It’s way too early to break out the skeletons, black cats, turkeys, or anything pumpkin spice. Early autumn is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful times of the year and at Little Creek Casino Resort, the entertainment never stops.

Less than an hour from Tacoma, Little Creek’s event calendar is jam-packed year round with live music, gaming specials, fun-filled weekends, and world-class performances. Promotions Coordinator Jennifer Brines loves all the excitement and buzz.

Little Creek Casino Joe Nichols
The night before Oktoberfest rock out to country superstar Joe Nichols. Tickets are still available but selling fast. Photo courtesy: Joe Nichols

“We have national act entertainment about six times a year,” she explains, “plus the parties or other events we do throughout the year, which is about another 10 events. Really, something’s going on most months of the year. As far as number of people who attend, that would be thousands collectively. The Skookum Creek Event Center holds almost 1,600 people per show. Parties hold steady between 600 to 900 people per event and then Wine and Jazz Festival and car shows are another 1,500 to 2,000 people all together.”

One of these national acts arrives on Friday, September 7, at 8:00 p.m. Country singer Joe Nichols is a four-time Grammy nominee, an ACM, Billboard, CMA, and CMT Award winner. Tickets to his toe-tapping show range from $35 to $45 and are available online or at the casino box office.

Nichols’ recent releases are described as tracks “that bound between spirit and sentiment, courage and cleverness, romance and rowdy fun, all wrapped in the throwback style he’s spent a lifetime pursuing.” Since his first album when he was only 20-years-old, he’s come full circle to return to classic country roots.

While you’re at the show, pick up tickets for Little Creek’s rollicking Oktoberfest the following day. Your $10 admission includes food and drink vouchers and a commemorative mug. Running from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, this is the sixth annual celebration of food, fun, and all things German.

Little Creek Casino Tapping the Keg
Oktoberfest kicks off early and includes live music, a traditional keg tapping ceremony, German cuisine, a German gift shop, lots and lots of beer. Photo courtesy: Little Creek Casino Resort

Oktoberfest 2018 features “live music, a traditional keg tapping ceremony, authentic German cuisine, a German gift shop, lots and lots of beer,” says Brines. Tickets are available to everyone 21-years-old and older online or at the casino box office.

Why drive home after the show or Oktoberfest? Treat yourself to a staycation thanks to one of Little Creek’s many luxurious resort packages. Combine your overnight visit with a trip to the Salish Cliffs Golf Course, Seven Inlets Spa, or many delicious dining options on-site.

Extend your visit over a Thursday in September to help celebrate Little Creek’s 23rd anniversary, and you could go home with the birthday presents. All month long, between the hours of 3:00 and 10:00 p.m., there will be 92 cash winners each Thursday. It’s your chance to win a share of $23,032 through hourly giveaways and lucky hot seat drawings.

Set aside Wednesday nights for weekly karaoke in the Starlight Lounge and Thursdays DJ Smylez spins a customized playlist until midnight.

Dream of taking the stage yourself to become the next Joe Nichols? Wednesday, September 5, is Rockaraoke, a 17-year tradition where you can release your inner rockstar fronting the Rockaraoke Band.

Little Creek Casino in the Fall
At Little Creek, the calendar is full all year round. Come for live music and fine dining and stay for the spa and award-winning golf course! Photo courtesy: Little Creek Casino Resort

U.S. News and World Report suggests the best time to visit our region is in September and October. They admit that things are always gorgeous, but “early fall, however, is a sweet spot for tourism: Summer weather lingers as the crowds disperse…Plus, an abundance of autumn festivals makes for an exciting fall visit.”

Little Creek Casino Resort is located at 91 West State Route 108 in Shelton. Call 800-667-7711 for tickets, room, and dining reservations, or with questions.

Follow all of Little Creek’s offerings on Facebook for detailed specials, activities, and promotions. With so many things to taste, see, and do, there’s sure to be something for you. Reward yourself for making it through another long summer, surviving your Labor Day BBQ, and cajoling the kids through their first days back at school. After all, the inevitable holiday season is just around the corner and that’s easier to deal with well rested.

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