Free family events and VIP parties, how to celebrate July 4 in Tri-Cities

Tri-Cities Independence Day celebrations will be in high gear this year to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Pasco’s Grand Old Fourth of July Parade will return on July 4, kicking off a full day of festivities across the region that includes community gatherings, live entertainment and fireworks shows. The parade is one of the community’s longest standing traditions.

Whether you are an adult, senior, child or somewhere in between, there is something for you to do in the Tri-Cities this Fourth of July weekend.

July 3 celebrations

Richland

The city will be a hosting a one-night-only Party in the U.S.A. event starting at 7:30 p.m. at HAPO Stage in John Dam Plaza. Admission is free for everyone and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, family and friends to celebrate.

Some highlights of the event include a live orchestra and choir, iconic American music, Mariachi performances, parades and much more. This concert-style celebration does not offer fireworks.

Also in Richland, Fiction at J. Book Walter is hosting its 250 years of freedom summer concert, featuring James Beam, Austin Miller and DJ Z-Luck. The event starts at 7 p.m. with live music from Beam until 8 p.m. where Miller will take over for the next two hours. DJ Z-Luck will close the night out with a set of his own.

Burgers, hotdogs, nachos, wine, beer, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks and more will be available for purchase. Tickets for the event are $15 for wine club members and $20 for non-members. The winery is located at 894 Tulip Lane.

West Richland

Spend the third of July at Tri-Cities’ Freedom Jubilee from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m at Flat Top Park. Brisket sandwiches will be available for purchase. It will also offer pies, merchandise and games with free admission to the public. The event will be hosted by Jerrod Sessler.

Tri-City Raceway, 8280 W. Van Giesen Street, is holding its own event from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. featuring NASCAR champion and Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Harvick and son, Keelan Harvick.

Opportunities to meet other rising stars in the NASCAR world will be available throughout the event. Food, drinks and merchandise will be available all night.

Tickets are available on the raceway’s website.

July 4 celebrations

Pasco

Just before the parade at 7 a.m., Kiwanis is hosting an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Memorial Park in Pasco for $7 a person and $5 for children. After breakfast, children are encouraged to participate in a free street dance before the parade kicks off.

At 8 a.m. near Gesa Stadium, Camp Patriot is hosting a fun-run with distances of one mile and five kilometers. Online registration ends Tuesday, but families can register at the gate, starting at $25 per person and going down to $15 for children 12 and under.

Pasco’s Fourth of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. and works its way down West Clark Street. Spectators can expect a wide variety of community floats featuring local businesses, organizations and community leaders.

From noon to 4 p.m., Camp Patriot will host its second event, a Show and Shine car show at Memorial Park. Vehicle registration will take place from 9 a.m. to noon for $20 per car.

Games, events and contests will be running throughout Memorial Park including inflatable bounce houses, water slides and obstacle courses that are free to the public.

Cardboard Regatta, an aquatic race in homemade, cardboard boats will start at 1 p.m. at the Memorial Aquatic park. It is $15 per boat and all participants must be registered prior to the event.

Nighttime entertainment is at Gesa Stadium. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. with concessions opening shortly after.

At 7:30 p.m., four local bands will battle for cash prizes in Pasco’s annual Battle of the Bands contest. The competition will go on for two hours before winners are announced at 9:45 p.m.

The firework show will close out the night at 10 p.m. All admission is free.

Kennewick

Starting at 2 p.m., Columbia Park’s River of Fire will kick off with countless activities and fun for families. The kid’s zone offers inflatable bounce houses, face painting, obstacle courses, and more.

An array of food trucks will be offering cuisines including Mexican, Asian, American, ice cream, seafood, Thai, barbecue, coffee, teas and much more.

Country and rock bands will take over the Bandshell Stage with acts including Back Roads, RCA & The Radicals and Austin Miller. Latin artists like Grupo Origen, Los Hermanos Maria and Estilo Diferente will perform on the River Stage. Music will play throughout the entire day.

The celebrations conclude with a firework show off a river barge at 10 p.m.

Wheat Head Brewing Co. will be hosting a Red, White and Brews with Views firework watch party all day Saturday at its Benton County location, 92308 E. Locust Grove Rd. Its Columbia Gardens location will also host an adults-only fireworks watch party, at 313 E. Columbia Drive.

Benton City

Benton City celebrations begin with a 7:30 a.m. 5K hosted by Secord Strength at City Park. Sign up by July 2.

Participants and attendees can then enjoy breakfast in the park from 8 a.m. to noon.

A flag raising ceremony serves as a tribute to America’s freedom at 9 a.m, leading into the main event of the day.

Benton City’s parade starts at 11 a.m. on Main Street, showcasing cars, wagons, pets, floats, bikes, tractors, golf carts and more. Both children and adults participating must register before the start of the parade.

Once the parade ends, the festivities will move back to City Park where parade trophies and ice cream will be handed out at the main stage.

Families are encouraged to spend the day in the area until dusk when the firework show starts. Benton City Lion’s Club and the city will put on a professional show for spectators. Be sure to bring lawn chairs, blankets and any other items needed to comfortably enjoy the event.

West Richland

Tri-City Raceway will host its Best of the West Freedom 250 event starting at 3 p.m. at the Red Mountain Event Center. Races start at 6:30 p.m. The celebration includes famous racers from across the nation, including the Harvick father and son duo.

Vendors will be offering food and drinks, and a Beer Garden is open for those 21+. Tickets and parking passes are available online.