The best book, hobby & craft shops in Kittitas County

CWU Wildcat Shop is the locals’ one-stop for textbooks and supplies, CWU gear for game day, and Cat Tech’s authorized Apple sales and service. The best part is every purchase feeds back into student initiatives, and this shop has been part of Ellensburg life for over 85 years.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, October 25, 2026

Central City Comics is a go-to for comic lovers around Kittitas County, a neighborhood spot to browse the shelves, discover new stories, and talk shop with folks who actually read this stuff. Swing by when your reading list needs a jolt and you want recommendations from people who live here too.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, October 27, 2026

Looking for a new read without driving to the big box? A Book For All Seasons keeps shelves fresh with Staff Picks, ABFAS Top 10 Indie Bestsellers, and gifts, plus in-store author events that make it easy to bump into neighbors and leave with something you'll actually finish.

From the Chelan County newsletter, October 16, 2026

Krampus Kave packs Leavenworth's shelves with comics, games, and oddities that are equal parts clever and chaotic. Perfect for locals growing a game-night lineup or hunting a just-weird-enough gift, it’s the kind of spot you wander in for a comic… and leave with a new obsession.

From the Chelan County newsletter, November 6, 2026

Family owned since 1972, Der Sportsmann is the Leavenworth standby for hiking, biking, XC skiing and climbing, with rentals, quick tunes, and spot-on trail beta from staff who actually get outside. Forgot a tube, need a wax, or upgrading gear... they’ll sort you out fast.

From the Chelan County newsletter, October 8, 2026

Ellensburg players, Birdsong Custom Audio is where custom-built guitars, modded amps, and a deep bench of new and used pedals come together to help you dial in your sound. They also craft pickups and post fresh gear from a huge inventory regularly, perfect for anyone chasing that one tone living rent-free in your head.

From the Ellensburg newsletter, October 13, 2026

Need a quick tune-up, a school-year rental, or a nudge to finally practice again? Avalon Music offers instrument rentals, repairs, lessons with local teachers, and plenty of gear and accessories, so you can sound good this week and keep the valley humming.

From the Chelan County newsletter, October 30, 2026

Bearded Monkey Music carries new and used guitars, plus the gear to go with them, from brands like PRS, Guild, and Orange. Their technicians handle everything from basic setups to refrets and rewiring, and the intimate live-music stage makes this a fun spot to explore even if you’re still deciding what to play.

From the Yakima newsletter, November 8, 2026

Whether you’re dreaming up an OM that rings for days or a sleek original SC1, JBH Guitars quietly turns Ellensburg sawdust into small-batch magic using rare tonewoods and meticulous handwork. Start a custom build, or peek their current lineup on Reverb, then make something you’ll keep forever.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, October 19, 2026

” Drop in for friendly advice or social stitching, meet fellow makers, and leave with yarn that actually sparks joy instead of stash guilt.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, October 7, 2026

Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.

Guitar shop offering repair services plus a selection of instruments for sale and accessories.

Need a better rig or just an excuse to flip through some vinyl, Old Skool's is Ellensburg’s home base for serious instruments, pro sound gear, and curated studio essentials, all guided by folks who actually play. Pop in this week and let them match you with your next obsession.

From the Ellensburg newsletter, September 30, 2026

Boogie Man Music stocks a range of instruments, including guitars, and handles repairs that get you back to practicing, lessons, or weekend gigs faster. If your setup’s buzzing or you’re finally ready for that upgrade, make it the week you sort it out without the online guessing.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, October 24, 2026

Chain retailer with a large array of brand-name electronics, computers, appliances & more.

Hammond Ashley Violins keeps Kittitas players covered with hand-carved, professionally set up instruments for students to pros, flexible rentals, and in-house repairs that get you playing again fast. Bonus, Ellensburg pickup and drop-off means you can size up, snag a bow, or get a fix without the haul.

From the Kittitas County newsletter, November 5, 2026