February

Red Wine & Chocolate

Held President’s Day Weekend. Provides a distinctive and elegant pairing of fine chocolate and fine wines from the Yakima and Columbia Valleys.

Art & Wine

An incredible selection of award-winning wines, original art and special items are presented for auction at this gala fundraising event which features Northwest wineries, microbreweries, restaurants, caterers and artists.

March

Sweet Retreat

Featuring delicious food, art, music and fine wine from the Columbia Valley.

April

Spring Barrel Tasting

This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in our friendly wine culture. Sample wine directly from the barrel, finished wines from the bottle, experience Northwest cuisine and enjoy other
fun activities.

May

“Untapped” Northwest Brews & Blues Festival

Celebrating blues music and craft brews from across the Northwest, TRAC Facility in Pasco.

June

Cool Desert Nights

Hundreds of classic cars, cruises, poker run and music festival in Richland.

Spring Barrel Tasting Weekend

Columbia Valley wineries offer tasting of new barrel releases.

July

Waterfollies / Atomic Cup Weekend

Includes Unlimited Hydroplace Boat Races and Sidewalk Juried Art Show.

August

Prosser Wine & Food Fair

Wine enthusiasts gather for an afternoon of fine wine, local food specialties and music.

September

Harvest Festival

A great way to welcome the Fall Harvest. Family fun, great food, music and entertainment, craft vendors and free kids’ activities at West Richland’s Flat Top Park.

Fiery Foods Festival

Celebrate the bounty of harvest with food, music and fun in Pasco’s historic downtown. Tempt your tastebuds during the festival’s “hot salsa” contest, enjoy outdoor music, a microbrew garden and children’s activities.

Sausage Fest

German sausage, sauerkraut, and more! This Bavarian-themed festival features a beer garden, farmers’ market and country store. Children’s activities and entertainment abound.

Catch the Crush

Columbia Valley wineries celebrate harvest and crush in the heart of Washington’s wine country. Each winery offers its own celebratory events including grape stomps, harvest and crush activities, winery tours, free-run juice, scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, live music, and premium wines.

October

Savor the Art

A wine and art pairing event. Artists from all over Washington State pair with Yakima Valley/Red Mountain wineries to display art in their tasting rooms.

November

Thanksgiving in Wine Country

Sample the finest Yakima/Columbia Valley wines and carefully selected culinary pairings.

December

Wine Country “Holiday Open House”
Red Mountain wineries offer holiday specials and seasonal tastings.

Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology
The Center features exhibits on history of the Mid-Columbia region, agriculture and food processing, Hanford history, environmental restoration, nuclear technology and Columbia River salmon habitat and restoration efforts. Admission charge. 95 Lee Blvd., Richland - 509.943.9000

East Benton County Historical Museum
New “Kennewick Man” exhibit depicts the finding of the 9,200 year old skeleton. This discovery has generated international interest for the potential to influence the theories of early migratory patterns and settlement of North America. Exhibit includes one of the only casts made from the original skull found along the banks of the Columbia River in Kennewick. Additional exhibits highlight the pioneers who followed the mighty explorers Lewis and Clark. Colorful displays depict the hardships and successes experienced by the area's founding families. 205 Keewaydin Dr., Kennewick - 509.582.7704

The First Wagon Road Built by the Federal Government in Old Oregon Territory

Followed the Columbia River shoreline through Columbia Park in Kennewick/Richland. On January 7, 1853 Congress passed “an act for construction of military roads in Oregon Territory.” Jefferson Davis, Secretary of War, then issued instructions to Captain George B. McClellan to construct a road from old Fort Walla Walla to Puget Sound to be ready for use by emigrants that year.” He added, “you will endeavor to fix the line of the road and perform such work on the most difficult portions as will enable the emigrants to render the route practicable by their own exertions.” Informed of the project at Grand Ronde, the Longmire Party of 36 wagons chose to travel the road and passed this area in mid-September. They cut their way across the Cascades at Naches Pass, and reached Puget ound October 1853. Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800.254.5824, 509.735.8486, www.VisitTri-Cities.com

J & S Dreamland Express
A colorful, whimsical, train-trolley that makes its home at the east end of Kennewick’s Columbia Park. The J&S Dreamland Express began life as airplane baggage cars and an Air Force tow tractor. Relocated, repainted and renovated to accommodate disability access, this “train” now provides riverside fun for the entire family! The J&S Dreamland Express offer rides around Columbia Park’s Playground of Dreams and Family Fishing Pond. Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800.254.5824, 509.735.8486, www.VisitTri-Cities.com

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Overlook
The Lewis & Clark Overlook is located at the intersection of Columbia Center Boulevard and Columbia Park Trail and looks out onto the Columbia River near Bateman Island. Improvements at the overlook consist of a 1,865 sq. ft. concrete plaza with a pergola, two interpretive panels and a 10’ x 16’ map of the Lewis & Clark Trail cast into the concrete plaza. Additional elements of the overlook include 10,000 sq. ft. of landscaping and an ADA accessible connection to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail leading to Columbia Park. Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800.254.5824, 509.735.8486, www.VisitTri-Cities.com

Sacajawea State Park & Interpretive Center
In 2006, the Interpretive Center features all-new exhibits highlighting the Columbia Plateau Tribes that met with and assisted the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Displays showcase traditional tule-mat villages. Hands-on children’s activities include language translations and touch-and-feel displays, other exhibits showcase the natural environment and Plateau Tribal culture. 2503 Sacajawea Park Rd., Pasco, 509.545.2361

Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum
Dedicated to preserving the history of railroads and railroading in the State of Washington. The museum’s collection includes train tools and parts, early railroad signs, including an early Pasco depot sign, a 1938 gas-powered speeder used for track maintenance, scales, early photographs, dishes, matchbooks and other rail company memorabilia. Open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday only. Admission: Free, donations welcome. P.O. Box 552, Pasco, 509.543.4159, www.wsrhs.org

Children’s Water Playground
From May through September, the City of Kennewick operates the Children’s Water Playground at the east end of Columbia Park. At the push of a button, the young and young-at-heart can dance or dash their way through a series of jets that spout water in an ever-changing array of streams, spurts, sprays and splashes. Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800.254.5824, 509.735.8486, www.VisitTri-Cities.com

The Columbia Park Family Fishing Pond
This pond is the first warm-water family fishing pond in Washington State. Maintained by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Fishing Connection, it is a great place to discover several species of warm-water fish–including channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, walleye, crappie and other anadramous species. A walking trail loops around the pond, and interpretive signage help identify the fish. An island out into the pond gives great access to view and fish, and provides a handicapped accessible area. Migrating and nesting waterfowl are found nearby and an occasional beaver will visit the pond to the delight of those fishing. Youth under 14 can fish for free. This project also inspired additional adjacent improvements such as the Playground of Dreams, Children’s Water Feature, and J&S Dreamland Express. Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800.254.5824, 509.735.8486, www.VisitTri-Cities.com

Playground of Dreams
Located in Columbia Park, adjacent to the Family Fishing Pond, the Playground of Dreams is a unique 12,000 square foot playground, built in September 1999 in just 5 days, by over 2,000 volunteers. This playground incorporates features representing local landmarks and attractions (i.e., the Columbia River, the Blue Bridge, the Cable Bridge, a barn, and a hydroplane) and includes a pirate ship, dragon slide, castle maze, rocket, rope wall, and many others. The playground is accessible to the physically challenged and to children of all ages. Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800.254.5824, 509.735.8486, www.VisitTri-Cities.com

Sacagawea Heritage Trail
The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a 22.5-mile hiking, biking, and pedestrian “loop” trail on a well-maintained paved pathway. The trail also includes rough-terrain spurs that are ideal for nature, Audubon, or mountain bike enthusiasts. This river front trail connects the cities of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco in Benton and Franklin County, following the Yakima and Columbia Rivers in a well identified Aloop@ trail system that winds through Columbia Park and Chiawana Park, with a trail spur connecting to Sacajawea State Park. The trail includes rest areas, water fountains, restroom and camping facilities. A bicycle trail map is available through the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau. Trailheads originate in a variety of riverside parks and the pathway runs adjacent to several hotels and motels properties--perfect for the outdoor adventurer looking for a bike vacation. Contact the Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau, 800.254.5824, 509.735.8486, www.VisitTri-Cities.com