SENIOR EVENTS: October 2026
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month 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. | October 7, 2026 3:00 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — There’s plenty happening for seniors in the Basin this month: live music, crafts and lots of spooky fun to share with the grand-ghouls.
Oct. 9
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. 7-10 a.m. at 118 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 509-659-1921.
Oct. 10
Fall Festival
Live music, food, vendors, kids’ activities, animals to feed, hayrides and more. Lots of room to run and play, or sit and relax while listening to the music and sipping some fresh apple cider. 12-5 p.m. at Cloudview Farms, 17305 Frey Rd, Ephrata. Info: cloudviewfarm.org.
Murder & Moonlight at Moore Manor
Interactive murder mystery party where you become part of the story. You are invited by the esteemed Count Dragula, the “Queen” of Moore Manor, to celebrate at the Blood Moon Ball where night walkers and blood drinkers celebrate their immortal life. Throughout the evening, attendees will become the undead investigators to solve the mystery that unfolds. Vampire- and goth-inspired costumes are highly encouraged. Must be 21 or older. Presented by Columbia Basin Allied Arts and Moore Brewing Co. 6 p.m. at Moore Brewing Co., 302 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake. Info: moorebrewingco.com.
Oct. 11
Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra
The Gonzaga Symphony Orchestra has a long tradition as one of the finest student/community orchestras in the region and its repertoire contains some of the most demanding pieces in orchestral music. Presented by Central Basin Community Concert Association. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., show at 3 p.m. at Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Pkwy NE, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: www.communityconcertsml.org.
Oct. 17
Othello Fall Festival
Trunk or treat, contests, food and family activities, plus a movie at dusk. Sponsored by the Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce. 2-9 p.m. at Kiwanis Park, 870 S. Shady Lane. Info: 509-488-2683.
Oct. 19
Create & Cackle
Join fellow artists, makers and creatives to hang out and finish that project you’ve been working on. 6 p.m. at The Main Event, 116 W. Main Ave., Ritzville. Info: 843-323-2218.
Oct. 29
‘Hocus Pocus’
Screening of the 1993 Halloween comedy starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy. 2 p.m. at the Ephrata Senior Center, 124 C St. NW. Info: www.ephrataseniorcenter.org.
Piano Men
A high-octane, emotionally charged musical journey led by father-son duo, Terry and Nick Davies, and a world-class band that takes audiences on a ride they won’t soon forget. Bonded by blood and a deep love for the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, Terry and Nick showcase their musical genes through a roller coaster of iconic hits, delivered with authenticity, showmanship and a deep sense of legacy. Presented by Central Basin Community Concert Association. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. at Wallenstien Theater, 6989 College Pkwy NE, Moses Lake. Tickets and info: www.communityconcertsml.org.
Oct. 30
Downtown Ephrata Trick-or-Treat
Join local businesses and residents in downtown Ephrata for a trick-or-treating adventure. 5-7 p.m. at Rock Park, 32 Basin St NW, Ephrata. Info: Eprhatachamber.org.
Oct. 31
Moravida Festival
Moravida Festival is a vibrant celebration of life inspired by the rich traditions of Dia de los Muertos. There will be family-friendly activities, live entertainment, engaging children’s crafts, diverse food vendors, and much more. This event is open to all and free to attend. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: www.gcfairgrounds.com.
Harvest Festival
Exciting activities including live music, food vendors, booth vendors, and a variety of games, plus trunk-or-treating. Sponsored by the Downtown Moses Lake Association. 2-5 p.m. at Sinkiuse Square, 306 S. Ash St., Moses Lake.
The Ephrata Senior Center will screen the 1993 Halloween comedy “Hocus Pocus” Oct. 29.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.