It's a holiday weekend, which in the Tri-Cities means the calendar splits in two: the loud, flag-waving Fourth on Saturday, and the steady drumbeat of free summer concerts that would be happening anyway. Here's what's actually worth leaving the house for over the next few days — most of it free, all of it real.
Friday is the anchor
The best bet for Friday the 3rd is the one that's been the best bet for decades. Live@5 at John Dam Plaza in Richland is the Tri-Cities' longest-running summer concert series — free music, food trucks, and community booths on the lawn, doors effectively at five. Bring a chair.
If you'd rather sip than stand, Friday is winery night: Dutch Donley plays Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard, and Jim Basnight takes the patio at Tranche. Downtown, the monthly First Friday Art Tours thread the galleries — a good excuse to walk between openings before dinner.
The Fourth itself
Saturday the 4th leans low-key on the live-music front once the fireworks are done. Start it slow at the Downtown Pasco Farmers Market, then close it out with Mandingo at El Rancho De Las Vacas — a proper late-night dance floor if the barbecue coma hasn't set in. It's a good weekend to keep it local and cheap.
The week doesn't let up
Midweek is quietly stacked. Monday brings open mic at the Emerald of Siam in Richland — the Tri-Cities' most reliable proving ground for anyone with three songs and some nerve. Wednesday the 8th the Clover Island Concert Series returns with The Shades, free, with the river doing the scenery — and Jazz Jams at Orchard Park runs the same night for the improvisers. (Footloose fans: auditions for the musical are Tuesday at the Vibe Music and Performing Arts Center.)
Next Saturday is the real event
Circle Saturday the 11th now. Downtown Kennewick hands its sidewalks over to the Chalk Art Festival at Avenue Square, while Richland runs its Uptown Art Walk across town. Come evening, the Coyote Kings — one of the best live bands the region grows — play Heritage Square with Tiph, and The Diego Romero Band holds down Tranche. If you only pick one big day this fortnight, that's the one.
That's the Tri-Cities this week. New events land daily — check the full Tri-Cities listings for everything happening near you.