Tri-City Water Follies

View on map
Sports & AdventureKennewick
Dates24–26 July 2026Confirmed listing
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceUnlimited hydroplane racing is a genuinely
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Tri-City Water Follies in Kennewick

Tri-City Water Follies is a summer festival in Kennewick, Washington, built around the Apollo Columbia Cup, an H1 Unlimited hydroplane boat race held on the Columbia River, alongside the STCU Over-the-River Air Show. Held annually since 1966 at Columbia Park, the multi-day event combines high-speed unlimited hydroplane racing with an aerial air show and broader riverside festival programming.

Tri-City Water Follies was established in 1966 to bring unlimited hydroplane racing, then and now among the fastest and most specialized forms of powerboat competition, to the Columbia River running through Washington's Tri-Cities region, formed by the adjoining cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlimited hydroplane racing is a genuinely niche and specialized motorsport, and the Tri-City event's Columbia Cup stands as one of the recognized stops on the H1 Unlimited circuit, the top tier of hydroplane competition in North America, giving Kennewick a nationally relevant motorsport event most mid-sized cities never host

02

The mystery stays covered

Pairing the hydroplane racing directly with the STCU Over-the-River Air Show, staged simultaneously above the same stretch of the Columbia River, gives spectators two distinct high-speed spectacles, on the water and in the air, within a single event weekend

03

The city starts moving

Running since 1966, the festival has become deeply woven into the identity of Washington's Tri-Cities region, a metro area formed by Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland along the Columbia and Snake Rivers

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Apollo Columbia Cup

Water and renewal

Living ritual

run as part of the national H1 Unlimited hydroplane racing circuit

The sacred route

Living ritual

has remained the festival's central competitive event since the festival's founding

The local code

Living ritual

Pairing the water-based hydroplane racing with an air show staged directly over the same river course has become a signature combined format distinguishing this event from single-discipline racing or air show events elsewhere

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

24–26 July 2026

Getting around

For Tri-City Water Follies, plan transport around the exact Kennewick venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual outdoor summer clothing with sun protection, since most of the event takes place outdoors along the riverside viewing areas over a full day.

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Tri-City Water Follies, stay near the part of Kennewick you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map46.21 N, 119.14 WOpen in Google Maps

Kennewick, WA

Nearest airportPSC — Tri Cities
TransportFor Tri-City Water Follies, plan transport around the exact Kennewick venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Tri-City Water Follies, stay near the part of Kennewick you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Kennewick via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Kennewick, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for July.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor summer clothing with sun protection, since most of the event takes place outdoors along the riverside viewing areas over a full day.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Tri-City Water Follies?

Tri-City Water Follies is listed for 24–26 July 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Tri-City Water Follies take place?

The festival is listed in Kennewick, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Kennewick, WA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLwaterfollies.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates24–26 July 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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