There’s a parade, an arts fest — and more
The Methow Valley celebrates the country’s 250th birthday this weekend with some traditional events, plus a variety of other activities that will engage a range of ages and interests. You can show the flag in a variety of ways, including at the weekly demonstration along Highway 20 in Twisp.
Here’s a roundup of options.
Events
Let’s start with the big ones.
The 135th annual 4th of July Parade in Twisp will be on Saturday (July 4) on Glover Street. Street repairs and renovations that are expected to be mostly completed in time to accommodate the parade.
Music and dancing on Glover Street start at 10 a.m. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Glover Street and head north on Glover Street until it ends at Twisp Avenue. Parade staging will take place at TwispWorks starting at 9:30 a.m.
Visit www.twispwa.com/event-details/fourthofjulyparade2026 for full details on how to watch or join the parade, which is sponsored by the Twisp Chamber of Commerce and Town of Twisp.
A food drive for The Cove will also be part of the day’s activities. Bring donations of sealed, canned, boxed and pre-packaged non-perishable food that is within its “best used by” date.
• Presented by Methow Arts, the 39th annual Arts Fest on July 4 will move back to Twisp Town Park and commence as soon at the parade ends.
This year’s theme is “Cultural Kaleidoscope.” Art-making booths will support this theme through offerings like Henna Art, Friendship Pins, Hammered Flower Art, and the perennial favorite, Tie Dye.
The stage show kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a Methow Valley favorite band, The Paperboys. Following The Paperboys is Leapin’ Louie, the cowboy comic. After his performance, keep an eye out for Leapin’ Louie in the crowd while he roams Arts Fest with his comedy, cowboy tricks, and juggling.
SanZár Dance Company will take the stage after Louie, to share the wonderful world of Mexican folklore through dance. Methow local band Big Lake Judy will close out the day.
Admission is $25 for 18 and older, $5 for ages 5-17, and free for those aged 4 and younger. Volunteers also earn free admission. Find more information at methowarts.org/artsfest.
• Start the day on Saturday with a hearty breakfast and a chance to peruse interesting aircraft (and other vehicles) up-close at the Twisp Airport Fly-in, Cruise-in & Pancake Breakfast, from 7-11 a.m. at the airport south of Twisp. In addition to the visiting aviators, the Methow Motorheads will be showcasing antique, classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Also on hand will be Aero Methow Rescue Service, Life Flight, the Miss Bardahl hydroplane, North Cascades Smokejumpers, and law enforcement and firefighting personnel. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-8, free for children 4 and younger, $30 for a family with kids under age 18. Breakfast includes not just flapjacks but also ham, eggs, blueberries, whipped cream, coffee and juice.
Music
• On Saturday (July 4), The Full Uplift will perform at SweetRiver Bakery in Pateros, from 7-10 p.m. There is no cover charge.
• On Sunday (July 5), The Methow Store presents “Art in the Park” with music by David Weidig and George Schneider from noon-4 p.m. The event is free.
Miscellaneous
• Daniel Pope reads from his debut novel, “Go Help Yourself,” at the Winthrop library on Thursday, July 2, from 6:30-8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
• The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce sponsors its first “First Friday” of the summer, offering extended shopping in downtown Winthrop on July 3. Stores are encouraged to stay open until 7 p.m. There will be other activities downtown as well.
• On July 3, the Winthrop library offers an America 250th Community Celebration and Book Talk, collaborating with the Shafer Museum and Friends of the Winthrop Library to host a community-centered literary and cultural program reflecting on American identity, history, and civic life. Local author John K. Roth will discuss his new book, “Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times,” from 5-6 p.m.
• On Saturday, the Stand with Us protest plans to focus during the regular 10 a.m. demonstration time upon the words of the Declaration of Independence.
• The Barnyard Cinema in Winthrop hosts a benefit screening of the documentary film by Rustin Thompson, “The Last Picture Shows,” on Sunday (July 5) at 7:00 p.m. The owners of The Barnyard, Genevieve and Steve Cole, are featured in the film.
