Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo brings the fun in August
From thrilling rides to rodeo daredevils, music legends and tasty treats, the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo is once again set to bring five days of fun to Kennewick this August.
The “Best Week of Summer” runs Aug. 20-24 at the fairgrounds, 1500 S. Oak St.
The fair and rodeo has an annual economic impact of $18.5 million in Benton County, according to fair officials.
More than 140 people are employed directly by the fair during the peak season, with hundreds of additional jobs created through vendors and contract labor agencies. It takes more than 500 volunteers to produce the annual event.
Festivities kick off Aug. 17 with the Grand Parade, which winds through downtown Kennewick starting at 10 a.m., and the demolition derby, which starts at 6:30 p.m. The derby is sold out.
The traditional fair week offerings, from the Horse Heaven Round-Up to carnival rides, food, exhibits and entertainment, start Aug. 20.
Surf-pop legends The Beach Boys are set to take the stage on Aug. 21.
Other mainstage concerts include Craig Morgan on Aug. 20; Josh Turner on Aug. 22; Goo Goo Dolls on Aug. 23, which is sold out; and La Original Banda El Limón on Aug. 24.
General admission to the concerts is free with fair admission; reserved seating is $30.
Fan Zone and VIP tickets also are available.
The Horse Heaven Round-Up starts at 7 p.m. each night in the Lithia Rodeo Arena. Tickets start at $10 on Aug. 20-22 and $15 on Aug. 23-24, in addition to fair admission.
Here’s the general fair admission breakdown:
- Adults: $13 in advance (through Aug. 19) and $15 at the gate.
Kids (ages 6-12) and seniors (65 and older): $5.
Kids 5 and younger: free.
Military: $5 at the gate, with ID.
Season passes are $52 for adults and $20 for kids and seniors.
A special discount day for kids is Aug. 21. Kids’ tickets are $2 that day.
For more information on all things fair and rodeo, go to bentonfranklinfair.com.
To check out the fair’s digital flip book, go to bentonfranklinfair.com/entertainmentguide.
