Budget-friendly date ideas in Tri-Cities? Live music, wine tasting and more

Looking for something to do with your romantic partner in Tri-Cities?

There’s always something going on in the area, especially during the summer months.

Here are budget-friendly options for things to do in Tri-Cities this weekend.

What dates can I do in Tri-Cities for $10 or less?

You can catch live music for free at multiple Tri-Cities bars and restaurants on Saturday, Aug. 23.

The Emerald of Siam in Richland has a free dinner show by Three Rivers Saxtette from 5 to 8 p.m.

Pasco’s Café con Arte hosts weekly Open Mic Nights with no cover on Saturdays, beginning at 6 p.m.

In West Richland, The Shades are playing at Tapp’d starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, with no cover charge.

The Mid-Columbia Mastersingers will hold their annual Summer Pop Concert, performing pop hits from the 1960s and later, at Col Solare Winery on Red Mountain.

Saturday’s concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free to attend, but donations are accepted for the season kick-off. Wine will be available for purchase.

Head to the Sports Page in Kennewick to catch The Van Dels and Noltē for free starting at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

For a $5 cover fee, you can catch NightHawks at Branding Iron in Kennewick.

Whether you’re stopping by a single spot or turning the night into a music-focused bar hop, you can stick to a $10 budget depending on your drink of choice.

Music, comedy shows in Tri-Cities for $25 or less

If you’re willing to spend a little more, local entertainment options range from music to comedy.

Jokers Comedy Club in Richland hosts standup comedy shows every Friday and Saturday night beginning at 7:30 p.m.

This week, the comedians are Key Lewis and Sean Porter. Tickets cost $10.87 in advance, or $12 at the door.

You can stop by Art Without Borders in Pasco to catch The Unknowns play “vintage jazz, blues and soul with a pop twist” on the Garden Stage.

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, cost $10 each. Appetizers and drinks will be available through Martin’s Table.

Looking for something more energetic?

Stop by Azúcar at Out and About in Pasco for the End of Summer ApocaLips Drag Show at 9 p.m. on Saturday, hosted by Tatiana Rexia and featuring special guest Iluna Luna. Tickets are $10, but be sure to bring some extra dollars for tipping the queens.

Head to Benton Franklin Fair for concerts, carnival rides

With a budget of $50, you can take your date on more of an experience.

The Benton Franklin Fair runs through Saturday night.

Tickets for the “Best Week of Summer” now cost $15 per person at the box office and $17 per person online. Take the free shuttle service through Ben Franklin Transit to avoid paying extra for a parking space.

Fair tickets include general admission access to concerts on the ICCU Stage.

Smash Mouth and Sir Mix-A-Lot take the stage on Friday, Aug. 22, while Banda Carnaval will perform Saturday. The stage area opens at 7 p.m. and music begins around 7:45 p.m.

The rest of your budget can go toward food, carnival rides and fun experiences such as camel rides and caricatures.

Not interested in the fair?

Consider driving into Prosser for Vintners Village.

You can try a tasting flight at one winery, or sample wines at multiple spots, for under $25 per person.