“I’m Bored!” Who hasn’t had that feeling this year? What is there to do and see here in our Tri-Cities? With the economy slowly on its upturn, people are vacationing less, and “stay-cationing” more. What is a stay-cation? It’s planning a lovely outing right at home in your own backyard. We are lucky enough to live in such a diverse area, there are many options available to choose. Arts & culture, family & fun, or adult & entertainment, whatever you choose, here are some of the most unique things to do in Tri-Cities, WA.
1) Attend the 2016 Tri-Cities Family Expo
The annual Tri-Cities family expo is a family fun filled event for all ages. The theme for 2016 is “Wish Upon A Star”. This event takes place on the 29th and 30th of this coming January. Although the month of January may be cold, the heart felt, family and community meshing of this event is warming to the bone. With hundreds of vendors attending each year, and many generous sponsors who make the event possible, the family expo is a can’t miss event. Prices are extremely fair so anyone can attend. Children 3-17 are $1, adults are $5, Seniors 65 + are $3 as well as vets who show valid ID.
2) Visit the Mid-Columbia Ballet
Thanks to the abundance of community and corporate support, the Mid-Columbia Ballet has been bringing tastefully elegant performances to the Tri-Cities for over three decades. This holiday season the ballet will be performing the enchanting classic: “The Nutcracker” to the stage at the Richland high school auditorium. Come and take in this lovely event throughout mid-December: 11, 12, and 13. Evening shows start at 7pm on Friday and Saturday, while matinee shows start at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for the show are as follows: Adults $25, Seniors/Students $18, and Children under 12 are $3. If you cannot make it out to a show this holiday season, be sure to check their website for up and coming performances throughout 2016.
3) Check out RadCon Science Fiction Convention 2016
Radcon- “Boldly Going Where We Shouldn’t have gone” hosts its annual convention President’s Day Weekend, Feb 12-14th in Pasco. With a firm stance on educating people on the arts, literature, and film industry through science fiction, Radcon is a not for profit who runs this convention annually. Each year there are more than 2500 attendees. They are a community involved organization and they show their commitment by supporting local schools in many ways. There are various activities and things to see during this weekend. From independent films and role-playing card games, to anime & sci-fi video rooms and KidCon- a fun and safe space for children to enjoy the event as well. This event tends to sell out fast. You can register online and save yourself some money at the door. Adults and teens who register before January 30th are $40. Paying at the door of the event will cost you $45. All children under the ages of 12 are free with a parent who has purchased an adult ticket.
4) Dont Miss Tri-Cities On Tap: Craft Beer Festival
March 16, 2016- Mark your calendar. The annual Tri-Cities On Tap takes place at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick. It will be a Saturday. There are two tasting sessions to choose from: 1pm-4pm or 5pm-8pm. On top of the tasty food, live music, and awesome vendors, you will have an opportunity to taste around 100 of America’s best craft beers. $35 dollars gets you in the door, live music, and quaint souvenir tasting glass. As always, you must be 21 or over to attend this event. To skip the lines and get right down to tasting, it is recommended that you arrive roughly a half an hour before your session start time. Save your spot buy purchasing your ticket from their website. Ticket prices increase at the gate on the day of the event, so book your spot early for a better rate. What is unique about this event is you can purchase a designated driver ticket for $10 on the day of the event so you can get home safe.
5) Attend the Columbia River Cowboy Gathering and Music Festival
The Thirteenth annual Columbia River Gathering and Music Festival gets underway April 8-10th and will be held at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick. The cowboy gathering and festival is on a mission to sustain the cowboy way of living through artistic expression like poetry and music. Their goal is to ensure all members from the community and abroad have access to affordable family fun. The festival starts noon on Friday, 9 am on Saturday, and cowboy church starting at 9 am with the option to have breakfast at 7 am. If you do not live in the Tri-Cities area, or if you do but would like the full country experience, you have the option to stay at the campground ensuring you don’t miss a minute of the exciting festivities. General admission for all day and night is $20. For more information on the different pricing and ticket options available visit their website.
6) Join the Ye Olde Car Club
The Ye Olde Car Club was founded here back in 1962. Their membership to the club is only $15 a year! If you own an old car, want to buy a new car, or simply love talking about old cars, then the YOCC may just be the club for you. Each year the club holds a swap meet at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick during the first week of May. Admission is free and there is fun for the entire family.
7) Participate in the Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival
Join the Mid-Columbia Music and Arts Association for their 12th annual Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival and Dutch Oven Rendezvous. Live entertainment, cast-iron cooking, and fun activities will be running all weekend. This event is fun for all ages and families. The fun runs 5pm Friday June 12 and wrapping up on the 14th at noon. Presale weekend pass tickets can be purchased for $30 on their website along with day pass, camping, and parking rates.
“There are so many things to do, I can’t pick just one!” should be what you’re thinking. There are more than plenty of events and activities that can fill your quota of fun in and around the Tri-Cities area. With an abundant supply of family friendly events taking place each month in our community, there is no reason to have an “I’m bored” feeling ever again. What do you like to partake in? What type event suits your idea of fun? Whatever your answer may be, you will find it here-in our Tri-Cities.
Nancy is a client first real estate agent in Tri-Cities, WA. If you have any questions on owning homes, living in the Tri-Cities, or purchasing your first home, you can contact her directly at: