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SENIOR EVENTS: May 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is gorgeous, so there’s no excuse for not getting out and enjoying everything the Basin has to offer. Here are some possibilities. May 7 Ladies Night Out – Mother’s Day Edition This special evening is all about bringing the community together for a fun night downtown featuring exclusive specials, local shopping, and unique experiences hosted by participating businesses and vendors. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on Mother’s Day, whether you’re shopping for the moms in your life or simply enjoying a well-deserved night out. No charge. Sponsored by Downtown Moses Lake Association. 5-8 p.m. at 205 S. Division St., Moses Lake. Info: downtownmoseslake.org.

Rusty Mammoth Sale supports museum in a big way

MOSES LAKE — This year’s Rusty Mammoth Sale at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center was, well, mammoth. “We about doubled what we usually bring in for this type of thing,” said Museum Superintendent Dollie Boyd. “We got really close to $6,000, and we’re accustomed to making closer to $3,000. Our friends and supporters really came out to show us some love.” Part of the reason, Boyd said, was that the sale came at the beginning of yard sale season. “The bargain hunters are hungry after a winter of being trapped inside,” she said. “And I think people are seeing what’s going on with city budgeting and want to help any way they can. And if they get to take home some treasures, then all the better.”

‘Dear Evan Hansen’

Basin Community Theater musical packs an emotional punch

MOSES LAKE — Some stage musicals are grand, brightly-colored affairs, with lots of dancing and flamboyant sets and unbridled joy. “Dear Evan Hansen” is not that kind of musical. “There’s a lot of emotion,” said Basin Community Theatre producer Marion Wyman. “It’s going to make some people shed some tears. In fact, one of our adult cast members at (a rehearsal) sat down and just cried over the emotion he felt during the last song.” “Dear Evan Hansen,” which opens tonight, is loaded with heavy-duty themes: bullying, mental illness, drug abuse and suicide. The story centers around Evan (Kaleb Stanberry), a high school senior who is beset with social anxiety and depression, with a single mother who works too many hours to provide him the support he needs. Evan’s therapist has him writing notes to himself during the day to cope with his problems. Meanwhile Evan’s school bully nemesis Connor (Gus O’Donnell) comes from an outwardly healthy family but turns to drugs to cope with his own depression. When Connor takes his own life, one of Evan’s notes is found in his possession and Evan pretends to have been Connor’s best friend in an attempt to comfort Connor’s parents Larry (Weston Beck) and Cynthis (Amy O’Donnell), and especially Connor’s sister – and Evan’s crush – Zoe (Emma Leavitt). The story is told partly through Evan’s internal monologue and narration by Connor’s ghost, as Evan’s pretense spirals out of control.

BASIN EVENTS: May 8-16

COLUMBIA BASIN — The weather is just about perfect and there are things going on all over the Basin. Here are some options to check out. May 8-10 ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Basin Community Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning musical. 7:10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1:10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Moses Lake High School Theater, 803 E. Sharon Ave. Tickets and info: basincommunitytheatre.com.

Spring Fest coming May 21-24

MOSES LAKE — Spring Fest just keeps on growing. According to the city of Moses Lake’s cell phone-counting data, the city’s population more than doubled last year at McCosh Park over Memorial Day weekend. “Fifty-four thousand people attended our venue last year,” said Spring Fest Committee member Lori Valdez. “And that’s not including kiddos who do not have a cell phone.” Just about everything you could hope to find at a community festival is at Spring Fest. There’s a carnival. There’s a car show. There are lots and lots of food and crafts. There are athletic tournaments, fun contests, homegrown entertainment and free concerts from some well-known entertainers

BASIN EVENTS: May 15-23

COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening in the Basin as we sneak up on Memorial Day weekend. Check out some of these goings-on. May 15 Spring Hiring Event Bring your resume and take the opportunity to talk to local employers looking to fill their available positions. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at WorkSource, 309 E. Fifth Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-766-2559. Live music with Owen Barnhart Country solo artist Owen Barnhart’s sets include soulful banjo, fingerpicking guitar and a crystal clear voice - covering everything from classic country and Americana to classic rock and folk tunes. 5 p.m. at Monkey N’ Around Pizza, 716 13th Ave. SW, Quincy. Info: www.owenbarnhart.com.

BASIN EVENTS: May 22-29

COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s Memorial Day weekend and there will be celebrations and solemn remembrances all over the Basin. There’s also live music, art and community gatherings to enjoy. Here are a few ways to start the summer. May 22 Historic Marker Dedication A sign detailing the life of Nathaniel “Nat” Washington will be dedicated at the Nat Washington House. Sponsored by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Colonists and the Sons of the American Revolution, Spokane Chapter No. 1. 11 a.m. at 42 C St. NW, Ephrata. Info: www.jonasbabcockdar.org.

Spring Fest closes on high note with Sunday night concerts

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Spring Fest wrapped up Sunday night with a lively finale at McCosh Park, where country artists Hunter Hayes and Chase Matthew brought large crowds together for an evening of music, community and celebration. Blankets covered the grass, fans packed into the pit, and the aroma of carnival food lingered in the warm evening air as the final performances capped off the multi-day event. By the time Matthew took the stage, the park was filled with an energized audience ready to close out the festival. He immediately connected with the crowd, pausing at one point to create a memorable moment for social media. In a TikTok filmed during the show, he asked concertgoers to hide their phone lights before dramatically revealing them all at once as the camera turned – prompting cheers and a dazzling display of lights across the park.

BASIN EVENTS: June 2026

COLUMBIA BASIN — As we swing out of spring into summer, there is a host of activities in the Basin, both indoors and out. Here are a few suggestions.

‘The Trip to Bountiful’

Masquers play explores what it means to go home

SOAP LAKE — Home, and what it means, is at the heart of the Masquers Theater’s production of “The Trip to Bountiful,” written by playwright Horton Foote, opening June 12. “The show is very nostalgic,” said director Jesse Huntwork. “It’s about going back to your hometown, your home roots, and remembering where you came from.” Carrie Watts (played by Rosalee Chamberlain) lives with her son Ludie (Jason Noble) and his wife Jessie May (Machelle Miller) in a small Houston, Texas, apartment in the post-World War II era, but none of them are really happy with the arrangement. Jessie May carps constantly at her mother-in-law, who responds passive-aggressively, while Ludie is forced to play the peacemaker.