Cathedral Day 2026 is SATURDAY, APRIL 25!
A “family reunion” for the Diocese of Olympia!
In 2026, the Saturday of Cathedral Day fall on the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist—the patronal feast of this cathedral—as we mark the 100th anniversary of the official designation of Saint Mark's parish as the cathedral of the Diocese of Olympia, at the 1926 Diocesan Convention.
Cathedral Day is a “family reunion” for Episcopalians from across western Washington—a time for connecting across communities, experiencing your cathedral in a new light... and having a lot of fun. There’s something for everyone—no matter your age!
A liturgy of Holy Eucharist with the rites of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation for candidates from parishes near and far begins at 10:30 a.m., opening with a grand, colorful procession of parish banners.
Following the service, all are invited to enjoy lunch from food trucks and participate in activities for all ages. (Food truck lunch is free with advance registration.) Afternoon activities include face painting, demonstration of the Mighty Flentrop, paper airplane launch from the organ loft, docent-led tour including the crypt, a walk through the Greenbelt, and more!
2026 SCHEDULE OF THE DAY
- 8:30 a.m.: Check-in opens for participants in the liturgy, including those being confirmed, received, or re-affirmed; their sponsors; clergy; and banner holders.
- 9:15 a.m.: Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation Rehearsal – Participants in the liturgy meet in the sanctuary for a rehearsal with Bishop Phil LaBelle.
- 10:10 a.m.: Assemble for Procession – Candidates, sponsors, clergy and banner holders line up and prepare to process into Saint Mark's. All congregations attending Cathedral Day are invited to bring their banners and be a part of this procession.
- 10:30 a.m.: Confirmation Liturgy – A liturgy of Holy Eucharist with the rites of confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation for candidates from parishes near and far will open with a grand, colorful procession of parish banners and music from the choirs of Saint Mark's.
- Following the service: Lunch – food trucks will be at-the-ready outside the cathedral. Register your whole family for a free lunch at your choice of four eateries featuring arepas, Mexican food, Pan-Asian cuisine, and Middle Eastern favorites. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
- 12:30–2 p.m.: Activities for All Ages – Take a docent-led tour of the cathedral and crypt and see recently restored chalk art by WWII soldiers; get your face painted thanks to a booth sponsored by Camp Huston; hear a demonstration of the mighty Flentrop organ; launch recycled paper airplanes from the organ loft; make art; walk the labyrinth and greenbelt; visit the Lefffler Garden; and bring seeds from our seed library back to your home or church!
Check out the 1-minute "teaser" video filmed in 2018 below:
Above: The first Cathedral Day in Seattle, May 1931. Below: Views of Cathedral Day through the years. Click to enlarge.
Past Cathedral Day liturgy videos and leaflets:
Video and service leaflets from past Cathedral Day liturgies can be found here:
(Cathedral Day was suspended in 2020 and 2021.)