Mid-September is when Lewis County turns golden: the last of the summer produce rolls into the markets, the leaves start to shift in the foothills, and the county's artists throw open their studio doors. This week the calendar is a lovely mix of art, harvest, and small-town tradition. Here is what is happening around the county from Monday, September 14 through Sunday, September 20.
ARTrails Opening Gala & Open Studio Tour
Friday, September 18 · 5 – 7:30 PM
Exhibition Gallery, Historic Train Depot, 210 Railroad Ave, Centralia — Free and open to the public
Lewis County's art scene takes center stage this week as ARTrails of Southwest Washington kicks off its 24th annual Open Studio Tour with a free Opening Gala at the Exhibition Gallery inside Centralia's Historic Train Depot. Meet the artists, browse new work, and grab a glass with neighbors before the self-guided tour begins. Studios across Lewis County, from rural farmsteads to historic downtowns, open their doors to visitors over the following two weekends, with hours from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is free, family-friendly, and a wonderful way to see the county through the eyes of the people who paint, throw, and carve here. The Depot exhibit stays open daily beginning September 19, and the artist map is available online or printed in the Studio Guide.
Chehalis Farmers Market
Tuesday, September 15 · 10 AM – 3 PM
NE Boistfort St & N Market Blvd, Downtown Chehalis — Free admission
The Chehalis Farmers Market keeps rolling on Tuesdays through October, and this is the week the harvest menu really shifts to fall. Think brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, winter squash, garlic, greens, and sweet corn, alongside cheeses, farm-fresh eggs, honey, artisan breads, jams, cut flowers, and handmade crafts. A local cidery adds a taste of harvest to the square, and the market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC/FMNP benefits. It runs rain or shine — grab a bag and a couple of neighbors.
Centralia Farmers Market
Friday, September 18 · 10 AM – 3 PM
Centralia College campus, 620 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia — Free admission
The Friday market on the Centralia College campus is winding toward the end of its season, and this is one of the last chances to shop before it closes for the year. September Fridays bring late-summer fruit, sweet corn, squash, and early-fall produce, along with local jams, honey, baked goods, salt water taffy, flowers, and handmade soaps and crafts. It is a relaxed, unhurried market that pairs perfectly with a wander around downtown Centralia or an afternoon browsing the ARTrails exhibit.
Winlock Saturday Market
Saturday, September 19 · 10 AM – 2 PM
305 E Walnut St, Winlock — Free admission
Just down the road, the Winlock Saturday Market, run by the non-profit Winlock Improvement Network, brings its season to a close at the end of this month — so this is one of your last chances to enjoy it this year. Local farmers sell fresh produce, artisan crafts, and prepared food every Saturday from June into September, and the market also plays host to a lively swap meet. It is a friendly, small-town morning in the heart of Winlock: shop the stalls, say hi to neighbors, and take home a little of the local season.
Lewis County Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, September 15 · 10 AM
Hearing Room, Historic Courthouse, 351 NW North St, Chehalis — Open to the public
If you have ever wondered how the county makes its calls, the weekly legislative meeting of the Lewis County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday morning is the place to watch. The meeting starts at 10 AM in the board's Hearing Room on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse. Agendas are posted in advance on the county's website, so you can see what is being discussed and show up to weigh in during public comment. It is one of the simplest, most direct ways to take part in local government.
Library Programs for Kids & Teens
Throughout the week · See details below
Timberland Regional Library, 110 S Silver St, Centralia — Free and open to all
The Timberland Regional Library in Centralia is full of free, welcoming programs all week. Teens aged 12 to 18 can drop in for the library's Tuesday Teen Hangout from 3 to 4 PM for games, snacks, and company, while the littlest readers get their turn on Wednesday at the Baby Storytime and Thursday at Pre-Reader Storytime, both at 10:30 AM. Everything is free and open to the public. It is an easy no-cost way to get the kids out of the house and into the community.
Also happening this week
For outdoor folks, the Lewis River Trail in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is still in its timed-entry window through September 30, so it is a great midweek hike while the entry pass is easy to reserve. And when the weekend rolls around, watch for ARTrails' open studios out on the back roads — check the map for stops closest to you.
For evening entertainment, McFiler's Chehalis Theater & Bar (543 NW Pacific Ave) runs karaoke Monday, Friday, and Saturday nights and live trivia on Tuesday at 6 PM, while The Hub Bar & Grill in Centralia (110 S Tower Ave) hosts karaoke Tuesday and Friday nights and trivia on Wednesday at 6 PM. Friendly spots to unwind with neighbors after the harvest.
This is the week Lewis County opens its doors: to artists, to harvest, and to the neighbors who make this corner of Washington worth staying in. Come browse a studio, fill a market bag, and say hello.
