Third Space Project: Moonshot
Moonshot is a family-friendly, all-ages hangout spot with events all year, including pub trivia, bingo, pinball league, boardgame nights, and more.
Founded in 2019 by Ryan Wattenbarger and Hilary Bird, Moonshot Brewing was born from a love story — not just between its founders, but also with craft beer itself. Inspired by their visits to breweries across the Pacific Northwest, Ryan and Hilary worked to create a space in the Tri-Cities where locals could feel at home, share stories, and foster community. Their concept for having a space built with families in mind was also deeply personal, as their daughter Norah was born just before Moonshot’s grand opening. Since Moonshot’s opening, Ryan and Hilary have opened a second location, Moonshot: Pub at the Park, adding an elevated pub-style menu to their offerings while continuing to promote a philosophy of inclusivity and community engagement.Additionally, Moonshot is a haven for soccer fans. “We focused on soccer because we're soccer fans and knew there was no dedicated soccer bar in town to go and enjoy a match,” says Ryan. Their brewery location hosts several viewing events throughout the season, and is decorated in team scarves their customers have given to them over the years.
Their Pub at the Park location features a large patio overlooking Howard Amon Park. It’s a great place to stop in for a beverage and a meal after walking your dog along the Columbia River. Pub at the Park also hosts a beer garden at Allied Arts Association’s ‘Art in the Park’ every summer.
A gathering place for all
“We wanted to create a community gathering place for the people who maybe didn’t have a place,” Ryan shared. “We hope that people feel seen in our place.” Both locations maintain a welcoming environment, where friendly dogs and children are embraced. The Brewery’s layout was designed to accommodate anything from boardgaming, to sporting events, to artistic workshops. Its natural wood picnic tables are often moved around to make sure guests can comfortably enjoy their semi-regular Beer Choir Night, or their annual events, like Ren Faire and Pride Kickoff. The Brewery’s walls are adorned with artwork from local creators, highlighting folks from our community. This thoughtfulness ensures that whether you’re there to cheer for your favorite soccer team or enjoy a casual afternoon with friends, you’ll find Moonshot to be a perfect setting.
Rooted in local partnerships
Moonshot Brewing considers itself part of a larger community of local businesses. They partner with food trucks and bakeries, and work with local artisans and nonprofits, consistently embodying community spirit. From hosting election nights for candidates who share Moonshot’s values to incorporating locally sourced ingredients into their food, Moonshot emphasizes its dedication to a more connected and empowered community. Their practice of sourcing 95% of their brewing ingredients from the Pacific Northwest reflects their commitment to supporting local economies and sustainable practices.
Building stories
What truly sets Moonshot Brewing apart is its focus on building meaningful connections with its guests. It’s not just a place where you order a pint; it’s where you meet people who become lifelong friends. It’s where you celebrate milestones, in good times and bad. Hilary and Ryan have witnessed customers get married, have children, and continue to return to mark important life events at Moonshot. Moonshot has been a part of a wealth of community stories, embodying what a true Third Space should be — a place where customers feel welcome, valued, and at home.
“We hope that people feel seen in our place. We aren’t just a transaction on your bank statement. We want our customers to feel at home.” This sentiment underscores the heart of Moonshot Brewing’s work to create a sanctuary of connection where everyone is welcome.
Moonshot Brewing is located at 8804 W Victoria Ave, Kennewick.
Hours of operation:
- Monday: 4 – 9
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 4 – 9
- Thursday: 4 – 9
- Friday: 4 – 9
- Saturday: 1 – 9
- Sunday: 1 – 6
Moonshot: Pub at the Park is located at 94 Lee Blvd, Richland.
Hours of operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 12 – 8
- Wednesday: 12 – 8
- Thursday: 12 – 8
- Friday: 12 – 9
- Saturday: 12 – 9
- Sunday: 12 – 7
The Third Space Project is a community effort created to increase awareness of Third Spaces in Tri-Cities, Washington. Now, more than ever, public spaces where people can communicate, socialize, collaborate, attain greater cultural awareness, and find comfort together are a dire necessity.
We’re choosing to focus on local businesses that have a comfortable place to exist alongside other folks, an intrinsic connection to our community, and an assurance of safety for folks who belong to traditionally underserved/minoritized groups.
We’ll be creating articles devoted to these businesses, providing information with respect to the services they provide, and bringing awareness to how these spaces are interacting with each other and their communities in order to provide emotional value beyond simply the business or service they provide.
Brendan Quinn is the President of Tri-City Area Gaming, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes critical thinking skills with community-building events and supports game-based educational and charitable activities. He is an ASWB certified Therapeutic Game Master with over 20 years of GM experience.
Tri-City Area Gaming uses tabletop gaming as a framework for social interaction, education, and community building. They host nearly 100 events a year in order to bring folks together in a way that’s safe, friendly, and inclusive.
Check out Tri-City Area Gaming’s events and follow them on social media: tcag.carrd.co