The town of Benson, NC, is holding its annual festival, Benson Mule Days from Thursday, September 21st, to Sunday, September 24th, 2023.
Fall is looking great around the Triangle, whether you’re looking for something spooky or totally kid-friendly! Check out our HUGE list of fall festivals, as well as our list of Raleigh area haunted trails and pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes! We have also put together a big list of Halloween events and Trick or Treat events!
Tentative Schedule:
- Thursday: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 to 5 p.m.
Benson is in Johnston County, about a 35 mile drive to the south from Raleigh. It’s convenient to Willow Springs, NC.
This is the 74th year for this festival, which celebrates the mule and its role in rural farming. The festival also include live music, rodeos, a carnival, vendors, and much more.
There’s a Mule Day Parade on Saturday, September 24th, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mule-related festivities include:
- Mule Show
- Mule Race
- Mules Got Talent
- Mule Day Parade
- More
Admission is free, but some events and activities, like the rodeos and carnival rides have costs associated with them.
Vendors and the carnival are in downtown Benson, and other events (Mule Show, rodeos, concerts, etc.) are in various venues in Benson.
Rodeo
Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Chamber Park Arena, 355 J Lee Road, Benson, NC.
Tickets are $20, per night, for ages 6 and older. Free admission for ages 5 and younger. Cash only. No pre-sales.
Your ticket includes admission to the Mule Day Dance immediately following the rodeo.
Mule Events
Friday – September 22, 2023
- 8 a.m.: Registration Begins
- 10 a.m.: Mule Show, Chamber Park (sponsored by Mule City Feeds)
- 2 p.m.: Annual Mule Race, Chamber Park
Chamber Park, at 355 J Lee Road, Benson, NC
Parade
The parade is on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 10 a.m. It lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. It takes place on Main Street in Benson.
Carnival
Schedule:
- Thursday: 6 pm. to 11 p.m.
- Friday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Unlimited ride bands are $25 per session. Individual tickets are $1.
More info.
Dances and Concerts
Thursday
- 6 p.m.: Antique Outlaws Band
- 7:30 p.m.: Mark Wills
Friday
- 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Mule Days Dance, with Eric Strickland Band
Saturday
- 1 p.m.: Mule Days Concert: The Malpass Brothers
- 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Mule Days Dance, with Jonathan Parker Band
Classic Country & Gospel
Friday
- 6 p.m.: Trish England, American Christian Country Music Associated Recording Artist
- 7 p.m.: Blackcreek Bluegrass Band
Saturday
- 1 p.m.: The Malpass Brothers
- 3 p.m.: Wilmington Celebration Chor
- 4 p.m.: Willing Heart Trio
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Festivals
Check out a list of fall festivals in the Triangle, or take a look at a few upcoming festivals:
Downtown Benson
Benson, NC
