Looking for a weekend getaway? Consider heading east to the Tri-Cities for this weekend’s UnTapped Blues and Brews Festival. The charity fundraiser takes place at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick on Saturday, May 14th and runs from noon ’til 11:00 p.m. Expect to hear great blues music washed down with a lot of great beer.
The Brews
The event features 35 breweries pouring more than 70 beers. Representing the east side of the state are breweries like Snipes Mountain, Whitstran, Ice Harbor, Atomic, Iron Horse, Yakima Craft, Laht Neppur, Rattlesnake Mountain, and Old Schoolhouse. Representing the west side are Snoqualmie Falls, Diamond Knot, Fish, Leavenworth, and Mac and Jack’s. Out-of-state breweries include the likes of Stone, Rogue, Mad River, Sierra Nevada, Ninkasi and others. See the complete list here.
Since you’re over there, visit White Bluffs Brewing in Richland, one of the newer breweries in the state. We have heard nothing but good things about their beer. White Bluffs’ tasting room is open Friday from 4:00 – 8:00 and Saturday Noon – 7:00.
White Bluffs Brewing
2000 Logston Blvd
Richland, WA 99354
Phone 509-521-1589.
The Blues
The festival showcases eight blues artists from near and far. The roster includes national blues acts like Grammy winner Joe Louis Walker from New York, the Sugar Theives from Arizona, and The Reverend Raven and his Chain Smoking Alter Boys from Wisconsin.
Tickets and Info
Information is available from the festival website. Tickets available at the door for $30. Map and directions.
The Cause
All profits from the sale of beer, wine and water benefit the charity. Kate’s Team raises money to help researchers develop ways to save babies who are born too soon, as well as ways to prevent premature births and birth defects in the first place.
The Digs
The event takes place at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick. Camping is available onsite. Be sure to go to the festival website and download the registration form and bring it with you. The fairgrounds can accomodate tents and RVs.
The Clover Island Inn, which is the closest hotel option, is already full. It might be worth giving them a call (509) 586-0541. You never know.
While there is no shortage of hotels in the Tri-Cities area, a few other nearby lodging options include:
TripAdvisor.com’s #1 of 16 rated hotels in Kennewick:
Best Western
4001 West 27th Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99337-2422
(509) 586-1332
TripAdvisor.com’s #5 of 16 rated hotels in Kennewick:
Guesthouse Inn
5616 W Clearwater Ave
Kennewick, WA, 99336-1903
866-538-0187
Sleep on the Cheap
TripAdvisor.com’s #12 of 16 rated hotels in Kennewick:
Econo Lodge
300 North Ely St # A
Kennewick, WA 99336-2947
(509) 783-6191
And for you thrill-seekers looking for the complete blues experience, grab a $6 bottle of whiskey, sleep with the gun on the night stand, and stay at…
TripAdvisor.com’s #16 of 16 rated hotels in Kennewick:
“Ants and injuries, worst stay ever”
Days Inn
2811 West 2nd Avenue
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 735-9511