Cool Desert Nights 2026

June 26-27 |Richland, WA

Early online registration for cars, trucks, and motorcycles will open again late February 2026. You now have the opportunity to do late, in person registration on THURSDAY, June 25th from 3-7pm at the Richland Community Center, FRIDAY, June 26th from 9-1pm at the Richland Community Center, or at the Show n Shine Saturday, June 27th from 7-10am. Registration tent will close at the Show n Shine after this. There will be no registration for the cruise at the cruise staging lot.

This event is FREE for spectators to attend. Car/Truck/Motorcycle registration is required to be a part of the Cruise and Show N Shine.

Cool Desert Nights FAQ’s

Q. Can I register for the cruise at City Hall right before it starts?
A. No, if you would like to to register for the cruise the day of, please go to the Richland Community Center between 9am-1pm on Friday, June 26th. You may also go the day before the cruise, Thursday, June 25th from 3pm-7pm. Everyone entering the parking lot to stage for the cruise will need their Cool Desert Nights 2026 Dash Pass displayed in their window.

Q. Where should I put my lawn chair out to watch the cruise?
A. Check out the cruise map above to see the route. Bring water and hopefully you get a slice of shade.

Q. Where should I park to view the cruise?
A. The west lot of the Federal Building (behind it not the cruise staging lot), Howard Amon Park, Uptown Shopping Center, CBC Parking lot west of John Dam Plaza, Jadwin/Lee parking lot north of 3 Margaritas, street parking be mindful of driveways.

Q. My business would like to be a vendor, how do I apply?
A. We will start accepting vendor for the 2026 Cool Desert Nights in late March. This will be an online application process. Thank you.

Q. How much is Party in the Park?
A. FREE…the entire time.

Q. Are there vendors at Party in the Park?
A. Yes! Totally different vendors than Saturday as well as 21+ beer garden by Sunshine Rotary. This part of Cool Desert Nights is coordinated by the City of Richland. They currently have all the vendors that they need for Friday night.

Q. Where is Party in the Park?
A. John Dam Plaza

Q. Who is playing at Party in the Park?
A. 2026 band is TBA.

Q. How much is early online registration for Cool Desert Nights Cruise and Show n Shine?
A. 2026 early online registration is $20 for Cruise and $20 Show N Shine.  You will need to pick up your registration packet on either Thursday, June 25th from 3-7pm or Friday June 26th 9-1pm at the Richland Community Center. This will have your Dash Pass, Cruise Map, and event information.

Q. How much is late registration for Cool Desert Nights Cruise and Show n Shine?
A. 2026 late registration is $25 for Cruise and $30 Show N Shine.

Q. I registered online, when do I pick up my registration packet with my dash pass?
A. THURSDAY, June 25th from 3-7pm at the Richland Community Center, FRIDAY, June 26th from 9-1pm at the Richland Community Center, or at the Show n Shine Saturday from 7-10am. Registration tent will close at the Show n Shine at 10am.

Q. Can we throw candy from our cars during the cruise?
A. Sorry, no. This years cruise route will have 2-way traffic and RPD advised us to spread the word that this could be dangerous.

Q. What is the 2026 cruise route?
A. We will not know the cruise route until the city has their construction plan in place for 2026.

Q. Is there a pancake breakfast Saturday?
A. YES! Richland Kiwanis is hosting this event from 7-11am on Saturday June 27th in Jefferson Park. Cash only! $5 kids and $7 adults.

Q. Will motorcycles be able to register?
A. YES, this is the second year and we are welcoming motorcycles again. We even have specific categories for you!

Q. When do we line up for the cruise?
A. 4-6pm Friday 6/26 at the Richland Federal Building/City Hall parking lot 625 Swift Blvd. If you plan to get there early the Tri-Cities Sunshine Rotary will have a tent with ice cold beverages to purchase. Once you are in the parking lot we ask that you don’t leave till the cruise starts!!! Enter this parking lot from Swift Blvd NOT Jadwin or Mansfield.

Q. I need to book a hotel, where should I stay?
A. We recommend any hotel along George Washington Way or Columbia Point. Here is one with a room block Home 2 Suites by Hilton . Courtyard by Marriott Richland Columbia Point- please call 509-942-9400, City side rates will be $250 + tax and riverside rates will be $270 + tax.

Please stay connected and informed by following our Facebook and Instagram. Questions contact the Richland Chamber of Commerce at ‭ (509) 987-4003‬ or information@richlandchamber.org