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FEATURED STORY OF THE WEEK
LENTIL FEST 2025
Lentil Festival 2025: Pullman’s Biggest Party Returns
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Location: Reaney Park & Downtown Pullman
Admission: Free and open to all
Website: lentilfest.com
Since 1989, the National Lentil Festival has been one of Pullman’s most beloved community traditions. This all-day celebration of food, agriculture, music, and small-town charm returns on Saturday, August 16, 2025, bringing with it an upbeat blend of old favorites and new surprises. Whether you’re a first-year WSU student, longtime local, or just lentil-curious, this is a festival worth marking on your calendar.
Or, if you’re like me when I first moved to the Palouse and you’re not sure what a lentil is, this is the perfect place to find out.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect…
Morning: Fun Run, Parade, and Family Warm-Ups
Kick things off early with the Tase T. Lentil 5K Fun Run/Walk at 7:30 am, organized by Pullman Parks & Recreation and Gritman Medical Center. The route starts at the Pullman Depot Heritage Center and loops around downtown and campus-adjacent trails. Proceeds benefit community inclusion programs, and all ages are welcome.
From there, stake out your spot along Main Street for the Grand Parade at 11:00 am. Expect marching bands, WSU spirit squads, local businesses, emergency vehicles, and of course, the Lil’ Lentil Royalty waving proudly from their float. It’s all the best parts of Pullman charm.
Afternoon: Music, Makers, and Mouthwatering Food
Once the parade winds down, the focus shifts to Reaney Park, which transforms into a lively village of vendors, food trucks, cooking demos, and live music.
Main Stage Music: Starting around 12:30 pm, the live music lineup rolls on all afternoon. This year’s mix spans folk, funk, indie pop, bluegrass, and more. It’s free to attend, and you’re encouraged to bring blankets or low chairs to lounge in the shade. I was excited to see fellow Richland High School Alumni, Eclectic Approach, in the lineup.
Vendor Fair: Browse over 100 booths showcasing local crafts, regional nonprofits, artisan foods, and Palouse-made goods. My goal is to see every booth. Let’s break 100 subscribers on the newsletter by the end of Lentil Fest.
Lentil-Inspired Eats: The food court features everything from pulled pork sandwiches and lemonade to vegan lentil wraps, samosas, and of course, chili. The Giant Lentil Chili Bowl—a festival favorite—returns in full force with thousands of free servings doled out in the early evening. Nothing says “community” like thousands eating from one giant pot.
Family Activities & Educational Fun
Families with kids will love Lentil Land, a dedicated area full of free, hands-on activities. Expect balloon twisting, face painting, puppet shows, juggling lessons, and other family-first activities kids love and parents… endure.
Over at the SEL Science Tent, kids can explore robotics, circuits, and engineering puzzles, blending entertainment with a dash of STEM inspiration. It’s also a chance to learn about careers in science, technology, and sustainability.
Beer Garden, Demos, and Photo Ops
Beer & Wine Garden: Adults can unwind with drinks from local favorites like Paradise Creek Brewery and Merry Cellars Winery. The garden area offers shaded seating and a casual vibe perfect for sipping, people-watching, and conversation.
Cooking Demos: Featured chefs take the gazebo stage throughout the day to show off creative lentil-based recipes—everything from curries and grain bowls to lentil brownies. Many demos include samples, and there’s time for Q&A after each session.
Electric Photoland Booth: Don’t leave without snapping a souvenir at the free photo booth. Decked out with lentil-themed props and backdrops, this local favorite sends you home with a print and digital copy.
Festival Tips
Arrive early to beat the parking crunch and grab a front-row parade spot.
Wear sunscreen and comfy shoes—you’ll be walking between Main Street and Reaney Park, and much of the day is outdoors.
Water stations will be placed around the park—bring a reusable bottle to stay cool and hydrated.
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and well-behaved.
Volunteers are still needed—visit lentilfest.com to sign up and score a festival t-shirt.
A Palouse Tradition Worth Savoring
The National Lentil Festival is more than a quirky food celebration—it’s a snapshot of what makes Pullman special.
Whether you're dancing by the stage, tasting your first lentil chili, or just watching it all unfold from a shady spot in the park, Lentil Fest 2025 is the place to be.
Events for the Week of July 31-Aug 7
Pullman |
Music on Main – Free live concert series
Thu, Aug 7 | 6:00–8:00 pm
Pine Street Plaza, Downtown Pullman
Event Info: https://business.pullmanchamber.com/events
Pullman’s Market on Main – Vendor market & community gathering
Sat, Aug 2 | 8:00 am–1:00 pm
Main Street, Pullman
Event Info: https://business.pullmanchamber.com/events
Pullman Public Schools Board Work Session – Monthly public meeting
Wed, Aug 6 | Time TBD
Pullman Public Schools
Event Info: https://business.pullmanchamber.com/events
Moscow |
Pubbin’ On The Patio – Sultry Swines – Outdoor concert & community hangout
Fri, Aug 1 | 5:00–7:00 pm
PCEI Nature Center Patio
Event Info: https://www.pcei.org/events
Open Mic Night After Hours – Music, poetry & storytelling
Fri, Aug 1 | 6:00–8:00 pm
Moscow Public Library
Event Info: https://moscowchamber.com/events
Slow Light Photo Workshop – Cyanotype printing demo & hands-on activity
Fri, Aug 1 |
Moscow Contemporary
Event Info: https://moscowchamber.com/events
Moscow Film Society: Invasion of the Body Snatchers
Fri, Aug 1 | 7:00–9:00 pm
Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre
Event Info: https://moscowchamber.com/events
Moscow Farmers Market + Great Moscow Food Drive – Food, crafts & donation drive
Sat, Aug 2 | 8:00 am–1:00 pm
Main Street & East City Park
Event Info: https://ci.moscow.id.us/calendar.aspx
Co‑op Kids – Kids crafts & morning community meetup
Wed, Aug 6 | 9:00–10:00 am
Moscow Food Co-op
Event Info: https://www.moscowfood.coop
Coming Next Week
Next week will have a great feature story on Courage to Grow Farms. This family is incredible. I got to interview them, and it gave me a whole new perspective on the value of local produce.
Let me give you a little sneak peek… At one point, this family had 10,000 plant starts in their living room as they were transitioning between farms.
TEN THOUSAND PLANTS!
If that doesn’t hook you to come back next week, I don’t know what will.
Until next time,
Craig
Keep the Faith