BASIN EVENTS: Sept. 18-26
JOEL MARTIN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 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. | September 18, 2026 3:10 AM
COLUMBIA BASIN — It’s officially fall, with cooler temperatures and shorter days. Here are a few things to occupy your week.
Sept. 18-20
Deutschesfest
Beer garden, live music and more in downtown Odessa. Info: www.deutschesfest.net.
Sept. 19
Autism Community Day
Community celebration focused on inclusion, connection, acceptance, and family fun. Bounce house, corn dogs, coffee, games and resources for autism families and others. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Grant County Courthouse, 35 C St. SW, Ephrata. Info: grantcountyautism.org.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Fundraiser to support research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Registration 9 a.m., flower ceremony 10 a.m., walk begins 10:30 a.m. at McCosh Park, Moses Lake. Info: https://bit.ly/ALZWLK25.
Sept. 26
Almira Country Fair
Car show, parade, vendors and more. All day at Lions Club Park, Almira. Info: [email protected].
Veteran Resource and Job Fair
Employment opportunities, resources, free cold-weather gear for homeless veterans and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Grant County Fairgrounds Commercial and 4-H buildings, 3953 Airway Drive NE, Moses Lake. Info: 509-246-0904.
UMANI Festival
Celebrate the Hispanic heritages of the Columbia Basin with local, regional and international music, dancing, art, low rider show and more. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in downtown Moses Lake. Info: cba-arts.org.
Sept. 26-27
Living History Encampment
Encampment of soldiers and civilians with military and craft demonstrations, educational talks and a visit with famous figures from the American Revolution including George Washington and John Hancock. 9 a.m. Saturday-3 p.m. Sunday at Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum, 415 F St. SW. Info: 509-787-4685.
Sept. 28
Coffee and Support
Grab your favorite coffee and start your Monday out with a good cup of joe and support from those who are on the autism journey with you. Sponsored by the Autism Support Group of Grant County. 9-11 a.m. at Cup of Joy Cafe, 430 E. Division St., Ephrata. Info: grantcountyautism.org.
This weekend at the movies:
Fairchild Cinemas: Buddy (R); Coyote vs. Acme (PG); Insidious: Out of the Further (PG-13); Practical Magic 2 (PG-13); Resident Evil (R); Runner (PG-13); Shawn the Sheep: Beast of Mossy Bottom (PG); Spider-Man: Brand New Day (PG-13); Uprising (R). See www.fairchildcinemas.com for show times.
The Showhouse: Practical Magic 2 (PG-13). See othelloshowhouse.com for show times.
Ritz Theater: The End of Oak Street (PG-13). 7 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. See www.facebook.com/RitzvilleRitz for updates.
The UMANI Festival will celebrate Hispanic cultures Sept. 26 in Moses Lake.
The Almira Country Fair will feature a parade, a car show and food and craft vendors Sept. 26.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.