GEORGE, Wash. — Watershed Festival, Washington state’s largest country music festival, will not take place in 2026, organizers announced Friday.
The festival, which has drawn country music fans to The Gorge Amphitheatre for 13 years, shared the news on it’s website Friday evening.
“After 13 incredible years of Country Music and Community at The Gorge, we wanted to be the first to let you know that Watershed will be taking a hiatus in 2026,” the festival posted. “Any future plans will be announced accordingly. #SheddersForLife.”
The announcement marks the second time the popular festival has been cancelled. Watershed was also cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned in 2021. The festival has otherwise run annually since it began in 2012.
The festival did not provide specific reasons for the hiatus or indicate whether the cancellation is related to financial, logistical or other concerns. Organizers used the term “hiatus” rather than permanent cancellation, suggesting the festival could return in future years.
Festival organizers indicated they will announce any future plans as they develop, leaving open the possibility of Watershed’s return in 2027 or beyond.
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