Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau

Selah Ridge Lavender Farm's Harvest Days July 17, 2009 - July 19, 2009

Lavender Harvest Days,will take place July 17-19th. On Saturday, July 18th at 6pm, the festival will feature the South African sounds of Yakimambo, unique home decor, art work, ceramic tables, wall pieces and garden art by Details. Also, shop our selection of handcrafted all natural line of skin care,home items, plants, wreaths, and home decor. Event hours: Friday, July 17th 10am-4pm, Saturday, July 18th 10am-8pm, and Sunday, July 19th 11am-3pm. For information, call 509-697-6705.

Prosser Art Walk & Wine Gala July 18, 2009

Over 30 Northwest artists, 20 Prosser wineries,live jazz and some great food vendors make for a great summer evening as we transform the streets of historic downtown Prosser into a landscaped art park. Hours: 6-10pm. Tickets available online: $15.Must be 21 to attend. For information, call 509-786-3177 or go to prosserchamber.org.

The Seasons Monthly Outdoor Concert July 23, 2009

The Seasons will feature monthly concerts on its outdoor stage. Wenatchee's Michael Carlos Band, which mixes indie-rock with jazz, blues, Latin and alt-country takes the stage at 7:30pm. Michael and his seven-piece band blends punk, Latin, blues, country, alternative, jazz and folk which creates a live stage show that could lead to anything. The outdoor concerts also feature a beer and wine garden and picnic seating. Tickets to each show cost $10; students half-price. For tickets and information, call The Seasons box office at 509-453-1888 or www.theseasonsyakima.com.

First Fridays at the Yakima Valley Museum August 7, 2009

5-7pm - free after-hours viewing and curator-led tours of The Human Touch exhibit. For information, call 248-0747.

Prosser Wine and Food Fair August 8, 2009

Washington state's largest outdoor wine event now in its 28th year. Thirty wineries and25 area caterers offer the best tastes as patrons are entertained by two live bands from 3-9pm. Formerly held at Art Fiker Stadium, the festival this year will be held at the Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, approximately three miles north of the stadium. Festivalgoers can park in town and ride shuttle buses to the fair. Tickets on sale online, $20. For information, call the Prosser Visitor's Center at 509-786-4545 or visit www.prosserchamber.org.

The Seasons Monthly Outdoor Concert August 8, 2009

The Seasons will feature monthly concerts on its outdoor stage.Northwest blues favorite The Ellen Whyte Blues Bandperforms at 7:30pm. Known for her astonishing vocals, Ellen gracefully movesamong genres from blues to jazz to funk and ballads. The outdoor concerts also feature a beer and wine garden and picnic seating. Tickets to each show cost $10; students half-price. For tickets and information, call The Seasons box office at 509-453-1888 or www.theseasonsyakima.com.

A Case of the Blues and All That Jazz August 15, 2009

Don't miss this event featuring "Down & Dirty Delta Blues" featuring Zac Harmon. Also on the bill are Mark DuFresne and Lloyd Jones, Jeremy Dion, and local guitarist Jim Brunner. The 17th annual fundraiser benefiting the Yakima Greenway Foundation and the Junior League of Yakima runs from 3-11pm at Sarg Hubbard Park on the Greenway and features Northwest wines and microbrews, fine food, and a silent auction. Tickets to this 21 and over event cost $40 in advance and $45 at the gate. For tickets/information, call 509-453-8280 or www.yakimagreenway.org.

Hot Shots 3-On-3 Basketball Tournament August 29, 2009 - August 30, 2009

Hoopers hit the streets of downtown Yakima to play in this outdoor event. Teams compete in youth, high school, and adult divisions. For more information, call the Yakima Valley Sports Commission at 509-573-3090 or visit www.yakimahotshots.org.

SunDome Volleyball Festival September 11, 2009 - September 12, 2009

Annual volleyball tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome. For information, call 509-248-7160.

Fiestas Patrias! September 12, 2009 - September 13, 2009

Celebration to commemorate Mexico's quest for independence from Spain with Charro competition, Mexican folklore dancers, and live music. Food vendors and arts and crafts vendors will be on site as well. This event will be at the Toppenish Rodeo Grounds, 600 S. Division Street. For information, call 509-865-3262 or visit www.toppenish.net.

Sunshine Days September 18, 2009 - September 20, 2009

A Sunnyside tradition for all ages in downtown Central Park which includes the Sunshine Days Parade at10am on Saturday; the Miss Sunnyside pageant, car show, carnival, soapbox derby,and a variety of vendors and booths. The fire department will host an open house and pancake breakfast onSaturday from 6:30am-10am. Tickets for the breakfast are $5 per person, $15 for family, or 10 tickets for $40. For information, call the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, 509-837-5939.

Prosser Balloon Rally, Harvest Festival, and Street Painting September 25, 2009 - September 27, 2009

Watch 35 rainbow-colored balloons take flight with launches scheduled at 6:30am all three days (weather permitting) from the Prosser Airport. Spectators are urged to arrive around 6:15am to watch the pilots prepare the giant balloons at sunrise. A Night Glow, where the balloons will be anchored and displaying their colors, will kick off at dusk Saturday evening at Fiker Stadium. Free admission. When the balloons are not flying, come into historic downtown Prosser and take in the Harvest Festival. Over 50 vendors of custom hand-made arts and crafts will be featured. A nice variety of food items will be available. The Harvest Festival hours are: Friday - 11am-7pm, Saturday - 9am- 6pm, andSunday 10am-3pm. For some great entertainment visitthe main stage downtown. There willbe a wide variety of music and dance acts.It's free on Saturday and Sunday A schedule of events can be picked up at the information booth in the center of town. Also on Saturday and Sunday, artists of all ages can participate in the Street Painting Festival. Chalk blocks are available for purchase of just $5.00 at the information booth. Create your own masterpiece and paint the town. For more information call the Prosser Chamber of Commerce at (800) 408-1517 or (509) 786-3177 during regular business hours.

Central Washington State Fair - Fair-N-Dipity September 25, 2009 - October 4, 2009

Annual agricultural fair featuring livestock exhibitions, concerts, rodeo, car racing, demolition derby, commercial exhibits, food concessions, carnival rides, and games at State Fair Park, 1301 S. Fair Ave. Tickets go on sale May 29, 2009 at 12pm. Admission tickets: Adults 13 and older are $12, Seniors 65+ are $9, and Youth ages 6-12 years of age are $7. Five and under are free. Purchase tickets prior to September 25th and receive a $1 discount off the aboveticket prices.Parking: $6.00. For information, call 509-248-7160. Tickets website: www.ticketswest.com. Budweiser Main StageEntertainment: Sat., Sept. 26th at 7:30pm - Phil Vassar Sun., Sept. 27th at 6:00pm - Juice Newton Tue., Sept. 29th at 7:00pm - Billy Ray Cyrus Wed., Sept. 30th at 7:00pm - Boyz II Men Thu., Oct. 1st at 7:00pm - Reo Speedwagon Fri., Oct. 2nd at 7:00pm - Curtis Salgado with special guest Too Slim and the Taildraggers Sat., Oct. 3rd at 7:30pm - Little River Band State Fair Raceway Entertainment: Fri. and Sat., Sept. 25 and 26 at 6pm - American Spring Car Series NW Regional Finals Sun., Sept. 27th at 2pm - Festival De Musica Fri., Oct. 2nd at 7pm and Sat. Oct. 3rd at 2pm - Pro West Rodeo Finals Sun., Oct. 4th at 2pm - Demolition Derby Visit www.fairfun.com for more information.

Catch the Crush September 26, 2009 - September 27, 2009

A celebration of harvest and crush in the heart of Washington Wine Country. Join the member Tri-Cities wineries for grape stomps, crush tours, harvest viewing, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and, of course, wine tasting from 10am-5pm. Free. For information, call 866-360-6611.

Annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival October 3, 2009

Join the fun from 6-11pm at Millennium Arts Plaza on South 3rd Street and East Yakima Avenue. Sample fresh hop ales from breweries across the Northwest while listening to live music. Tickets $30 in advance or $35 at the gate. For information, call 509-966-0930 or visit www.freshhopalefestival.com.

Pumpkin Patch at Thompson's Farm October 3, 2009 - October 31, 2009

10am-4pm Saturdays and Sundays in October and October 30-31. Pumpkin cannons fire on the hour. Pumpkin patch, hay rides, corn maze, homemade pumpkin donuts and cider, antique blacksmith shop. Cost: Free, small fee for some activities. For info: call 509-653-2848.

HalloWine at Tefft Cellars October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Tefft Cellars is ready for the HalloWine trick-or-treaters with their new release of Concordia � a port-like wine made from Concord grapes as a special request from local Concord grape growers and bottled in a 500 ml bottle. Peanut butter and chocolate candy will be on hand to pair with their delicious Concordia. Come visit Jack and see what spooky things are in the tasting room this year.

HalloWine at Steppe Cellars October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Steppe Cellars celebrates HalloWine this year with harvest d�cor, treats of wine, and hot cider. Samples of their newest release, Artemisia, a Bordeaux-blend, sure to please the palate, will be available for the wine aficionado. And for the designated drivers, have a cup of hot apple cider while you wait for the rest of your party.

HalloWine at Silver Lake Winery October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Silver Lake Winery staff will greet you in some great costumes at this annual themed weekend, and for a spook-tacular HalloWine, they are offering 25% off certain wines through the 31st.

HalloWine at Piety Flats October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Piety Flats Winery celebrates HalloWine with Kris� favorite Pumpkin Soup, a tasty orange delight that will have you screaming for more. Available at the winery.

HalloWine at Paradisos del Sol October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Paradisos del Sol: Halloween � Haloo-Wine � HalloWine! The end of October is also the end of harvest. All the wineries are just wrapping up the tail ends. Stop in to taste a bubbling frothing fermentation. Corn mazes and pumpkin stands nearby. Join Paradisos del Sol in a REAL costume and they will sell you a wine for a buck!

HalloWine at Masset Winery October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Masset Winery will host some of the best, big pumpkin carvings you�ve ever seen for HalloWine. Internationally known artists will provide the carvings � you�ll have to see these up close to believe they weren�t carved from fire and brimstone! See them in action on October 17 & 18, and again on November 1 & 2. The carved creations will be on display from mid-October through Thanksgiving. For a preview, visit www.masterpumpkinscultor.com

HalloWine at Eaton Hill Winery October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Eaton Hill Winery will have �the HalloWine works� during this special fall weekend � costumes, pumpkins, soup and their award-winning wines. Stop in 10am�5pm.

HalloWine at Bonair Winery October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

Bonair Winery�sstaff will greet you in their scary best for some wonderful Hallowine specials. Come in costume for a fiendishly good deal. During the month of October enjoy a sampling of our wine and table grapes, fresh from our estate vineyards. Our fall tapas menus will continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the month of October.

HalloWine in the Rattlesnake Hills October 24, 2009 - October 25, 2009

HalloWINEis a themed weekend in the Rattlesnake Hills, the weekend before Halloween,featuring artist-carved pumpkins, harvest soups, chocolate, costumed staff, and new releases. The treats at many wineries are special discounts on wine and/or treats for visitors dressed in costumes. Wineries are open from10am-5pm with a few open until 6pm.No charge to the public. Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail offers g reat wine discounts and/or free reserve tastings with a $5 Passport card. Ask about them at any of the 16 wineries on the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail or at the Visitor Information Center in Yakima off I-82 at exit 33A. For more information, call 888-375-RHWT or visit www.rattlesnakehills.com.

Christmas Open House at The Shopkeeper November 1, 2009

Over 35 beautifully decorated Christmas trees will be on display for the holidays, all with different themes, colors and ideas for you to enjoy from 12-4pm at The Shopkeeper, 3105 Summitview. For information, call 509-452-6646.

WIAA Volleyball November 13, 2009 - November 14, 2009

High school volleyball tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome. For information, call 509-248-7160.

Thanksgiving in Wine Country at Columbia Crest Winery November 27, 2009 - November 29, 2009

Hours 10am-5pm. Celebrate the holidays while sampling gourmet food items and wine. Complimentary gift wrapping will be available to startyour holiday shopping before the rush. All guests welcome; no admittance fee. For information, call 888-309-WINE.

Wine Yakima Valley's Thanksgiving in Wine Country November 27, 2009 - November 29, 2009

Participating wineries are offering food and wine pairings in addition to new experiences during this weekend that has become a Northwest tradition. Purchase your Thanksgiving in Wine Country Premiere Pass and enjoy exclusive benefits available only during this weekend. YourPass includes a 15 oz. commemorative wineglass and VIP activities throughout the weekend. ForPass and a list of participating wineries, visit www.wineyakimavalley.org or call 800-258-7270.

Toy Train Christmas November 28, 2009

Take a short Caboose rideto see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lots of decorated Christmas trees, and many model trains running on small and large layouts, 10am-4pm at theNorthern Pacific Railway Museum, 10 Asotin Avenue. Free cookies and hot chocolate, too!Admission: $6 adults, $4 kids 12 and under. For information, call 509-865-2409.

Lighted Farm Implement Parade December 5, 2009

Featured on A&E Ultimate Holiday Town USA in 2003, this has been the Northwest's premier lighted parade since 1989. This event is held downtown at 6pm and boasts more than 50 farm implements, vehicles, and floats covered with decorative lights. For information, call Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce at 509-837-5939.

Victorian Christmas December 6, 2009

1-4pm at the H.M. Gilbert Homeplace. Free. Guests entering the home will be transported back in time through the sites, sounds, and smells of a Victorian home during the holiday season. Christmas tree candle lighting at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15pm.For information, call 509-248-0747.

18th Annual Luminaria December 11, 2009 - December 12, 2009

This free family event features a mile-long candlelit walk through the Arboretum's wintery landscape and an 80-foot lighted Norwegian Spruce Christmas tree. After the walk, warm up with hot cider and children's activities in the Jewett Interpretive Center, corner of East Nob Hill Blvd. and I-82/Hwy. 24. For information, call 509-248-7337.

6th Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Celebration December 12, 2009

Family fun from 12pm-8pm at Ahtanum Youth Park, 1000 Ahtanum Road. There will be festive music, food and craft vendors,hot cider, hot dogs, chili, candy, and great holiday gifts. Santa and several of his reindeer will be there for photos with the kids. For information, call Dixie at 509-574-8031.

Downtown Rockin' New Years Eve December 31, 2009

6pm - the 4th Annual Rockin' New Years Eve party at Millennium Plaza. Live music, children's activities, food vendors, raffles, and fireworks at midnight. Free family fun. For information, call the Committee for Downtown Yakima, 225-2485.