BASIN EVENTS: Oct. 3-11

COLUMBIA BASIN — Leaves are falling, mornings are getting cooler and fall activities are ramping up. Here are some things to keep your autumn spirit alive.

Oct. 3

Coffee and Conversation

Every month the Downtown Moses Lake Association hosts a different presentation from employees or business owners in Moses Lake. This is open to the public, and the coffee is free. 8:30 a.m. at Mason’s Place, Smith Martin Building, 102 E. Third Ave., Moses Lake. Info: [email protected] or 509-770-1700.

A Curious Evening with Harriet Baskas

Author, journalist and cultural explorer Harriet Baskas will give a talk entitled “Weird, Worrisome and Wonderful Museum Objects,” diving into the strange and surprising stories behind some of the most unusual items housed in museums across the country. From preserved hairballs and questionable medical devices to heartfelt mementos and forgotten treasures, Harriet brings a witty, thoughtful lens to the objects that make us wonder: Why is this here? And what does it say about us? Come with questions, curiosity, and a sense of adventure. 5 p.m. at Ritzville Public Library, 302 W. Main Ave. Info: 509-659-1222.

Pumpkin Palooza Paint Night

Enjoy a night of painting with Rustic Girl Painting. For $35, attendees will be provided with a canvas and paints and the opportunity to learn a bit about how to paint a wonderful fall scene. 6-8:30 p.m. at Country Deli, 245 Basin St. NW, Ephrata. Info: https://bit.ly/42FoEvY.

Friday Film Series: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Screening of the original 1960 film that inspired the hit musical. This dark comedy musical follows a meek floral assistant who stumbles upon a strange and exotic plant with a taste for blood. As the plant grows, so do the problems — along with the laughs. Admission is $12. Doors open at 6 p.m., film starts at 7 p.m. at the Moses Lake Civic Center, 321 S. Balsam St. Tickets and info: www.cba-arts.org.

Oct. 3-4

’90s Flannel Fest

Head to the Grant County Fairgrounds for a celebration of all things ’90s grunge. Tribute bands celebrating a wide selection of talent will hit the stage, including 40 oz to Freedom (Sublime), Jar of Flies (Alice in Chains), Head over Feet (Alanis Morisette), Nevermind (Nirvana), Fighting Foos (Foo Fighters), Rockville (REM), Linger (The Cranberries), Parabola (TOOL), Tragic Kingdom (No Doubt), Plush (Stone Temple Pilots) and 21 Guns (Green Day). More information available at 90sflannelfest.com.

Oct. 4

Mennonite Country Auction

A family-friendly event. Many incredible quilts and other handicrafts will be offered for auction as well as specialty meats, cheeses, pies, apple butter, fresh-pressed apple cider and homemade ice cream. Many craft and bargain booths as well, and music by Liberty Quartet. Proceeds support Mennonite world relief efforts. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Menno Mennonite Church, 1378 N. Damon Road, Ritzville (south of Wheeler Road about halfway between Ritzville and Moses Lake). Info: mennonitecountryauction.org.

Free Family Saturday: April the Reptile Lady

April’s goal is to educate and entertain through rare, exotic and unique animals. She especially focuses on including children in her shows, with audience participation throughout as well as hands-on time at the end. It doesn’t matter whether you are new to reptiles or are an aspiring herpetologist; she hopes everyone leaves her shows with a newfound love and respect of reptiles. No charge, but space is limited; tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shows at noon and 1 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830.

Fire House Chili Challenge

Firefighters bring the heat and every bite supports a good cause. You’re the judge, so get ready to taste-test some firehouse favorites. All proceeds will go to support little Rylinn Massey in her fight against cancer. 4-7 p.m. at Grant County Fire District 3, 1201 Central Ave. S., Quincy. Info: 509-717-2713.

Oct. 8

TAKE3: Where Rock meets Bach

The all-female trio TAKE3 is celebrated for weaving, seamlessly, in and out of musical styles with jaw-dropping virtuosity. Their fierce energy is combined with charm, wit and easy camaraderie with audiences, making them a crowd favorite wherever they perform. Sponsored by Central Basin Community Concert Association. 7 p.m. at the Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Parkway NE, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: communityconcertsml.com.

Oct. 8-12

WA Cutting Horse Fall Show

Witness displays of precision and skill at the Washington Cutting Horse Show hosted by the Washington Cutting Horse Association. Professional-level horse riding will be on display. Visit the WCHA website at wchacutting.com for more information. Event hosted by the Grant County Fairgrounds.

Oct. 9

Veteran Support Meeting

Connect with fellow veterans in a safe and welcoming space. Share experiences, find support and build community with others who understand the unique challenges of military life. All veterans are welcome. No cost to attend. 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Grant County Veterans Services, 1008 W. Ivy Ave., Moses Lake. Info: 509-761-9742.

Oct. 10

H.E. Gritman Senior Center Fundraising Breakfast

Enjoy a homemade breakfast of pancakes and sausage or biscuits and gravy and sausage. Cost is $7 and all ages are welcome. All proceeds go to support the activities at the Senior Center. 7:30-10 a.m. at 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509-659-1921.

Homecoming Tailgate Party

Celebrate Moses Lake Christian Academy’s 50th anniversary and homecoming with games, food and lots of Lion spirit. $10 per person for the meal. 4 p.m. at Moses Lake Christian Academy, 1312 S. Moses Lake Ave. Info: 509-765-9704.

‘John Candy: I Like Me’

Explores the life and legacy of iconic comedic actor John Candy, who passed away in 1994 at the age of 43, in a documentary directed by Colin Hanks. The film will be shown on a 150-inch projector screen. Free hot popcorn and candy, plus beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase. 7:15 at Moses Lake Taproom, 530 W. Valley Road. Info: 509-707-0052 or moseslaketaproom.com.

Oct. 11

Maria Pearson Book Signing

Local author Maria Pearson will be at The Bookery signing copies of her newly published children’s book “Pumpernick Village: Miss Possibility Panda,” a heartwarming, magical tale about courage, purpose and following your calling. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Bookery, 1 Basin St. NW, Ephrata. Info: 509-754-5321.

12th Annual Fall Fest

Family and friends enjoy live music, pumpkin patch, hayrides, kids’ crafts, local vendors, food trucks and more. $12 for adults, children free. 2-5 p.m. at Cloudview Farm, 173095 Frey Road NW, Ephrata. Info: 509-754-2504.

Crossroads Pregnancy Center Banquet

Fundraiser dinner to support Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center in Moses Lake and Ephrata. Speaker is Dr. William Lile. 6 p.m. at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: pregnancywa.org.

This weekend at the movies:

Fairchild Cinemas: Conjuring: Last Rites (R); Demon Slayer Infinity Castle (Not rated — English dubbed); Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie (G); One Battle After Another (R); Smashing Machine (R); Taylor Swift — The Official Release Party of a Showgirl (Not rated); The Long Walk (R); The Strangers: Chapter 2 (R). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for showtimes.

The Showhouse: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie (G); One Battle After Another (R); Tron Ares (PG-13); See showhouse3.wordpress.com for show times.

Ritz Theater: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG) 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.

    Crossroads Resource Center will hold its annual fundraiser banquet Oct. 11.
  

    April Jackson, the Reptile Lady, will bring snakes, alligators and more to two presentations at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center Saturday.
  

    The trio TAKE3 will perform “Where Rock meets Bach” Thursday at the Wallenstien Theater.