2026 Pendleton Whisky Music Fest declared a success
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – (News release from PWMF) Pendleton Whisky Music Fest celebrated its 10th anniversary by welcoming thousands of fans to a memorable weekend of live music and the Party in Pendleton experience that has become a hallmark of the festival, generating significant tourism and economic activity that benefits the community.
The celebration began Friday night as an estimated 9,000 people gathered in downtown Pendleton for the festival’s free Kick-Off Party. Expanded to two full city blocks for the first time, the event featured live music, food, and drinks as thousands of locals and visitors packed Main Street and filled downtown restaurants and bars, kicking off another Party in Pendleton.
Saturday’s concert at the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds drew another large crowd for an outstanding lineup of performers. Carly Pearce, Chancey Williams, Shaboozey, Diamond Rio, and headliner Zach Top delivered a memorable night of music that reflected the variety and talent Pendleton Whisky Music Fest has become known for over the past decade. Co-founders Doug Corey and Andy McAnally said the festival’s 10-year milestone reflects the people, partnerships, and support that have made Pendleton Whisky Music Fest what it is today.
“Ten years is something we’re incredibly proud of, but we didn’t get here by ourselves. It takes an incredible staff, loyal sponsors, great partners, and hundreds of people working behind the scenes to make Pendleton Whisky Music Fest happen every year. We’re thankful to every person who’s believed in this event and helped make it what it is today.”
One of the festival’s most meaningful impacts is the fundraising opportunities it creates for local nonprofit organizations, youth sports teams, school groups, and community organizations. Preliminary estimates indicate those partnerships will generate well over six figures this year, helping fund scholarships, youth programs, athletics, community projects, and many other local initiatives long after festival weekend ends.
Beyond the music, the festival continues to be one of the region’s leading tourism and economic drivers. Visitors traveled to Pendleton from across the Pacific Northwest and throughout the United States, filling hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, bars, retail stores, and local attractions while providing a significant boost to the local economy. For many visitors, the festival is also their first opportunity to experience everything Pendleton has to offer.
Long before the first artist steps on stage, hundreds of people are already at work. From months of planning to the final cleanup, Pendleton Whisky Music Fest is made possible through its continued partnership with the Pendleton Round-Up Association and Happy Canyon Company, the support of title sponsor Pendleton Whisky, an incredible staff, loyal sponsors, the city of Pendleton, public safety agencies, and countless others who dedicate their time, talent, and expertise each year.
Festival organizers extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who has helped make the first 10 years possible, including the thousands of loyal fans whose continued support has fueled the festival’s success. Since its inaugural event in 2016, Pendleton Whisky Music Fest has welcomed many of the biggest names in music while growing into one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor music festivals. As the festival looks ahead, the focus remains the same as it was ten years ago: bringing top entertainment to Pendleton, creating opportunities for the community, and continuing to build the Party in Pendleton brand.
Photo from Pendleton Whisky Music Fest of the 2026 concert
