Basin events for April 11-19, 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — With the weather we’ve seen in the Basin lately, it’s hard to know if it’s time to wear shorts or raincoats. Either way, there are a host of things to get out and do this week. Here are a few:  

April 11 

Coulee City Art Walk 

Check out artists from all over the area at local businesses. 10 a.m. in downtown Coulee City. Info: 509-681-2018. 

Build a Mini Book 

Tweens, teens and adults are invited to celebrate National Library Week, observed April 6-12, by creating a miniature book. 4:30-5:30 p.m. or while supplies last, at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489. 

Pottery Painting: Fierce Dragon Lamp 

Dragons, those mythical creatures with scales and wings, have captured the imagination of countless people throughout history. From ancient legends to modern fantasy, they symbolize power, mystery, and sometimes danger. This lamp measures about 6 inches by 6 inches, a little smaller than the dragons from your favorite television shows. Ages 7 and older. Cost is $15.50 per person. 5-6 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or museum@cityofml.com. 

April 11-12 

Mattawa City Cleanup 

Come on down to dispose any unwanted items. Limit one load per residence. 9 a.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Mattawa City Shop, 710 E. First St. Info: 509-932-4037. 

April 12 

Almira Lions Club UTV Fun Run 

Ride is approximately 50 miles long. Cash prizes for first, second and third place. $40 per rider. All proceeds to toward Almira Lions Club Park improvements. Registration at 7:30 a.m. at the Almira Community Center, 408 W Main St.; first riders depart at 8 a.m. from Lions Park. Info: https://bit.ly/AlmiraLionsFB. 

Crafternoon 

Bring any portable craft project and connect with other crafters. Free to all adults, but there is a short registration form to fill out. 12-3 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or museum@cityofml.com. 

April 13 

Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra 

The Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra has a long tradition as one of the finest student/community orchestras in the region and its repertoire contains some of the most demanding pieces in orchestral music. Sponsored by Central Basin Community Concert Association. Tickets start at $5 for music students, $30 for general admission. Special pricing for families. Tickets available for purchase at the door or online. Info and tickets: www.CommunityConcertsML.com 

April 15 

Hide and Seek with Unicorn and Narwhal 

Children and tweens are invited to celebrate National Unicorn Day (observed April 9) and National Narwhal Appreciation Day (observed April 22). Find tiny unicorns and narwhals hidden around the library for a prize. There will also be unicorn- and narwhal-themed crafts. 4-5:30 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489. 

April 16 

Needle Felting 

Ready to get creative with some wool? Check out this hands-on needle felting beginner workshop. 4-5:30 p.m. at the George Public Library, 403 S. Washington Way. Info: 509-785-7043. 

Create & Cackle  

Do you like to make stuff? Do you have an unfinished project? Want to just hang out and finish a project? Just drop in, have a drink and a snack and create. Knitting, drawing, sewing, crocheting, perler beading, coloring, painting, origami or basket-weaving – the only limit is what you bring. Bring your own project and drinks/snacks and hang out with like-minded individuals. 6 p.m. at The Main Event, 116 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 843-323-2218.  

April 17 

Job and Career Fair 

This event connects job seekers with over 60 employers, offering a great opportunity to network and explore career opportunities. Open to students, alumni and the community. A community partnership event brought to you by the WorkSource Services Team: Big Bend Community College, WorkSource, OIC of Washington, Job Corps, SkillSource, Department of Social and Health Services, and Department of Services for the Blind. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Big Bend Community College Masto Center, 7662 Chanute St. NE, Moses Lake. Info: https://bit.ly/BBCCJobFair25.

April 18 

Easter Bake Sale 

Come and buy some homemade baked items for your Easter weekend. Cakes, cookies, sweet breads, kraut ranza, kuchen and other items. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at H.E. Gritman Senior Center, 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509-659-1921. 

Beaded Lanyard Workshop 

Two-hour workshop filled with creativity and learning. Local indigenous artist Amanda Keewatinawin will teach participants how to make a beaded lanyard wristlet. All supplies will be provided for each participant along with a brief history of indigenous of beadwork. Ages 18 and older. Four spaces reserved for BIPOC participants. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3r7vfvxf. 4-6 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-765-3489. 

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. 7 p.m. at Royal Moose Lodge, 105 Camelia St. NE. Royal City. Info: owenbarnhart.com. 

April 19 

Coulee City Kids Fishing Derby 

Prizes for first, second and third place for each age group! Overall winners for biggest fish, smallest fish and most overall weight receive a trophy. Organized by volunteers with support from Coulee City Chamber of Commerce, Town of Coulee City, Port of Coulee City and many generous individual donors. Free for children 14 and younger. Registration at 8 a.m., derby 9-11 a.m. at Coulee City Campground. Info: 509-633-3074. 

Story Time 

Othello librarian Season Fleming will read an Easter-themed story. Bring the whole family for a fun and festive morning. 10 a.m. at Desert Rose Cafe, 745 E. Hemlock, Othello. Info: 509-331-3416. 

Guitar Jams 

Guitar jams are a chance for you to learn or practice playing simple chords while singing along with instructor Jennifer McCarthy and other participants. Bring your acoustic guitar (no loaner instruments are available) and the desire to make music at the museum once a month. Enjoy the benefits of singing and playing in a group. No charge. 1-2 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or museum@cityofml.com. 

This weekend at the movies:  

Fairchild Cinemas: A Working Man (R); Amateur (PG-13); Drop (PG-13); Last Breath (PG-13); King of Kings (PG); Minecraft Movie (PG); Snow White  (PG); The Chosen: Last Supper Part 3 (Not rated); Warfare (R). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for showtimes.  

Lee Theater: Not posted at press time. See www.leetheaters.com for updates.   

Ritz Theater: Novocaine (R) 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.