BENTON COUNTY, Wash.- The Benton Franklin County Fair will kick off with a Grand Parade and Demolition Derby on Saturday, August 17. The official start date will be Tuesday, August 20, through Saturday, August 24, 2024.
According to Benton County Fair officials, in 2023, the fair welcomed over 110,000 visitors in a five-day period, proving to be one of the region’s largest annual events.
The fair will host several days of events, music, food, carnival rides, animal showings, and entertainment.
Here is everything you need to know in a glance:
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Admission:
Adults: $15 at the Gate | Kids: $5 (6-12) | Seniors: $5 (65 and older)|
Military: $5 (must show ID at the gate) | Children 5 and under: Free |
Parking:
$12 during the event
For public transportation, click here
Carnival Wristbands:
$ 40 on day of the event
Click here to view ride rules and restrictions
Kids’ Day:
$2 entrance fee for kids (6-12) on Wednesday, August 21
The fair boasts a diversity of offerings throughout the week with entertainment events, concerts, and fun for the whole family.
Entertainment:
Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo Grand Parade:
When: Saturday, August 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What: Parade goers are encouraged to participate and bring a lawn chair to enjoy show
Where: Downtown Kennewick from South Dayton Street and West 1st Ave. to S. Auburn Street and West 6th Ave.
Horse Heaven Round-Up Opening Night:
When: Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m.
What: Rodeo Kick-off to start the week of festivities
Where: Lithia RAM Arena
Classic Car Show:
When: Tuesday, August 20 at 10 a.m.
What: A show that will feature vintage cars in the office courtyard
Where: Fairgrounds
Barnyard Racers:
When: August 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
What: Animals like pigs and ducks will race to the finish line
Where: Fairgrounds
Horse Heaven Round-Up Rodeo Family Night:
When: Wednesday, August 22 at 7 p.m.
What: Rodeo festivities for the entire family
Where: Lithia RAM Arena
The Matt Baker Comedy + Stunt Show:
When: August 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
What: Matt Baker’s show combines stand-up comedy with stunts. He has three Guinness World Records and has appeared on The Late Late Show, America’s Got Talent and Last Comic Standing.
Where: Fairgrounds
Warren Hughs:
When: August 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
What: Warren Hughs is an eclectic metal artist renowned for his large sculptural fish, birds, and insects.
Where: Fairgrounds
Horse Heaven Round-Up Rodeo Tough Enough to Wear Pink:
When: Thursday, August 22 at 7 p.m.
What: Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo pledges to donate $1 for each rodeo attendee wearing pink to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and area hospitals for preventative care and treatment for women without insurance
Where: Lithia RAM Arena
The Knutzen Brothers:
When: Nightly from 8 pm. to 11 p.m.
What: Gabriel and Caleb from Finley provide live music at the in the 3 Eyed Fish Wine Garden
Where: Fair grounds Wine Garden
Horse Heaven Round-up Rodeo Visiting Royalty
When: Friday, August 23 at 7 p.m.
What The Horse Heaven Round-Up Rodeo features five action-packed performances with top contestants from across the United States and Canada
Where: Lithia RAM Arena
Dancin’ in the Dirt:
When: Saturday, August 24 at 10 p.m.
What: The Brewer’s Grade Band will perform on Saturday night to end the rodeo series
Horse Heaven Round-Up Rodeo Patriot Night
When: Saturday, August 24 at 7 p.m.
What: The final rodeo night honoring America’s patriots
Concerts:
All concert tickets are free for general admission on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Reserved tickets for general admission are $30 and VIP tickets are $60.
Craig Morgan:
When: Tuesday, August 20 at 7:45 p.m.
What: Tennessee born singer and song writing County Musician Craig Morgan will perform on opening day
Where: Main Stage
Price: $30 Reserved Seat | $40 Fan Zone | $60 VIP
The Beach Boys:
When: Wednesday, August 21 at 7:45 p.m.
What: Musical legends, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, the Beach Boys will headline the second day of the fair
Where: Main Stage
Josh Turner
When: Thursday, August 22 at 7:45 p.m
What: Grammy nominated Country musician Josh Turner will headline the third day of the fair
Where: Main Stage
Goo Goo Dolls
When: Friday, August 23 at 7:45
What: Four time Grammy nominated artists the Goo Goo Dolls are set to perform the fourth night of the fair
Where: Main State
La Original Banda El Limón
When: Saturday, August 24 at 7:45 p.m
What: The first Sinaloan band to usher in a new era in its genre, incorporating sound equipment and having a vocalist as a member of the group. The group will close out the fair concert series
Where: Main Stage
Family-Friendly Events:
XPogo Stunt Team:
When: August 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
What: The XPogo Stunt Team has taken it’s talent to on some of the biggest stages around the globe, including appearances on America’s Got Talent
Where: Fairgrounds
Hillia Hula Hoop:
When: 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24
What: Hillia’s will perform unique hula hoop act and stroll through the grounds daily
Where: Fairgrounds
Rabbit Fitting and Showing:
When: Tuesday, August 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
What: View rabbits, goats, and other animals as judges access the animal’s skill levels
Where: Fairgrounds
Kiddie Parade
When: Wednesday, August 21 at 10 a.m.
What: Kick-off Kids Day at the fair with a series of kids themed activities like the Hay Dive.
Where: Fairgrounds
Diaper Durby:
When: Wednesday, August 21 at 6 p.m.
What: Babies compete against each other in a test of speed
Where: Fairgrounds
Animal Costume Parade:
When: Thursday, August 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What: Parade participants will show off their best costumes
Where: 4-H Arena
Youth Goat Quiz Bowl:
When: Saturday, August 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 am.
What: Participants will have the opportunity to test their knowledge of Goats
Where: 4-H Goat Barn
Youth Fun Games:
When: Saturday, August 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.’
What: Activities for kids starting right after the Youth Goat Quiz Bowl
Where: Show ring and sale barn
To learn more about the Benton Franklin County Fair, click here.
