Parades, pie and fireworks to celebrate our Fourth
Our nation's 250th birthday is this Saturday, and communities across the area have planned a weekend of festivities.
Independence Day 2026 arrives on the nation's 250th birthday this Saturday, and communities across the area have planned a weekend of parades, live music and fireworks. For those with pets sensitive to noise, plan ahead to keep them indoors after dark. The following is a guide to the local public festivities:
Friday, July 3
Moses Lake – Red, White & BOOM!
The weekend begins at the Centennial Amphitheater in McCosh Park, 999 Dogwood St., from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The 133rd Army National Guard Band, a 40-member ensemble representing the Washington National Guard, will headline the evening, with food and drink vendors on site. A fireworks show will close the program at 10 p.m. Additional details are available at tourmoseslake.com.
Saturday, July 4
George – 69th Annual Independence Day Celebration
The region's largest Fourth of July event returns for its 69th year. Cherry Bomb Run registration opens at 7 a.m., and the run begins at 8:30 a.m. A pancake breakfast will be served at the George Community Hall kitchen until 11 a.m., and assembly of the World's Largest Cherry Pie begins at 8 a.m. at the Rotary Pie Pavilion.
The Grand Parade arrives on West Montmorency Boulevard at 10 a.m., followed by a patriotic observance at the outdoor stage at 11 a.m. with emcee Brent Dowlen. Cherry pie will be served with ice cream for a $1 donation at approximately 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon activities include a children's carnival, dunk tank, American history museum with live reenactments upstairs at the Community Hall from 12:30-3 p.m. Live music begins on the outdoor stage with the Campground Boys at 1:30 p.m., a DJ mix through the afternoon, and Los Vega de Ucacuaro at 4:45 p.m.
Country artist Jeremy McComb and Honky Tonk Circus will perform from 8:30-10 p.m. The concert is ticketed, available here. Fireworks will follow at dusk.
Soap Lake – Suds N' Sun
The Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce will host an all-day celebration at Smokiam Park, kicking off with a 3x3 basketball tournament at 8 a.m., soap box derby at 9 a.m. and patriotic car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food and craft vendors, street performers, lawn games and music from DJ Y3S CH3F will run throughout the day. The parade begins at 7:30 p.m., fireworks following at dusk. More information about the parade, vendors, car show, derby and basketball tournament is available at soaplakecoc.org.
Ephrata – Grant County Historical Museum
The Grant County Historical Museum will offer free admission in honor of America's 250th anniversary, with regular hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local historian Mike Scellick will speak on the Nat Washington family from 11 a.m. to noon.
