Tri-Cities on Tap planned March 19 in Kennewick

Another craft beer festival is coming to the Tri-Cities — and this one will feature more than 100 craft and specialty releases.

Tri-Cities on Tap is planned March 19 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick.

Sessions are from 1 to 4 p.m. or from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35.

This is the event’s second year in the Tri-Cities, and organizers are expecting another large crowd. Last year’s festival sold out.

“We’re on track to do that again,” said Al Holman of Townsquare Media, which is putting on the event.

Tri-Cities on Tap is part of the America on Tap family of beer festivals across the country.

About 70 breweries, from local outfits to ones around the country, will be on hand at the fairgrounds.

The drink sampling is included in the admission price; the event is “no script,” meaning purchasing additional drink tickets isn’t required.

The festival also will feature food that ranges from bacon-wrapped hot dogs to cheese steaks to tacos.

The rock band Foolish Fortune will perform during the afternoon session, and country rockers Nuketown will play during the evening session.

Sure Shot Billiards & Darts is bringing in pool, ping pong, foosball and air hockey tables, and Columbia Basin Satellite will hook up televisions showing the NCAA basketball tournament, which will be going on during the event. Basin Pacific Insurance is covering admission for designated drivers.

Alvarez Auto Sales is the title sponsor and plans a photo booth.

Holman noted that the event taps into the growing popularity of craft brewing.

And it will allow participants to sample a wide variety. “It’s a great experience,” he said.

For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.americaontap.com/tri-cities-on-tap.

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 10:21 PM with the headline "Tri-Cities on Tap planned March 19 in Kennewick."