BASIN COMMUNITY CALENDAR: August 2025

COLUMBIA BASIN — July is over and we’re heading into the home stretch of summer. Here are a few of the things happening around the Basin this month: 

Aug. 1 

Author Visit: Kat McCormick 

Meet novelist Kat McCormick, author of “His Time to Kill,” who doesn’t shy away from difficult truths or tender moments — she honors them, often with a touch of humor or a line that lingers in your chest. 5 p.m. at the Ritzville Public Library, 302 W. Main Ave. Info: 509-659-1222 or www.ritzvillelibrary.org. 

The Poor Boyz 

The Poor Boyz consider themselves an eclectic band that doesn't fit into any one genre, mixing the old with the new and throwing in some of their original music. 6-8 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: www.camascovecellars.com.

Aug. 2 

Backpack Giveaway 

Know a student who needs a backpack and school supplies for the new school year? Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be available one to a student. Child must be with an adult. Supplies are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. 10 a.m.-noon at Cellular Plus, 1115 Basin St. SW, Ephrata. Info: 509-398-8828. 

Free Family Saturday: Paper Van Gogh Sunflowers 

Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers series is among the most famous of his works. We will be recreating them in paper. Free Family Saturday is fun for the whole family and is open to all ages. Noon-2 p.m. or while supplies last at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830. 

Autism Family Pool Party 

Autism families are invited to a free private evening of swimming and connecting with each other. Hosted by Autism Support Group of Grant County. 6-8 p.m. at Splash Zone, 780 A St., Ephrata. Info: www.grantcountyautism.org. 

The Bada Bings 

Live music from Wenatchee-based rock band. 7-9:30 p.m. at Beaumont Cellars, 23565 Grand Cru Drive NW, Quincy. Info: 509-717-8885.  

Aug. 4 

Beyond Boundaries: College Conversations 

Big Bend Community College and SkillSource are teaming up for this free college assistance event. Whether you're a high school student, recent graduate or adult thinking about college, these events are designed to help you take the next step. Drop in for one-on-one support with college applications, financial aid (FAFSA/WASFA) and scholarship applications. No registration required, just stop by. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Quincy Public Library, 208 Central Ave. S. Info: 509-787-2359. 

Quincy National Night Out 

Join Quincy Police and other first responder agencies for a party in the park. Free hot dogs as well as emergency vehicles to check out, games and informational booths. 5 p.m. at Lauzier Park. Info: 509-787-4718. 

Aug. 5 

Business After Hours 

Gather with local business leaders and community members. 5-7 p.m. at the Loading Chute on the east side of the Grant County Fairgrounds. Info: 509-765-7888. 

Moses Lake National Night Out 

Meet the people who keep the community safe. Snow cones, games, dunk tank and more. 6 p.m. at McCosh Park. Info: 509-764-3887. 

Ritzville National Night Out 

Meet Ritzville’s new police chief, check out the emergency vehicles and enjoy free hot dogs. Event begins at 6 p.m., free movie at dusk at Ritzville City Park, South Division St. Info: 509-659-1313. 

Aug. 6 

Ribbon-cutting for Sun City Cycle and Sports 

Join the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce in welcoming a new business to town. Noon at 312B S. Division St., Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-7888. 

Aug. 8 

Cowboy Breakfast  

Kick off Grant County Fair week with the Cowboy Breakfast and Pee Wee Stampede. Biscuits and gravy, bacon, eggs and coffee, plus a stick horse rodeo for the kids. $10 per plate. 7 a.m. at Sinkiuse Square in downtown Moses Lake. Presented by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. Info: 509-765-7888.  

Mattawa National Night Out 

Get to know your local police and other emergency personnel at this nationwide event. Music, activities and lots of equipment on display. 4 p.m. in Hund Memorial Park. Info: 509-932-4112. 

Aug. 8-10 

Touch a Tractor 

Imagine standing next to a machine that you have to climb a staircase to enter! Come out to the orchard, pick peaches and nectarines and check out these amazing, modern workhorses. Prepicked boxes will also be available. 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at Verhey's Peaches, 6636 Road 10 SW, Royal City. Info:  

verheyspeaches.org. 

Aug. 9 

Concealed Carry Class 

This four-hour comprehensive training course is designed to educate individuals on the laws and regulations surrounding the carrying of concealed firearms. This class covers essential topics such as the use of force, firearms safety and the proper handling and storage of firearms, as well as the specific laws and any requirements for obtaining permits in Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. Upon completion of the class, attendees will be eligible to apply for the above-mentioned permits and will also receive a WA — HB-1143 Gun Safety Certificate. Cost is $74.99. Sponsored by Legal Heat. 7-11 a.m. at Sportsman’s Warehouse, 1020 N. Stratford Road, Moses Lake. Info and tickets: bit.ly/LegalHeatTix. 

Cop & Fire On Top 

Join in water fights with Quincy Police Department and Grant County Fire District 3 to raise money for Special Olympic Athletes. Squirt guns will be provided. Firefighters are on target from 10 a.m.-noon, cops noon-2 p.m. at Akins Fresh Market, 106 F St. SW, Quincy. Info: 509-787-4718. 

Hot Desert Nights 

Car show sponsored by the Mattawa/Desert Aire Lions Club. Enter as many cars as you want for $20. Doors open at 11 a.m. at Desert Aire Park. Into: 206-275-8582 or 253-606-9506.  

Moonlight Paddle 

Back by popular demand, the Moonlight Paddle is open to kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and inflatables. Life jackets and lights are required. Prizes will be issued for best lights, best decorated and best-dressed captain. Sponsored by the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce. 7 p.m. at West Beach Park. Info: soaplakecoc.org. 

Aug. 12-16 

Grant County Fair  

The county’s biggest annual blowout with carnival, rodeo, demo derby, vendors, livestock exhibits and, of course, the traditional Space Burgers. Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com.  

Aug. 15-17 

Summer Theatre Double Feature 

Quincy Valley Allied Arts presents two plays: “In Grandma’s Basement” by Emily Ellis and “The Cupcake Caper” by Nancy Bend. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Tickets $10, children 5 and under free. All performances start at 6 p.m. Friday: White Heron Winery, 23832 Fine Wine Road NW, Quincy. Saturday: George Community Park. Sunday: Lauzier Park, Quincy. Info: quincy-valley-allied-arts.org. 

Aug. 17 

4-H/Future Farmers of America Breakfast 

For Grant County Fair exhibitors and their families as they clean up after a long week of showing their animals at the fair. 7-10 a.m. in the Huck Fuller Building, Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-7888. 

Aug. 22 

Friday Film Series ‘Twilight’ 

The Moses Lake Creative District begins its Friday Film Series with a showing of “Twilight,” the 2008 movie that defined a generation. When Bella Swan moves from sunny Arizona to rainy Forks, Wash., she doesn’t expect her life to change much — until she meets Edward Cullen. Mysterious and impossibly handsome, Edward harbors a deadly secret: He’s a vampire who doesn’t drink human blood. Their connection sparks a love story that’s both dangerous and unforgettable. Costumes welcome. Admission $12, with 20% discount when you purchase a Friday Film Series season subscription.  Doors open at 6 p.m, film starts at 7 at the Moses Lake Civic Center Auditorium, 312 S. Balsam St., Info and tickets: www.cba-arts.org. 

Aug. 21-24 

Western States American Breed Congress 

Saddle up for a weekend of equestrian brilliance, where top-notch horses showcase their unique qualities, from stunning coats to impressive athleticism. The Western States American Breed Congress is not just a show — it's a gathering of breed enthusiasts celebrating the diversity and splendor of American breeds. Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com. 

Aug. 23 

CBHA Run for a Cause 

Join Columbia Basin Health Association for a colorful 5K run through Othello. Runners will get splashed with paint along the route for a messy, light-hearted experience. Funds raised support childhood wellness. 10 a.m. at the CBHA Othello clinic, 1515 E. Columbia St. Register at bit.ly/CBHA_ColorRunRegistration. Info: www.cbharunforacause.com. 

Aug. 29-31 

Producers Gone Wild 

Get ready to experience the wild side of barrel racing. Brace yourself for the exhilarating chaos as top-tier riders and their fearless horses tear up the arena in one of the most electrifying barrel races of the year. Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com.

Aug. 30 

Polka Dot Park-In Car Show 

Free to the public. $15 to enter a vehicle. Registration begins at 9 a.m., event 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Othello Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 915 E. Rainier St. Info: 509-488-2208. 

Ritzville Community Parade 

Line the sidewalks to enjoy floats and fun. 11 a.m. in downtown Ritzville along Main Avenue between Adams and Columbia streets. Info: www.ritzvillechamber.com. 

Aug. 31 

Pirates of Camas Cove Regatta 

A flotilla of fun! Build your own boat and race around the course off the dock at Camas Cove Cellars. Music will be provided by the Seven C’s Pirate band. Events begins at 2 p.m., race starts at 3:30 p.m. with prizes and a celebration to follow. Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: www.camascovecellars.com.  

This weekend at the movies:  

Fairchild Cinemas: Bad Guys 2 (PG); Fantastic Four: First Steps (PG-13); How to Train Your Dragon (PG); I Know What You Did Last Summer (R); Jurassic World Rebirth (PG-13); Smurfs (PG); The Naked Gun (PG-13). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for showtimes.  

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

Ritz Theater: F1: the Movie (PG-13) 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates. 

    A cowgirl takes a turn around the barrels at the Moses Lake Cowboy Breakfast, the traditional kickoff to the Grant County Fair. This year’s breakfast is Aug. 8.
  

    The Soap Lake Midnight Paddle returns by popular demand Aug. 9.
  

    A runner gets a splash of color at Columbia Basin Health Association’s Run for a Cause. This year’s run is Aug. 23.
  

    Competitors in lamb competition at last year’s Grant County Fair lead their sheep back to the barn. This year’s fair is Aug. 12-16.