Pipes, punk and tradition
Leavenworth to host Cascade Celtic Festival
MOSES LAKE — The pipes will skirl and the fiddles will ring out at the Cascade Celtic Festival in Leavenworth May 1-3. “Building on the success of its inaugural year, the 2026 festival expands its programming, deepens its cultural partnerships, and welcomes visitors for a full weekend of music, dance, storytelling, artisan craft, and community connection,” Festival President Alice Cloutier wrote in a press release announcing the festival. The festival will feature traditional – and not-so-traditional – Scottish and Irish music by more than 20 artists, many from Washington but also coming from Northern Ireland and Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There are also dance troupes from the Northwest and beyond, showing fancy footwork to Celtic strains. Three stages will showcase everything from traditional pipe and drum bands to high-energy Celtic punk rock.
CBAA auction moves inside with Kentucky Derby theme
MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Allied Arts fundraiser auction will have a new venue this year, at the Best Western Plus Lake Front Hotel in Moses Lake. “They catered last year … and it was great,” CBAA Executive Director Shawn Cardwell said. “It felt like it would be fun to change it up … We really look forward to that beautiful lake view.”
BASIN EVENTS: April 24-May 31
COLUMBIA BASIN — We’re swinging into May and there are festivals, rodeos, live performances and more. Here are a few possibilities. April 24 Children’s Day Get ready for a day full of smiles, laughter, and community spirit at the new stage area in the park. Each child will receive a treat bag packed with goodies like snacks, candies, and fun surprises. 4 p.m. at Hund Memorial Park, Mattawa. Info: 509-932-4037. Hiram B. Freedom and his Honky-Tonk Holy Ghost Revival Live outlaw country music by the King of the Hillbilly Poets. 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Michael’s Market & Bistro, 221 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-4177.
BASIN EVENTS: May 1-9
COLUMBIA BASIN — Spring is finally here and it's time to get out in the sunshine. Music, sales and celebrations galore await you this week.
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.
‘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.
