Benson Mule Days Sep 21-24 - Triangle on the Cheap

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 pumpkin patches, haunted trails 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.

More info.

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

More info.

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.

More info.

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 and Halloween events in the Triangle, or take a quick look at upcoming festivals:

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Friday, October 6, 2023

Railroad Days in Selma

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | FREE | Downtown Selma

Triangle Oktoberfest at Booth Amphitheatre

5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | $0-25.00 | Koka Booth Amphitheatre