Sarah Toce
Located in the heart of Washington Wine Country, the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) in southeastern corner of the state offers a sun-drenched retreat for exploration and rejuvenation.
Nestled at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers with a desert climate, easy access to these mighty waterways provides world-class recreation, majestic natural beauty and irrigation for the world-class wineries – 200 within a one-hour drive.
Visitors enjoy creature comforts at local hotels and spas, carefully crafted fare from local eateries and farmers markets, and award-winning golf courses. Hands-on history is accessible throughout the region, sharing the local perspective on international events like The Manhattan Project, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The Tri-Cities region by car is three hours from Seattle and Portland, two hours from Spokane, and one hour from Walla Walla and Yakima. Arrive by Amtrak train and then bike or rideshare from Pasco’s Intermodal Station to a hotel or restaurant of choice. Fly into the Tri-Cities Airport, with direct flights to and from 10 major hubs.
Here’s what’s happening in the Tri-Cities from April through October 2023.
Run the River Marathon and Relay, April 8
Come join in on the inaugural running of the Run the River Marathon and Relay, starting at Columbia Park in Kennewick. This road race features a scenic course that travels through the towns of Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco all while staying next to the mighty Columbia River.
Pasco Taco Crawl, April 22 – May 7
Put your taco judging hats on this spring and become a taco crawler! Purchase a voucher booklet that’s good for 20 tacos (priced at $30) and take a spin around town to the participating businesses. Votes are placed by May 6 and the winner is announced at the Cinco de Mayo festival in downtown Pasco on May 7. Proceeds benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs.
Pasco Cinco de Mayo, May 8
Head to downtown Pasco for their 31st annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and celebrate the area’s vibrant and diverse community through cultural celebrations, parades and more.
Tri-Cities Mud Factor Seriously Fun, 5K Obstacle Run, June 25
Challenge your athletic prowess by participating in the 12th annual Mud Factor obstacle run! From a cargo climb, to scaling an 8ft wall, or a wire crawl, these obstacles are bound to be as challenging as they are fun. The Mud Factor 5k is intended for those aged 14 years and older. There is a shortened running course for children (MF Kidz 3k Wave) which has the same obstacles as the adult waves but shorter in length and intended for children ages 4-13.
Art in the Park Festival, July 28-29
This two-day event is bursting with over 260 artists, food trucks, live music, and performances. Featuring the best of clay, fiber, sculpture, painting, jewelry, photography, and more art forms, this event is free and open to the public.
Tri-Cities Water Follies, July 28-30
Prepare to have expectations exceeded by this annual event held in Kennewick – the best boat racing, air show, and shoreline entertainment experience around. With the chance to get a hydroplane racer’s autograph, a beer garden, and onsite vendors with delicious food, it appeals to the whole family.
Benton Franklin Fair, August 22-26
In its 75th year, the Benton Franklin Fair is the ultimate grand finale of summer in the Tri-Cities. This event is produced by The Benton Franklin Fair Association, which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the community about the importance of agriculture to our region today and the historical role it played in the development of the Columbia Basin.
Tumbleweed Music Festival, September 1-3
Listen, sing, and dance to folk, bluegrass blues, Celtic music and more at this acoustic music festival. Try your hand at the open mic stage, singalong/jam, or attend one of the free workshops while enjoying a variety of food and craft vendors.
Country Mercantile Harvest Festival, September 29 – October 31
A yearly tradition since 1996, bring the whole family down to celebrate the best of fall! Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin picking, barnyard basketball, carnival rides, and more.
15th Annual TRIFI Film Festival, October 13-15
The 15th annual Tri-Cities International Film Festival will spotlight Indie short and feature films made by filmmakers from around the world.
Tri-Cities Water Lantern Festival, October 14
Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of this water lantern festival where you’ll witness the magic of lanterns as they light up the water. Each adult ticket includes entry into the festival area with access to food trucks, a floating lantern kit, LED candle, and commemorative drawstring bag.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Ball, October 21
Experience Halloween and Christmas Towns in this family-friendly, themed event, benefiting the performing arts of Tri-Cities! Complimentary Santa photos while opportunity is available, themed face painting by Vivid Imaginations Professional Face Painting, a character meet and greet, free interactive games, food vendors, a family dance, and more. Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 per child (2-12) and must be purchased in advance.
Middleton Six Sons Farms Festivals, May through October
- Asparagus Fest & Brews, May 13: this event is the kickoff to the first of many fruits and vegetables harvested in the Columbia Basin. Taste your way through samples of asparagus from Middleton Farms as well as other vendors while taking in some live music, join in on a field tour to learn how the asparagus are grown and harvested, and soak in some family fun with activities like a super slide, ziplines, jumping pillow, and more.
- Strawberry Festival, May 27 and every Saturday in June: Celebrate the best of summer produce at Middleton Farms’ annual Strawberry Festival where you can enjoy festival games, great food, and u-pick strawberries.
- Sunflower Festival, Weekends from September 16 through October 2: Walk through the Middleton’s breathtaking 5-acre sunflower field where you can also take home a whole bouquet of sunflowers or zinnias. Admission to the sunflower festival also gets you access to their fall festival.
- Fall Festival, September 30-October 30: Activities include a 9-acre corn maze, hayrides, trike races, a pumpkin patch, and much more. There will also be a variety of food options to purchase and autumn décor to take home.
Tri-Cities Farmers’ Markets, summer through fall
Take the opportunity to sip, sample, and purchase straight from the growers at each of the farmers’ markets in Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco.
- 3 Eyed Fish Farmers’ Market: this open-air market is located at the Queensgate Village and open Sundays 10am-2pm from June – September.
- Historic Downtown Kennewick Farmers’ Market: located at the Flag Plaza and open from 4pm-7pm May 30-October 24.
- Pasco Farmers’ Market: located in historic downtown Pasco and open Saturdays from 8am-12pm May through October.
Discover more and plan your trip at visittri-cities.com, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
Joey Amato
