EVENTS: July 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 weeks, 6 days 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. | June 26, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — July will be bright, hot and filled with fun. Once the Fourth of July hoopla is over, there are still plenty of things to do. Here are a few suggestions, starting with a couple of end-of-June events.
June 26
2nd Annual Flock Cancer Walk
Follow the flamingo-lined trail along the Gavinski Trail through Neppel Landing and back, cheered on by volunteers and a live DJ. $25 registration fee and a percentage of sales will go to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation. Register at https://bit.ly/MLFlockCancer26. Info: 509-707-0192.
June 27
Life Advocates for Pets Fundraiser
Live music with Days of Honey, plus raffles and lots of fun. Proceeds go to care for abandoned and lost animals. 6 p.m. at Moore Brewing Co., 302 W. Broadway, Moses Lake. Info: moorebrewingco.com.
July 9-13
American Crown Circus
Step into the big top for a family-friendly circus with music, aerial performances, cotton candy, popcorn, photo fun, and a huntrix in the air. K-pop-style attire encouraged but not necessary. 7:30-10:30 at Hund Memorial Park, 101 Government Road, Mattawa. Info: americancrowncircus.com.
July 10-11
Summerfest
Royal City’s community festival features a car show, touch-a-truck, goat tying, food, vendors, a parade and fireworks. 6 p.m. Friday-10 p.m. Saturday at Lions Park, Royal City. Info: www.royalcitysummerfest.org.
July 13
‘Moses Lake: Journey Through Time’ Book Signing
Author Shawn Curtis will sign copies of his book tracing the history of Moses Lake. 1-3 p.m. at the Moses Lake Library, 415 E. Fifth Ave. Info: (509-765-3489.
July 15
Create & Cackle
Do you like to make stuff? Do you have a project unfinished? 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.
July 18
Friends of the Moses Lake Library Book Sale
Peruse through gently used books and take home a new treasure for your home library. Proceeds go to help fund library programs. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Moses Lake Public Library, 418 E. Fifth Ave. Info: 509-771-7634.
July 22
Kids’ Karaoke
Calling all young singers! Here’s your chance to enjoy music, build confidence, and create superstar moments. No experience needed for kids to take the stage in the Civic Center Auditorium and sing their favorite hits, from Disney classics to today’s pop favorites. Every participant will be given a chance to sing, and we recommend coming with a few song selections already in mind. 4 p.m. at the Moses Lake Museum & Art Center, 401 S. Balsam St. Info: 509-764-3830.
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.
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. Info: www.tower-pizza.com.
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 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.
This weekend at the movies
Fairchild Cinemas: Backrooms (R); Disclosure Day (PG-13) Masters of the Universe (PG-13); Jackass: Best and Last (R); Obsession (R); Scary Movie 6 (R); Supergirl (PG-13); Toy Story 5 (PG). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: Supergirl (PG-13); Toy Story 5 (PG). See othelloshowhouse.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: The Devil Wears Prada 2 (PG-13) 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
The Moses Lake Farmers Market will take on a yuletide spirit July 25.
Comedian Sam Miller will perform at Crescent Bar July 25.ARTICLES BY JOEL MARTIN
Alleged assault on officer, paramedic lands man in jail
MOSES LAKE — A man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly assaulted a paramedic and a Moses Lake Police Officer, according to a statement from the MLPD. Jared Blake Hunter, 34, was booked into Grant County Jail on charges of third-degree assault – law enforcement officer, according to Grant County Jail records.
Man arrested in Moses Lake for drive-by shooting
MOSES LAKE — A Moses Lake man was arrested in a drive-by shooting incident in the Cascade Valley area of Moses Lake Tuesday night, according to a statement from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. Austin Bennett, 27, was booked into jail on suspicion of drive-by shooting, according to the Grant County Jail roster. As of Wednesday morning, he did not have a listed bail amount. At about 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, GCSO deputies and Moses Lake Police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 7900 block of Stanley Road Northeast, according to the statement. Investigators collected evidence at the scene, including a spent .223-caliber cartridge casing.
National Night Out
Police departments prepare to meet the public next month
MOSES LAKE — The Ephrata Police Department will host its first National Night Out this year, joining several other Basin communities. “We’ll have static vehicle displays: one of our patrol cars, the fire truck, (and) Lifeline is hopefully going to be joining us with an ambulance,” EPD Office manager Jennifer Hansen said. “We’ll be serving free hot dogs and everyone is invited for a free swim.” The event will be held Aug. 4 at Splash Zone, the city water park, according to Hansen, who took the lead in planning the event. It’s long been a priority of the department to get to where it could host National Night Out, and although this is the first year, Hansen said, it won’t be the last.