive for the Memorial Day Ceremony from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Legislative Building rotunda, then stay for the 12:00 PM start of the Thunder Run. By around 1:00 PM, the ride typically concludes at the Vietnam War Memorial on the grassy knoll east of the Insurance Building. That memorial wall includes more than 1,000 names of Washington State residents, and the finale often turns quiet as riders and supporters pause for reflection.

For viewing, get there early and claim a spot along Sid Snyder Avenue or near the Vietnam War Memorial, where you can see the procession arrive and settle. Admission is free, but parking on and near the Capitol Campus fills quickly, so you may want to use public transit or park in downtown lots and walk. Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, since late May weather can change fast, and if it rains the event usually continues with a slower pace.

This is family-friendly, but the engines are extremely loud, so bring ear protection for children and anyone sensitive to noise. If you are visiting from out of town, stay downtown or near Capitol Lake for easy access to the campus, and we often use Lake.com to compare regional vacation rentals for a convenient home base. Riders generally participate at no cost, some veteran groups may accept donations, pets are allowed on the grounds but the noise can be distressing for dogs, and if you arrive late you can still visit other on-site memorials after the procession ends.