Events

Event Location: Chamber Park, 355 J Lee Rd, Benson, NC 27504

Saddle up for a Wild Ride at the Annual Rodeo! An action-packed day of thrills and excitement.

For more information like how to apply for rodeo and the schedule, click the button below.

Arts On Main

Stroll down Main Street to see the winners of the annual Mule Days art contest! Winners are from the local schools. Sponsored by Benson Foundation for the Arts.

Carnival

Event Location: Benson Chamber Park & Arena | 355 J. Lee Road, Benson, NC 27504

Unlimited ride armbands are $25.00 each
All rides have height and weight limits

Individual Tickets are $1.00 each

September 24, 2026

Carnival

Carnival - Day 1

6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Carnival Rides,
403 South Elm Street
Benson, NC 27504 United States

Michael's Amusements armband night: Unlimited ride armbands are $30, but must be purchased before 10 p.m. Height and weight limits for rides still apply.

Find out more

September 25, 2026

Carnival

Carnival - Day 2

5:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Carnival Rides,
403 South Elm Street
Benson, NC 27504 United States

20 tickets, plus a free ride coupon is $20. Height and weight limits apply.

Find out more

September 26, 2026

Carnival

Carnival (Day 3)

September 26 - September 27

Carnival Rides,
403 South Elm Street
Benson, NC 27504 United States

Michael’s Amusements Special Deal! Get 20 ride tickets PLUS a bonus free ride for just $20 – more thrills, more fun, more savings! All rides have height and weight restrictions for safety.

Find out more

September 27, 2026

Carnival

Carnival - Day 4

12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Carnival Rides,
403 South Elm Street
Benson, NC 27504 United States

Don't miss Hispanic Family Afternoon! Complementing the carnival is a vibrant afternoon of live music and dance performances, making it a wonderful experience for the entire family. Height and weight limits apply.

Find out more

Parade

The Benson Mule Days Parade will be held on Saturday and lasts approximately 2 ½ hours. Lots of interesting entries, bands, Shriners and more participate in an event the whole family can enjoy. Parade time is 10:00 am on Main Street in Benson with line up on Dunn Street west of Benson. Persons wanting to participate in the parade must have filled out an entry form from the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.

The deadline for parade entries is September 15.

Mule Events

Registration forms will be completed on the day of the event.

Event Location: Chamber Park, 355 J Lee Rd, Benson, NC 27504

Spectator Admission: $5.00 per person – $8.00 for two – Children (12 & Under) $2.00

NO ENTRY FEES & NO ADMISSION FEES FOR EXHIBITORS

Registration begins at 8:00 am & show will begin promptly 10:00 am SHARP (CURRENT NEGATIVE COGGINS TEST REQUIRED)

1. Miniature Molly Mules at Halter – 48” & Under

2. Miniature John Mules at Halter – 48” & Under

3. Champion Mini Mule – Must have placed 1^st in class 1 or 2

4. Matched Pair Miniature Mule at Halter

5. Draft Molly Mule at Halter Over 48″

6. Draft John Mule at Halter Over 48″

7. Champion Draft Mule at Halter – Must have placed 1^st in class 5 or 6

8. Matching Draft Team

9. Saddle Molly Mule at Halter

10. Saddle John Mule at Halter

11. Champion Saddle Mule at Halter – Must have placed 1^st in class 9 or 10

12. Grand Champion Mule – Must have placed 1^st in classes 3, 7, & 11

13. Donkey Jennets & Geldings

14. Donkey Jacks

15. Champion Donkey – Must have placed 1^st in class 13 or 14

16. Most Colorful Long Ear

17. Lead Line (Ages 8 & Under)

18. Single Hitch Driving – 48” & Under

CHILDREN’S STICK MULE RACE – 12 & Under – (Meet at gate with parents)

19. Single Hitch Driving – 48” & Over

20. Youth Walk/Trot or Jog (17 & Under)

21. Adult Walk/Trot or Jog (18 & Over)

22. Pleasure English or Western – Walk/Trot or Jog/Canter or Lope

23. Multiple Hitch Driving – 48” & over

24. Mini Mule Coon Jump – 48” & Under

25. Mule Coon Jump – 48” & Over

26. Costume Class

27. Barrel Race

28. Texas Barrels

29. MULE RACE -1^st place $300, 2^nd place $150, 3^rd place $50

30. Suicide Race – Winner receives $50 plus entry fee collected at gate (Entry Fee $5.00)

Awards for the following will be given:

High Point Draft Mule

High Point Saddle Mule

High Point Mini Mule

High Point Mule Team

High Point Donkey

WARNING: Under North Carolina Law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities resulting exclusively from the inherent risks of equine activities. Chapter 99E of the North Carolina General Statutes.