Saturday, July 26

* Raspy Bellingham rockers the Loyal Sinners are leaving their ocean-cooled digs and making the trek over to our desert lands this weekend. Let's just hope the don't melt before busting out some of their alt-rock tunes at the Yakima Sports Center. The trio is made up of guitarist/vocalist Scott Greene, bass player Terry Justin and drummer Phil Carter.

Also on the bill are local boys With A Bullet and Seattle indie-rock band Italian Bombshell (formerly called In Caves), which features Yakima native Kelly Champoux on bass.

The show starts about 9 p.m. Cover charge is $5.

Sunday, July 27

* This Sunday's outdoor movie in Gilbert Park is "The NeverEnding Story."

And even if you didn't rewind your VHS copy over and over again trying to figure out what name Bastian yells out the window -- the all-knowing Internet says it's Moonchild -- any product of the '80s worth his Fraggle Rock lunchbox is a fan of this movie.

Based on the novel by Michael Ende, this 1984 fantasy flick not only features endearing, imaginative and sometimes frightening characters, but the subtext that Fantasia lives in all of us as long as we keep making wishes.

The movie begins about 8:30 p.m. in Gilbert Park, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave. Admission is a nonperishable food donation for the Northwest Harvest Food Bank.

For more information and to see the schedule of movies, call the Allied ArtsCenter at 966-0930 or visit www.alliedartsyakima.org.

Thursday, July 31

* Any band that describes its music as "face-melting acoustic riffage," better be able to deliver a raucous acoustic set.

Well, The Senate delivers. With just two guitars and an upright bass, the Seattle trio makes catchy unplugged pop that really does rock.

The Senate plays next week's Summer Sunset Concert at Franklin Park, 20th Avenue and Tieton Drive. The band starts at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, call Yakima Parks and Recreation at 575-6020.

Friday, Aug. 1-Saturday, Aug. 2

* It's almost time to make the migration out to Moxee for the Hop Festival, a staple of summertime fun and home of the "deluxe beer garden."

Organized by the East Valley Community Enhancement Association, the free fundraising festival, held in Moxee City Park, includes live music, kids' activities, karaoke, fireworks, breakfast in the park, a 5K fun run, a parade, pony rides, street dances and craft and food vendors.

This year's musical lineup in the beer garden features headliners The Shreds on Aug. 1 and Shelly and the Curves on Aug. 2.

For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.evcea.org.