One of Washington state’s most popular music festivals announces hiatus in 2026
Washington’s biggest country music festival is going on hiatus in 2026.
The Watershed Festival, normally held in the summer at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, will not return this year, according to organizers.
Here’s what we know:
What happened to Watershed in Eastern Washington?
Watershed Festival shared the update via its social media accounts on Friday, Jan. 23.
“After 13 incredible years of country music and community at the Gorge, we wanted to be the first to let know that Watershed will be taking a hiatus in 2026,” organizers said in a Facebook post.
“Any future plans will be announced accordingly,” the post said.
The event and entertainment company that runs Watershed, Live Nation, had not responded to McClatchy Media’s inquiries regarding the hiatus as of midday Monday, Jan. 26.
As of Monday, it was not clear if or when Live Nation intends to resume the Watershed Festival in the future.
How popular is country music festival?
Watershed’s hiatus may come as a surprise to fans, given the event’s popularity in past years.
The first Watershed was held in August 2012.
Since then, thousands of country music enthusiasts have flocked to The Gorge each year for the multi-day festival, many camping out at the venue’s campsites near the Columbia River despite the hot summer weather.
Some of the biggest names in country music have played the festival.
The 2025 Watershed lineup included Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley and Bailey Zimmerman. Zach Top, a rising country star who hails from Eastern Washington, also played Watershed in 2025.
Watershed previously went on hiatus in 2020, when the festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which concerts are still planned at The Gorge in 2026?
Even though Watershed is canceled in 2026, there are numerous other events planned at The Gorge, with additional acts to be announced throughout the year.
Here’s who you can catch at the premier outdoor venue this year and when:
- May 9: Martin Garrix
- May 23 and 24: Griztronics
- May 29 and 30: Brandie Carlile
- June 27 and 28: Beyond Wonderland
- July 24 and 25: Chris Stapleton
- Sept. 26: Jack Johnson