Looking for fun away from the urban sprawl? Historic Ellensburg offers the laid-back atmosphere of a small town, but with a variety of things to do and see. Come visit Downtown Ellensburg with its unique shops, restaurants, bars, museums all within walking distance. More of an adventure person? Experience the outdoors camping, fishing, rafting, biking, hiking, or even golfing in Ellensburg and its surrounding areas.

Beer fans should not miss this event! With 2013 marking its ninth year, this festival has taken off with folks coming from across the Northwest to taste the best of the region. Breweries know a good thing when they see it and have returned each year to offer samples, information and items to visitors. This year’s brewers included 21 NW breweries.

Relive the sights and sounds of the old west atThe Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering. Cowboys stroll the streets of downtown Ellensburg mingling with the locals and city folk. Singers and poets are heard at free downtown venues, main stage concerts, or at open mic sessions.

Kittitas County will soon be the first in Washington State to have Barn Quilts and the beginning of a Barn Quilt Trail. The Barn Quilts will be a beautiful way to honor Kittitas County's agriculture industry and the farm and ranch families that settled in the area. This will also be a unique and exquisite way to promote the community and local sponsors, through the creative skills and talents of its community members.

Visit the Kittitas Valley Event Center in Ellensburg, WA and get FREE admission to the exhibit halls with 14,000 sq/ft, displaying the artwork of nearly 70 artists.  Live Auctions of Original Fine Art, depicting the American West, its people, heritage, wildlife, and landscapes...

Now in its eleventh year, this event started out small and quickly grew in popularity. Events include a Short Parade, Dachshund Races, Stupid Pet Tricks, and Costume Contest. Come early and enjoy Breakfast with the Dogs Pancake Feed sponsored by the Rodeo City Kiwanis club. www.dachshundsonparade.com

Music lovers come from across the Northwest, the United States and from Europe to check out the groovy tunes of 20-plus musicians. An eclectic list of performers will be on hand, including musicians specializing in multiple forms of jazz, blues, gospel and salsa. Past performers included the Bill Anschell Trio, Cambalache Salsa, the Duffy Bishop Band and more...

Founded in 1923, the Ellensburg Rodeo, aired on ESPN, brings in more than 25,000 fans over a four-day period. Rodeo professionals from across the country make sure they don’t miss our rodeo, with its purse in excess of $250,000.

The Kittitas County Fair, first organized in 1885, is held every Labor Day weekend, and coincides with the Ellensburg Rodeo. It’s a traditional fair, with lots of emphasis on agriculture, livestock, homemade goods, entertainment and rides. Labor Day Weekend, August 29 – September 3, 2013

Entertain the kids with inflatable bounce rides, face painting, balloon animals, and children’s crafts. Stroll the local shops and galleries while enjoying the entertainment of numerous busker acts at street locations throughout the downtown. Saturday, September 28th, 2013

Organizers say this year will only be better. Film genres vary greatly, as do the filmmakers. The festival receives hundreds of submissions and picks the best, from veterans to budding filmmakers. It gives awards at the end of the festival and offers several other features, such as workshops and Q&A time with directors.

The 17th Annual Manastash Metric Bike Ride will be held on October 5, 2013. Our routes for October 5th will be similar to 2011 with a few fun changes along the way. We look forward to seeing past participates as well as new riders who want to experience our beautiful Kittitas County. Carol Findley, Ride Director, http://www.drier-ride.org/

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and this year, the Ellensburg Downtown Association has several events guaranteed to add cheer to your season and a smile to your face. See what the bright lights of the holidays have to offer you and your family!