Pullman’s Reaney Park overflowed with energy on Aug. 16 as the 2025 National Lentil Festival brought food, fun and community to Pullman. The festival doubled as a summer celebration and a town-wide welcome back for WSU students.
Scott Hodge, a 20-year resident of Pullman, said he likes that the festival falls right at the start of the school year, when all the students are returning.
“It’s a big ‘Welcome to Pullman’ party,” Hodge said.
Students and residents representing a variety of nationals walk for WSU International Programs at the National Lentil Festival parade on Aug. 16, 2025.
For many students, the festival serves as a first taste of Pullman’s culture.
“I’ve only been here a week and wasn’t sure what to expect from the Lentil Festival,” WSU student Emma Rogers said. “But walking into the park, seeing the students and families around, makes me feel like a part of the community already.”
The event began with the Tase T. Lentil 5K Fun Run, followed by 3-on-3 Hoop Classic and softball tournaments. Leo Hoffman, Max Hohendorf, Luke Bredeweg, Ella Hedlund, Michelle Hyatt and Brittany Gappa were among the top finishers of the Fun Run.
One of the weekend’s biggest highlights was the grand parade, where community groups, local businesses, marching bands, students and WSU spirit squads filled Main Street with music and energy. For many first-year students and families, the parade offered a heartwarming glimpse of Pullman pride and Cougar spirit working hand in hand.
“We all love seeing the participation in the parade,” Hodge said.
Beyond the famous chili bowl, local vendors offered a variety, with grilled cheese and pina coladas catching the eye. For those over 21, the popular beer and wine garden offered local brews, ciders and Washington-based wines and award-winning canned cocktails.
A variety of vendors, including the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, interact with fesitval-goers at the Lentil Festival on Aug. 16, 2025 in Pullman Wash.
The live music kept the festival going all evening, with Porter Case and James Howard opening the stage, followed by The Talbott Brothers, True Loves and Eclectic Approach. Snacks at Midnight electrified the experience when the lead singer dove into the crowd, jumped on a table and belted out lyrics as the audience roared in excitement. The weekend full of entertainment was brought to its finale with the headliner show by The Brothers Comatose.
In the lead-up to the Lentil Festival, Pullman community groups spend months preparing floats, booths and performances and many residents, like Hodges, volunteer every single year.
Rogers said the festival was the most refreshing end to summer break and a great way to kick off student life in Pullman.
