Here’s a look at ways to enjoy spring in the Yakima Valley.
Wine Tasting by Bike? Experience Yakima Valley through Boost Bikes and Kickstand Tours
Enjoy a day out with your friends and explore the best of what Yakima has to offer. Boost Bikes offers various options designed for casual users, off-road adventurers or experienced riders.
Boost Bikes is Yakima’s first and only e-bike rental service.
Kickstand Tours offers multiple single-day e-bike tours in Walla Walla and the Yakima Wine Valley region. The daily tours visit three wineries and last for approximately 5 hours.
Taste the best the region has to offer and feel the wind in your hair while enjoying the picturesque views of the Yakima Valley.
Ready for the warm weather? Start planning your summer trip to wine country now! Use the Promo Code GETTHEWORM when booking any Kickstand tours before the end of February and receive $25 off your reservation!
Farm-fresh season has begun — asparagus arrives in April
Starting in April, it’s asparagus season all around the valley. Find fresh asparagus at fruit stands such as Fruit City, Imperial’s Garden, McIlrath Family Farms and featured at local restaurants such as Majors Restaurant and Pepp’rmint Stick Drive-In.
Of course, one must mention the James Beard Award–winning Los Hernandez Tamales and their famous asparagus and pepper-jack cheese tamales.
Sunny Dispositions in the Yakima Valley
Yakima sits on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountain range in a glacial valley boasting 300 days of annual sunshine, which has naturally become the birthplace of Washington State’s wine industry.
Soak up the sun on the patios or in the vineyards of the many world-class wineries — don’t miss the sweeping views of Washington’s majestic mountains at La Pierre Farms and Winery and inhale the aroma of freshly picked hops permeating a spring breeze in the afternoon.
Yakima Valley in Bloom
Hike, bike or drive through the Yakima Valley and experience the region in bloom.
From trails and mountains dotted with spring wildflowers to roads lined with fruit trees emitting sweet spring fragrances, it’s the best time of the year to enjoy the beauty of the Valley.
Events & Festivals
Old Steel Car Show – April 23
The Old Steel Car Show is back at the Central Washington Agricultural Museum.
See more than 300 vintage cars and other wheeled vehicles on display.
This annual event is free to all, so bring the whole family and come have a great time!
Sunnyside Cinco de Mayo Festival – May 5-7
Celebrate the Valley’s vibrant Latino heritage at the largest cultural festival around.
Savor authentic Mexican cuisine and listen to the sounds of traditional Latin rhythms with live music all weekend.
With multiple dance performances, including a dancing horse, a carnival, an eating contest and a parade, it’s sure to be a memorable celebration!
Yakima Taco Fest – May 6
After phenomenal success at the first three events, this year’s Yakima Taco Fest promises to be even better.
The Valley’s favorite food festival celebrates its rich Latino culture and agricultural heritage.
After all, what’s better than tacos and craft beverages?
The event brings people together to taste fusion and traditional tacos, sip on local craft beverages and dance to the sweet rhythm of Latin music.
Enjoy the flavors from locals’ favorite taco vendors and beverage makers, offering beer, wine and cider.
This event is picnic style, so bring your blankets or folding chairs.
Check out last year’s event video and mark your calendar.
Never Say Never Half Marathon – April 29
This race takes you through a picturesque course with rolling hills and is designed for everyone from first timers to seasoned half marathoners.
Not a participant? Come for the Finish Line Celebration Party, a family fun, all-are-welcome community event!
POWWOW and Stick Game Tournament – May 19-21
Enjoy live entertainment at Legends Casino and Hotel in the best entertainment venue in the Yakima Valley.
From music and comedy to boxing and more, there are plenty of shows for everyone, including the 2023 POWWOW & Stick Game Tournament.
Rattlesnake Hills Wine Run – May 20
Participate in one of the best races around and run a 5K, 10K or half marathon through the beautiful rolling hills and vineyards of Rattlesnake Hills Wine Country.
Enjoy sipping stops along the way and celebrate your finish at the after party complete with food, vendors, post-race massages and more wine.
Chinook Fest – June 8-11
Chinook Fest is where great music meets the great outdoors. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Chinook Fest 2023 will have everything you love and more, including a few new activities.
This perennial festival fills the entire weekend with a fantastic lineup of premium performers.
This year, you can also enjoy the art of sound healing with a meadow sound bath or wake for morning yoga in the meadow.
Have fun with friends in the festival activity zone and participate in games and more, including a campsite decorating contest.
Don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes to explore the surrounding trails.
Make your reservations here for the greatest mountain music festival, as tickets and RV and camping spots can go quickly.
Wine & Craft Beer
Spring Barrel Tasting – Weekends in April
Join the Yakima Valley as they welcome spring for the second annual wine country event Spring Barrel, and enjoy unique tasting experiences at wineries such as Owen Roe, Martinez and Martinez Winery and Sleeping Dog Winery.
Many of the makers pull tastes straight from the barrel, giving you a sneak peek at how these young vintages may mature.
You be the judge of the wines.
Will it be an award-winner?
In addition to barrel tastings, some of the wineries offer other unique tasting experiences. Enjoy sipping new-release wines and take advantage of special savings.
Hoptown USA
The combination of the hops industry and craft breweries make the Yakima Valley a beer lover’s destination.
Where else can you raise a glass just steps away from where the hops were harvested?
The Hop Country Craft Brew Trail is a perfect path to explore and enjoy an experience you just can’t find anywhere else: the only true, fresh-from-the-source hops and craft beer trail in the country.
Standouts include Bron Yr Aur Brewing Co, award-winning Bale Breaker Brewing and The Tap, a self-pour tap room with 50 different craft beers, wines and ciders.
Sample them all and find your new favorite brew.
High Desert Cider Co. & Shorthead Brewing
Recently opened in February, these two new spots share a space in the Yakima Valley and bring unique twists to the beverage game.
High Desert Cider Co. creates ciders that support local farmers and challenge the norms of cider pallets, utilizing new and sustainable ways to source apples.
Shorthead Brewing makes beer specifically for the blue-collar worker and believe that working men and women deserve a quality drink after a long day on the job.
Their mission is to provide high-quality beer to those who need it most, and their vision is to become the go-to brewery for blue-collar workers all over the world.
Local Connections – Outskirts Brewing Co.
Yakima Valley’s newest brewery and restaurant, Outskirts Brewing Co., will welcome guests to Selah for a uniquely local experience featuring craft brews, cocktails and entertainment for the whole family.
Built-in what is lovingly known by locals as “the old, red barn,” Outskirts is a nod to Selah’s agricultural heritage and the hop industry.
With a sweeping outdoor space, full-service restaurant and bar, 10-barrel brewing system and taproom, Outskirts is the place to be to enjoy the sunny weather.
The Little Hopper – spring through fall
The tremendously popular beer bus is back, this year with a new addition.
Little Hopper Grapevine joins the team and offers visitors and locals the most fun, hop-on hop-off tour through the Yakima Valley to taste the best wine and beer the region has to offer.
Tours come with bottled waters, light snacks and a wildly entertaining team to create a one-of-a-kind tasting experience