Cool Desert Nights 2026

June 26-27 |Richland, WA

Late, in person registration is 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. There is a price increase for waiting to do late registration, $25 Cruise, $30 Show n Shine. Registration tent will close at the Show n Shine at 10am on Saturday June 27th to allow time for judging. There will be no registration for the cruise at the cruise staging lot.

This event is FREE for the public 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 still register for the Cruise or Show n Shine?

A. YESSSSSSSS. See above in red.

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 Cruise window cling displayed in their window.

Q. Where should I put my lawn chair out to watch the cruise?
A. Check out the cruise map above, it is the same route as 2025. 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. I hear there is a BBQ contest this year at the Saturday Show n Shine, how do I sign up to compete?
A. YES! New for 2026 the PNWBA is teaming up with us to have a BBQ competition at the Saturday Show N Shine. Public sampling will start around 11am Saturday, tokens are are purchased at the MH Construction tent for $2 each, ribs are 2 tokens and wings are 1 token. You can even vote for peoples choice. This event is sponsored by MH Construction a Veteran owned company. Proceeds from tokens will go directly to the Tri-Cities Veterans Cemetery Project.

Q. My business would like to be a vendor, how do I apply?
A. This opportunity has passed. Please reach out in February of 2027 for next years event.

Q. How do I register for the Slow Drag to the Flag?
A. This is a NEW event for Saturday at the Show N Shine. You must already be registered for the Show N Shine and when you come to pick up your registration packet (Thursday, June 25th or Friday June 27th) there will be a place to register. This event is by donation, all funds will go to the Tri-City Veterans Cemetery Project. We are only taking 20 cars. This will take place at 10am on Saturday.

Q. Is the Richland Chamber also putting on the Richland Regatta that weekend?
A. No, we are only hosting Cool Desert Nights but the Richland Regatta is June 27-28th at Howard Amon Park and hosted by Northwest Powerboat Association. It is a GREAT weekend to be in Richland.

Q. How much is it to get into Party in the Park?
A. FREE…the entire time, 5;30pm-9pm.

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 Parks and Recreation. You may contact them via email at parksrec@richlandwa.gov
Q. Where is Party in the Park?
A. John Dam Plaza

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

Q. How much is early online registration for Cool Desert Nights Cruise and Show n Shine?
A. Early online registration in over but 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. You will also get an email. Note that this communication comes through Eventbrite.

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. The route is the same as 2025 and this map is posted above.

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. 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 Lodge at Columbia a Richland Chamber member.

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