Discover 8 Community Gatherings on the Palouse

Courtesy of Moscow Renaissance Fair

There’s no shortage of fun to be had on the Palouse, a region on the Washington-Idaho border that includes Moscow, Idaho, and Pullman, Washington. Here are eight community events you need to check out.

1) Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival 

A decades-long tradition, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival lasts about one week, attracting high school students from around the country to take part in workshops and clinics.

“Every night after each concert, a different restaurant hosts musicians for late-night jazz,” says Noelle Borkowski, community engagement manager for the Moscow Chamber of Commerce + Visitor Center.

University of Idaho Visual Productions

2) Moscow Renaissance Fair

The Moscow Renaissance Fair Held in May at East City Park in Moscow, this fair includes artistic demonstrations, and several vendors sell food, crafts and more.

“It’s a great place for commerce and celebration,” Borkowski says.

3) Rendezvous in the Park

Held every July, the Rendezvous in the Park music festival celebrates local and regional musicians. With a beer garden, food trucks and plenty of booths featuring local businesses, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy East City Park.

“It feels like a local’s concert. You get to see everyone after being holed up for the winter,” Borkowski says.

4) Moscowberfest

Moscowberfest closes Main Street and celebrates beer and Bavarian tradition. There are fun events throughout, including keg lifts (sponsored by the local gym, of course), Hammerschlagen, where people use a hammer to pound nails into a stump, and stein lift competitions.

Courtesy of Rendezvous in the Park

5) Pullman’s Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks

The Pullman’s Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks takes place in Sunnyside Park, where neighbors and friends lay out picnic blankets and enjoy live music, delicious food and the event’s signature staple, cotton candy.

“This event is about as American as you can get,” says Alexis Foran, tourism promotions manager for the Pullman Chamber of Commerce. “It captures that small-town charm.”

6) National Lentil Festival

Pullman’s signature event, the National Lentil Festival is one of the largest festivals in the region. A celebration of the city’s agricultural heritage, it pays homage to being the largest producer of lentils in the nation.

“Attendees can enjoy a free bowl of tasty lentil chili made from locally sourced lentils and served from the ‘world’s largest chili bowl,’ a 350-gallon vat,” Foran says.

Moscow Chamber of Commerce + Visitor Center

7) Pullman Holiday Fest

The Pullman Holiday Fest and Tree Lighting is a community staple, taking place every year on the first Saturday in December.

“It’s an evening filled with the warmth of nostalgia and wonder, and it is sure to put you in the holiday spirit,” Foran says.

8) 3 Forks River & Arts Festival

The 3 Forks River & Arts Festival celebrates the three rivers that converge in downtown Pullman. Set to return in 2026, the event highlights local musicians, artisans and makers.