Small town, big fun
Wilson Creek prepares for Harvest Festival Oct. 3
WILSON CREEK — It’s a big festival for one of the smallest towns in Grant County. “The town was full,” said Shirley Billings, a member of the informal committee that puts the Wilson Creek Harvest Festival together. “There was no parking anywhere.” The 2025 festival brought 200-300 people out to downtown Wilson Creek, Billings said. Wilson Creek’s population is about 200, according to the U.S. Census. This year’s festival, which happens Oct. 3, is an all-day affair, according to the schedule put out by the committee. The day will begin with a biscuits-and-gravy breakfast at 7 a.m., followed by a fun run at 8 a.m. that starts and ends at Town Hall. The term “fun run” isn’t exactly accurate, Billings said.
Masquers’ ‘Anastasia: The Musical’ to open Oct. 16
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater’s production of “Anastasia: The Musical” will open Oct. 16, according to an announcement from the theater. The play will star Emma-Jean Wydur as the title character, with Ben McLain, Jeremy Hansen, Alec Lobe, Christy McLain and Auti Kirk in supporting roles, according to a previous announcement from the Masquers. Rachel and Stacey Bresee are directing, and Clark Dalton is the music director.
QVHS to step back in time this weekend
QUINCY — The Quincy Valley Historical Museum will be a time warp this weekend, taking folks back to the founding of the country. “Every other year we do a harvest festival, a celebration of harvest and culture,” said Harriet Weber, executive director of the Quincy Valley Historical Society. “This year we expanded it to three days for America 250.” On Friday evening the museum will host “An Evening with George and John,” with actors portraying George Washington and John Hancock.
BASIN EVENTS: October 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — The days are getting shorter and the eerie time of year is creeping up on us. Here are a few things happening in October.
Hispanic cultures blend at UMANI
MOSES LAKE — The range of cultures represented in downtown Moses Lake was broad: Mexican, Caribbean and South American performers stood side-by-side with U.S. Chicano lowriders and West Coast rap at the annual UMANI festival, a celebration of Hispanic life. “The streets are full, the vibes are good, the music’s great and the cars are stunning,” said Shawn Cardwell, executive director of Columbia Basin Allied Arts, which puts on UMANI every September.
Flannel Fest brings back the sounds of the ’90s this weekend
MOSES LAKE — The organizers of Flannel Fest are turning up the heat this year. Literally. “One of the things we noticed last year was that after about six o’clock it got pretty chilly,” said Grant County Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan. “So we invested in some big propane heaters. We’ll have heaters in the bar building and for the pit in front of the stage.” Flannel Fest starts Friday at the Grant County Fairgrounds, featuring tribute bands that reproduce the grunge and alt-rock sounds that defined the 1990s.
BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 2-10, 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s October, and the spooky season is just around the corner. Meanwhile, check out some of the goings-on in the Basin this week.
SENIOR EVENTS: October 2026
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening for seniors in the Basin this month: live music, crafts and lots of spooky fun to share with the grand-ghouls.
BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 9-17
COLUMBIA BASIN — The days are warm, the nights are getting chilly and there are plenty of chances to get out and about. Here are a few.
Masquers to audition for ‘A Snow White Christmas’
SOAP LAKE — The Masquers Theater will hold auditions next week for its winter play, “A Snow White Christmas,” according to an announcement from Masquers. Auditions will be held at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 19 and 20, at the theater, according to the announcement. The play will open Dec. 4.
