BASIN EVENTS: July 24-Aug. 1
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months, 2 weeks AGO
Joel Martin has been with the Columbia Basin Herald for more than 25 years in a variety of roles and is the most-tenured employee in the building. Martin is a married father of eight and enjoys spending time with his children and his wife, Christina. He is passionate about the paper’s mission of informing the people of the Columbia Basin because he knows it is important to record the history of the communities the publication serves. | July 24, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s hot and smoky outside? This is the Columbia Basin. We’re used to this. Here are some chances to get out and have some fun no matter what the sky looks like.
July 25
Christmas in July at the Market
Who says you have to wait until December for holiday cheer? Stroll through decorated vendor booths, shop amazing local makers and growers, enjoy holiday-themed fun, festive music, sweet treats, and surprises for the whole family. Wear your favorite Christmas shirt, Santa hat, or holiday outfit. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Moses Lake Farmers Market, McCosh Park, 401 W. Fourth Avenue. Info: www.farmersmarketml.com.
Fairgrounds Community Cleanup Day
Help prep the fairgrounds for the 2026 Grant County Fair. Painting, landscaping, cleaning, organizing and more. Projects for all skill levels. The fairgrounds will host lunch for all volunteers. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-765-3581.
Science Saturday
Exciting, hands-on science class where kids will explore, experiment and investigate the science all around us. Through interactive activities and simple experiments, students will discover how science connects to everyday life while building curiosity and critical thinking skills. All materials are provided. For ages 6-13. $15 per person. 10:30 a.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam. Info: 509-764-3830 or moseslakemuseum.com.
Autism Swims
Come enjoy an evening of swimming, fun, and connection in a welcoming and supportive environment. This special event gives autism families the opportunity to enjoy the water together with less crowding and a more comfortable atmosphere. Hosted by Autism Support Group of Grant County. Bring your swimsuits, towels, and smiles. 6-8 p.m. at Splash Zone, 780 A St. SE, Ephrata. Info: grantcountyautism.org.
Comedy on the Columbia with Sam Miller
From Olympia, Sam is 6-foot-6 and 360 pounds with two kids, one of them on purpose. He’s been married for 10 years, and has been clean and sober for 15 years. Sam likes to make jokes about what it’s like to be a sober parent and what jail is like in Yakima. 8 p.m. at Tower Pizza and Sunworks at Crescent Bar, 8995 Crescent Bar Road NW, Quincy.
July 28
Mobile Market
Free drive-thru for fresh and nonperishable items. No appointment or paperwork needed – just come by if you need a hand. Limited to 250 families. Provided by Second Harvest Tri-Cities. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1399 Nat Washington Way, Ephrata. Info: 2-harvest.org.
July 29
A Blooming Good Cause
Learn to create beautiful bouquets while helping fight hunger right here in our own neighborhoods. The evening will include a hands-on bouquet workshop, all the fresh flowers and supplies you need to make your own hand-tied bouquet and a wrap to take the whole thing home in. Proceeds support Ephrata and Soap Lake food banks. $50 per person. Tickets available at Ephrata Grocery Outlet, 1460 Basin St SW, through July 24. 6-8 p.m. at TJ Harley’s Bar and Grill, 144 Division Ave. E., Ephrata. Info: 509-398-8962.
July 31
Open Mic
The stage is open to everyone, and of every skill level. Not only is it a great way to gain experience as a performer and test out new material; it’s a great way to learn to play with other musicians. 6 p.m. at Camas Cove Cellars, 911 Camas Place, Moses Lake. Info: camascovecellars.com.
Aug. 1
Free Family Saturday
Celebrate the joy of summer with a simple watercolor sunburst project. All materials are supplied. Free for all ages. 12-2- p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830 or moseslakemuseum.com.
This weekend at the movies
Fairchild Cinemas: Evil Dead Burn (R); Hadestown: The Musical (Not rated); Minions and Monsters (PG); Moana (PG); Obsession (R); The Odyssey (R); Supergirl (PG-13); Toy Story 5 (PG); Young Washington (PG-13). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: The Odyssey (R). See othelloshowhouse.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: Toy Story 5 (PG) 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
Splash Zone in Ephrata will host Autism Swims Saturday.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Home prices up in most Basin markets
MOSES LAKE — Home prices increased in most, but not all, markets of the Columbia Basin this year, according to data from the real estate website Redfin. The median home price in Moses Lake in September was $364,821, according to Redfin’s data, up 5.4% from September 2025. Ephrata’s median price wasn’t far off, at $368,824, but that represented a 12.5% increase over the same time period. Quincy’s median price topped the list of local cities at $405,235, a 10.1% year-over-year increase. Othello, in contrast, dropped by 17.1% year-over-year, to $298,226.
BASIN EVENTS Nov. 6-14
COLUMBIA BASIN — Now that everyone has adjusted from the Daylight Saving Time changeover, it’s time to get out of the house and off to something fun. Here are a few destinations to check out. Nov. 6 Members Exhibition Gallery opening for show of artworks by museum members. Opening reception 4-7 p.m. at Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: www.moseslakemuseum.com.
Going rogue
Moses Lake salon celebrates creativity and independence
MOSES LAKE — The new salon on East Broadway is called Rogue Collective for a reason. “We had this dream to do it all together,” said owner Dana Mendoza. “That’s where the ‘collective’ came from. It’s a pretty amazing group of women. Everyone has their own separate gifts and talents.” The “rogue” part of the name comes from the fact that the professionals all came from other salons with the same idea: to do things their own way.