The Watershed Music Festival is a country music festival that takes place in George, Washington every year. The scenic Gorge Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic sites in the country, is the venue for the event. It overlooks the Columbia River and has won Pollstar Magazine’s ‘Best Outdoor Music Venue’ award several times.
The festival was first held in August 2012, produced by entertainment company, Live Nation. Since its inception, it has grown into one of the largest country music festivals in the Pacific Northwest. It features performances by some of the biggest names in country music as well as emerging local and regional artists.
In the past, artists like Miranda Lambert, Uncle Kracker, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Kacey Musgraves, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Blake Shelton, Granger Smith, Brothers Osborne, and the Zac Brown Band have performed at Watershed Country Music Festival.
The event gets bigger every year with artists playing to sold-out crowds. Apart from the world-class music, there is plenty of great food and other fun activities for festival attendees to enjoy. Camping options are available for guests who want to keep the party going all weekend.
General Admission, VIP, and camping tickets go on sale a few months before the event. Guests are usually allowed to buy a maximum of 6 passes. Once you make your purchase, your wristbands will be shipped to you.
You’ll need to purchase passes for children above the age of two. In order to enter the camping areas, patrons will need to carry individual festival tickets in addition to a camping pass, which is sold per vehicle or site. For more information and updates, take a look at the festival website for the Watershed Country Music Festival.
The City of George is about two and a half hours away from Seattle near I-90 in Washington State. Detailed directions from the nearby cities of Spokane, Vancouver, and Portland are available on the Watershed Country Music Festival website. Travelers to the area are likely to cross the Columbia River or pass through the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest at some point in their route if coming from the west. Coming from the east, fans may pass the Moses Lake area along I-90.
Free day parking is available at the lots for the Gorge Amphitheatre. It’s a good idea to get there early, so you can get a space close to the staging area. Overnight parking is not allowed unless you purchase a camping pass. Patrons with disabilities can make use of the designated ADA parking spots.
It can be challenging to get to the venue using public transportation. The closest bus stop is about 14 miles away. One way to get there is by using a car rental service or rideshare option. If you’re staying at an offsite campground or RV park, check if they offer shuttles on the days of the event.
It’s possible to camp right on the Watershed festival grounds and walk to the performance areas. If your RV is on the larger side, you’ll need to buy a Premier, Big Rig or Terrace camping pass. There are no water or electrical hookups, but campers will have access to free hot water showers. For an additional cost, you can make use of the pump-out truck that will be available upon request.
There are a couple of RV parks in the vicinity with the nearest one being about 15 miles away. A popular option among RVers is the Wanapum State Park, which is famous for the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. This is a great state park to visit when you’re in the area if you're interested in rare fossil specimens. Some campsites come with facilities like full-hookups and big-rig access.
Segways, scooters, golf carts, and other motorized vehicles will not be allowed in the camping or staging areas. The venue is moderately sized and navigable by wheelchair. Guest services vehicles will be available for use by patrons with mobility disabilities. There will be a designated ADA viewing area as well.
You’ll see plenty of cowboy hats and American Flag gear at the Watershed Country Music Festival. Lightweight summer clothing made from breathable fabrics is the way to go. Stay cool and comfortable in a tank top or t-shirt and shorts. Flat shoes are a must since you’re likely to be doing quite a bit of walking.
There is no shade in the seating areas. So, bring essentials like sunscreen, binoculars, a hat, a small portable fan, and sunglasses with you in a small bag. You will be watching the performances on a steep hillside. Take a lightweight blanket or a low backed beach chair to sit down in the concert areas.
Dehydration is one of the main reasons why many people end up at the medical station; carry a water bottle with you and use the free water stations to refill it frequently. Consider renting a locker to store your valuables. These come with universal cell phone chargers which can come in handy.
In the camping areas, you will be allowed to cook using a small propane barbecue or a camp stove. You can also prepare meals using the stove in your RV, so be sure to bring enough fuel. Open fires of any kind will not be permitted. There is a convenience store on site where you can pick up basic toiletries and groceries if needed.
You’ll find great food and drinks at every price point in the City of George, though the quantity of locations may be somewhat limited. If you have the time, be sure to stop at one of the cafes for the delicious baked goods and breakfast offerings. You are likely also to find some Mexican and local specialties to try in your travels to the State of Washington.
There will be plenty of great food available at the venue, and you can also take in your own snacks. Beer, wine, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for sale as well. A number of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be on offer for Shedder fans with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Private and public security officers will be conducting bag checks at the Watershed Country Music Festival entrances. They will also be patrolling the grounds. If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can flag down an officer or a festival staff member. Avoid carrying any prohibited items and remember to review the rules of the campgrounds before your arrival.
It is typically quite hot during the day with temperatures ranging in the 90s. However, the cold wind blowing in from the water can make the nights chilly. Dress in layers and make sure you have enough warm clothing. Check the event’s social media pages for weather updates and information on road alerts, if any.
There will be a first aid station on site. You can head there if you’re feeling unwell or simply ask one of the staff members to assist you. Contact the organizers in advance for any queries or requests related to the ADA facilities available. Basic first aid supplies will be available at the general store. Though the community itself is small, emergency room and drug store facilities are located within the City of George.
