BASIN EVENTS: June 19-27
COLUMBIA BASIN — School is out, and summer officially arrives this week. Here are some ways to make the most of the season. June 19 Soap Lake Food & Folk Festival Live music, local food, workshops, craft vendors, family activities, and community gathering. Hosted by Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee in partnership with Cloudview Farm and Soap Lake Creative District. Free and open to all ages. Soap Lake Creative District Friday, Cloudview Farms Saturday. Info: tinyurl.com/solawafff.
Soap Lake Food and Folk Festival grows with second venue, bigger crowd
SOAP LAKE — The third annual Soap Lake Food and Folk Festival added a new venue this year. “Cloudview Farm offered us the partnership and the manpower for getting the thing together,” said Ruthann Tobiason of the Friends of the Lower Grand Coulee, which puts on the festival. “We really needed that because we’ve been running on the energy of a handful of volunteers.” The festival ran for two days, with interactive exhibits and workshops at various locations in Soap- Lake. There was a guitar workshop with musician Carl Tosten, who performed at last year’s festival, held at the Bistro at Soap Lake Natural Spa & Resort, and Walla Walla-based Micah and Me offered a ukulele workshop at the Soap Lake Community Center. Cloudview Kitchen hosted free live music in the evening, for anyone who wanted to come and enjoy the show. “It’s a big deal for them to let all these musicians take over, allowing people to come in and listen to music,” Tobiason said. “Nobody’s asking you to buy a coffee, no admission, you can just come and listen.”
Wall of pride
Moses Lake unveils ball field mural
MOSES LAKE — The ball field at the Paul Lauzier Athletic Complex on Central Drive sported some new, vibrant colors Tuesday, when a mural celebrating Moses Lake was unveiled. “This is yet another example of (Moses Lake City) Council priority No. 3, which is city pride,” Mayor Dustin Swartz said. “This shows an immense amount of city pride, and also pride from our young people, which I love.” The image covers the back of the dugout facing Central Drive, and shows a young baseball player, a heron with wings spread wide, a Japanese torii gate and the city’s iconic fountain, all with a Moses Lake sunset for a backdrop. The mural was a collaboration between artist Phil Seth and 10 local youth between the ages of 12 and 17, Seth said. The creation took about a week, Seth said Tuesday.
EVENTS: July 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — July will be bright, hot and filled with fun. Once the Fourth of July hoopla is over, there are still plenty of things to do. Here are a few suggestions, starting with a couple of end-of-June events.
BASIN EVENTS: July 3-11
COLUMBIA BASIN – This weekend will be loaded with Fourth of July observances in most of our communities, and then there’s plenty more happening afterward. Here are some things to check out.
BASIN EVENTS: July 10-18
COLUMBIA BASIN — Whether you soak up the sun or the air conditioning, there’s something happening to suit you in the Basin this week. Check these out.
‘Year of the Horse’
Up Town Art Gallery opens equine-themed exhibition
MOSES LAKE — According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 (and a little bit of 2027) is the year of the horse. That was a good reason, decided the owners of Up Town Art Gallery in Moses Lake, to hold a special art show centered around the magnificent creatures. “We’ve got, I don’t know how many local artists,” said Judy Kalin, who co-owns Up Town Art Gallery with Leanne Hickman. “I think there are 10 or 12 of us.” The equine theme took on a lot of forms: oils, watercolors, acrylics, charcoal and Hickman’s trademark painted feathers. There were rope baskets made from lariats, wooden horse sculptures and a stuffed unicorn as well.
EVENTS: July 17-25, 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — We’re near the halfway point of the summer, and there’s still no shortage of things to do this year. Here are some ways to get out and about.
Library activities for August 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — Summer winds down in August, and so do summer reading programs. Here’s what’s happening at libraries in the Basin. All activities are at the library unless otherwise indicated.
BASIN EVENTS: July 24-Aug. 1
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s hot and smoky outside? This is the Columbia Basin. We’re used to this. Here are some chances to get out and have some fun no matter what the sky looks like. July 25 Christmas in July at the Market Who says you have to wait until December for holiday cheer? Stroll through decorated vendor booths, shop amazing local makers and growers, enjoy holiday-themed fun, festive music, sweet treats, and surprises for the whole family. Wear your favorite Christmas shirt, Santa hat, or holiday outfit. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Moses Lake Farmers Market, McCosh Park, 401 W. Fourth Avenue. Info: www.farmersmarketml.com.
