WAITSBURG­-Waitsburg's business community has been growing. Empty buildings have found new owners, and the town has a hotel again. New ventures are joining established businesses to bring food, drink, hospitality, art, and unique products to town.

On Thursday, September 1, new and old businesses will participate in a city-wide open house with special events, treats, and glimpses into what is available to residents and visitors.

From 4 pm to 6:30 pm, The Royal Block Wine Bar and Hotel will offer tours of the newly renovated second-floor lodging. The hotel rooms are large, light, and art-filled. This is a chance for residents to see what owners Tiina Jaatinen and Joe Roberts have been working on since purchasing the 1880s building in 2020. The monthly open mic will begin at 7 pm in the wine bar.

Former city councilmember, artist, and filmmaker Karen Gregutt will open her new art venture, Waitsburg Art Garden (WAG), from 4 to 9 pm. The exhibit will feature a rare preview of some of the 6" x 6" artworks to be auctioned at the annual ArtSquared 2022: Show and Sale. Local cellist Ken Talyor will be performing in the garden from 4 pm to 5 pm.

At American 35, owners Judy and Tom Bennett are opening the night with all-day happy hour, an "Open House" cocktail, music, and a chance to top your pizza. Natalie Knudson will be playing piano from 5 – 7 pm. Northwest blues singer and songwriter Mike Holt will take the stage after 9 pm.

Whiskey C Sports Bar and Grill opened in June 2015 and quickly became a place for regulars and visitors in town to grab a meal, a cocktail, and meet up with friends. For the Open House, co-owner Dan Cole shared happy hour is from 2 pm to 6 pm, and the Thursday night special is their Burger and Brew.

Bar Barcetto at 119 Main will be open for a preview of the new pasta bar. Meet the owners, Mike Easton and Erin Carr, and enjoy mini vegetarian pasta and no ABV cocktails from 4 pm to 8 pm. All ages will be welcome that night.

Ten Ton Coffee at 216 Main is testing a possible expansion into evening service with espresso and decadent desserts. From 6–9:30 pm. A talented barista will be there to serve up espresso drinks and house-made desserts. The Friday night Bluegrass Jam is switching days and will play outside in front of the coffee shop throughout the evening.

Suze Woods, owner of Duke and Remington at 137 Main Street, is opening the Press Room for print demonstrations and a studio tour. The address is the original Times building.

The Gaudy Gals on Main, 121 Main, is joining the Open House and will extend their Thursday hours to 7 pm. The talented sisters brought their unique style of collecting and creating art to town in early 2020. Always making the most of their two spaces, we dare anyone to walk in and not find a treasure they must have.

Waitsburg Creative Mill, 206 Main St., will exhibit work by interdisciplinary artist and poet Dez'Mon Omega Fair. The space has not opened officially as the owners are preparing to paint the building and finish creating a space for making and exhibiting art and music. Walla Walla's GG, formerly Green Gables Inn, will cater the exhibit. Meet the artist and learn more about this experiential art space.

A schedule of events for the evening will be published in next week's Times.