“I heard sound travels better through water – there’s a lot of water here behind us. I wonder if they can hear us on the county line tonight.”  

— Chase Matthew   

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Spring Fest wrapped up Sunday night with a lively finale at McCosh Park, where country artists Hunter Hayes and Chase Matthew brought large crowds together for an evening of music, community and celebration. Blankets covered the grass, fans packed into the pit, and the aroma of carnival food lingered in the warm evening air as the final performances capped off the multi-day event.

By the time Matthew took the stage, the park was filled with an energized audience ready to close out the festival.

He immediately connected with the crowd, pausing at one point to create a memorable moment for social media. In a TikTok filmed during the show, he asked concertgoers to hide their phone lights before dramatically revealing them all at once as the camera turned – prompting cheers and a dazzling display of lights across the park.

Matthew, clearly moved by the response, acknowledged the enthusiasm of the Moses Lake crowd.

“I have played many shows and many in Washington too, but I have never seen so much love. Thank you,” he told the audience.

Throughout the evening, Matthew balanced heartfelt appreciation with high-energy performance, encouraging crowd participation, and recognizing the effort behind the event.

“We are so glad to be here,” he said. “I am so grateful to be here, but I am going to shut up and get back to the music. Can we make some noise for the city of Moses Lake for putting this party on, and can we also make some noise for all of our production.”

The scenic backdrop added to the atmosphere, with the lake just behind the stage reflecting the glow of lights and amplifying the sense of place. Matthew even joked about the setting mid-show.

“I heard sound travels better through water – there’s a lot of water here behind us,” he said. “I wonder if they can hear us on the county line tonight.”

Beyond entertainment, Matthew also used the stage to share a more serious message with fans.

“I don’t stand for abuse – for anyone, women, children, even grown men,” he said. “If you’re in a place in your life where that’s happening, you should look for something better. You deserve better.”

The moment added a note of sincerity and connection that resonated with the audience.

Earlier in the evening, Hunter Hayes warmed up the crowd with a polished set that drew fans closer to the stage and set the tone for the night. Together, the two artists provided a strong closing lineup that reflected the festival’s growing ambition.

Attendees said the event continues to evolve each year, offering more than just music. Melissa Mendoza, who attended Sunday night, said she was pleased with the overall experience. “Honestly, the concert, and the food is pretty good,” she said.

Others pointed to improvements in the festival’s setup and entertainment offerings.

“It’s been fantastic. I love the beer garden and the things they are adding to make it more lively,” Dylan Morris said. “They are bringing bigger artists to the event. It’s just been fantastic what they have been doing to it.”

Longtime attendees have noticed the growth as well, with some comparing this year’s lineup to past performers and looking ahead to the future. Seth Miner, of Miner Services LLC, said the event continues to draw notable names and build momentum.

“It’s good, I am more excited for the next guy,” he said. “But I think it’s really cool that they are able to bring out some big names. I mean Ying Yang Twins and Ginuwine – Ginuwine was really cool. I think it’s cool that it’s growing and growing, and they are able to bring out more and more big names.”

Miner added that the festival has become a staple for local live music fans. “This year was great,” Miner said. “I can’t wait to see what we do next year.”

    A young Spring Fest attendee sits atop another fan’s shoulders during the Chase Matthew concert.
  

    McCosh Park is packed with people, music and lights Sunday night for a free Chase Matthew concert.
  

    Several audience members record Chase Matthew Sunday night as he performs in McCosh Park for Moses Lake Spring Fest.