Watershed Country Music Festival in Quincy, WA, August 1-3, 2025.
Photos and Words by Nick Imbery
A Pacific Northwest must-see experience is the Gorge Amphitheater Concert venue. This diamond in the rough gem is located in the heart of central Washington, miles from any of the state’s larger cities. Although somewhat primitive, ask anyone who’s been and they’ll tell you there’s almost no better setting for outdoor live music. A documentary released in 2019 titled, Enormous: The Gorge Story, chronicles the evolution of the famed venue. Although I’ve been to several shows in the Gorge, somehow, the Watershed Country Music Festival had eluded me. When the opportunity to be one of the photographers at Watershed became available this year, I was ecstatic! My time to experience this legendary festival had finally come.
Day One Photos
Spread over the three-day weekend, across two stages (the lower main stage and the upper Next from Nashville Stage) a total of 27 bands and musicians entertained the crowd of thousands in attendance. The scorching heat of a Central Washington Summer did not deter festival goers who showed up and showed out during all three days. Making the trek up and down the hill balancing time between both stages, in that heat, required constant hydration – which the festival was kind enough to provide. A huge “Thank you” to the Gorge for giving the photographers access to the Cliff House Chalet which provided relief from the heat between sets and a place to sit down and relax.
With music each day beginning around 1-2 pm and finishing around 11 pm, it made for three extremely long and grueling yet, simultaneously, awesome days of photographing bands and listening to live music. I chose to make the one-hour commute each way to stay with family which worked out well for me, especially, not having made any prior arrangements for staying over. However, if camping is your thing, there’s an entire culture dedicated to it and RV’ing, as well as, several very nice accommodations for lodging. Definitely something I’ll be looking into for next year.
Day Two Photos
Before discussing the music, I will say that from what I observed, there is SO much more to Watershed than the music. Although my primary focus and objective was the music, between all the activities and fun events set up across the site – there, literally, IS something for everyone. As a first time “shedder” this was a bit mind blowing and awesome to witness. Music is obviously the primary focus of Watershed but what I saw is a culture that runs much deeper. After hearing all the hype about it, since it’s inception in 2013, I now completely get the appeal and will say it is 100% deserved! Watershed is something even a casual country music fan (or music fan, in general) should experience at least once. I would say the Watershed experience is much more of a community than simply a festival or concert. It is something truly special and I feel lucky to have been a part of it this year.
Now for the main event—The MUSIC! Music is a HUGE part of my life and I appreciate music from all genres. That said, country music will always be number one for me and hold a special place in my heart. Over the years at Watershed, there have been countless big name acts, as well as, lesser known “up and comers,” who, many times have gone on to the big stage. Looking up at all the banners hanging in the Next from Nashville Stage highlighting past performers, you see how many have gone on to great careers. Perhaps you’ve heard of Morgan Wallen? Yep – Watershed Next from Nashville Class of 2017. Country Music giants, Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley put on truly amazing shows and I really enjoyed hearing the newer up and coming artists, several of whom are making quite a name for themselves as well, like Nate Smith, Ian Munsick and Sunnyside, WA’s own Zach Top, to name a few. One of the coolest things about Watershed was the incredible variety of artists and bands all included in one outstanding event. The exposure Watershed provides to fans with all the unique artists and bands is simply awesome. In addition to the rising stars of country was long time favorite, Sawyer Brown, still rocking after just celebrating 40 years as a band. Tyler Hubbard who found huge success as a member of Florida Georgia Line is now pursuing a solo career and was, without a doubt, one of my favorites of the weekend. The sheer variety of talent and musical styles was to me one of the coolest parts of of Watershed. From the fans surrounding the stage down below to those up top in the grass enjoying the literally priceless view – there really is NO bad seat in the house.
Day Three Photos
As the days since Watershed 2025 have passed, I’ve reflected on what an incredible weekend it was and am still wrapping my mind around the whole experience. Every concert or live show I’ve gotten to photograph has been a valuable learning experience and Watershed was no different. Looking back I would say there’s a few things I would do differently of course, but I walk away feeling incredibly fortunate for this opportunity and cannot wait to return in 2026. It will be hard to top this experience but that’ll be a job for Watershed 2026.
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