The Best Things to Do in Summer in the Tri‑Cities

Long days, warm nights, nothing says endless possibilities like the summer season.

We’ve gathered some of our favorite things to do when the temperatures start rising and the summer fun begins.

1. Honor Local Veterans During Memorial Day Weekend

Thousands of local veterans are honored at Desert Lawn Memorial Park each Memorial Day weekend. Rattlesnake Mountain Skydiving starts the services with a jump featuring a patriotic banner and collared smoke. Desert Lawn Memorial Park is the home to The Veterans Memorial Roll Call wall which is the only monument in the Tri-City Area of this kind. Built in 1997, it has the names of over 3,000 local veterans that are buried at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Or visit the Regional Veterans Memorial in Columbia Park in Kennewick.

2. Say Happy Father’s Day on the Green

Take Dad out for a game of Golf. Some of the best courses in Washington are in the area so find a course a reserve your tee time now!

3. Watch Fireworks and Parades during July 4th

Fourth of July weekend is filled with activities in Tri-Cities. Join the family bike ride at Riverview Park. Wave to the floats at the Grand Old 4th of July Parade in Pasco. The day includes a fun run, car show, pre-parade kids street dance and more followed by Grand Old 4th of July Fireworks at night. And don't miss River of Fire Festival, the annual fireworks display held by the Gesa Carousel of Dreams and the City of Kennewick. Fireworks will be launched from the shoreline along the Columbia Park TriPlex driving range at 10:00 p.m. on the Fourth of July.

4. Tri-Cities Sports: Dust Devils Game

Catch a minor league baseball game at Gesa Stadium in Pasco, Washington. The Dust Devils are affiliated with the LA Angels so grab your popcorn in one hand and glove in the other and be ready to catch a fly ball in the summer sun.

Guide to Attending a Tri-City Dust Devils Baseball Game

5. Head to the River for Outdoor Activities

Located between the Columbia River, Snake River, and the Yakima River, TriCities is a great place to go kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, or jet skiing. Take it easy or get extreme with it while enjoying the waters of Washington.

6. Visit the Farmer’s Market (or Go Straight to the Farm)

Every summer visitors can explore local treasures from our weekly Farmer’s Market. Each of the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland has a Farmers' Market so you can sip, sample and shop directly from local farmers and artisans.

If you’re up for an adventure, visit the farms and pick your own summer produce. Stop by Middleton’s Farms for cherries, blueberries, asparagus, apricots, and more. Bring the little ones for some family friendly activities as well.

7. Wrangle the Family at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo

The Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo prides itself on being “the best week of summer” and has been celebrated annually for over 70 years. Filled with family-friendly activities and entertainment, public education related to the area’s agricultural heritage, carnival rides and fun events like the roping competition.

8. Try Out Your Dancing Shoes at the Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival

Hosted by the Mid-Columbia Traditional Arts & Music Association, this annual bluegrass music festival is not to be missed. Drawing musicians from around the area and beyond, we dare you not to dance at this family friendly event. (We promise, you'll want to!)

9. Take a Stroll Over to Art in the Park

This two-day event located in Howard Amon Park on the Columbia River in Richland, Washington, draws hundreds of national artists and visitors alike. For the best in clay, fiber, sculpture, painting, jewelry, and photography, take a walk through the park and check it out for yourself.

10. Tri City Water Follies Hydroplane Columbia Cup and Air Show

One part air show, one part speedboat(ish) show-- see what it takes to go over 200 mph in the water. Catch a glimps of F-35s and hydroplanes at this exhilarating summer event.

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