The small town of Benson, North Carolina, with a population of around 4000, will swell to approximately 20,000 come September 22-25, 2021 when the 73rd  Annual Benson Mule Days Celebration, sponsored by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place. For over 70 years this 4-day festival is packed full of mule events that celebrate the "beast of burden" and the role of mules in rural farming. Visitors come from as far away as Alaska, Germany, and California to see and also participate in Mule Days which is filled with family fun and activities for everyone young and old.

A blanket of excitement covers the area as visitors merge into the town area and outlying regions bringing horses, mules, wagons, campers, and unusual equine contraptions to settle down for a four-day hiatus.  Wednesday and Thursday campers settle in as they prepare to attend the concert which will be held on Thursday night at 6:00 PM in the Benson Singing Grove on Main Street.  This year’s band is Nashville artist John Conlee.  There is no charge for general seating admission.  If you want a seat near the stage with a chair provided, the cost is $20.00 per person.

Friday, visitors can enjoy many events including the “Mule Competitions” held in the Chamber Park and Arena. They will see, a mule race, Best of Show, and many other events.  New this year is “Mules Got Talent.” From these competitors, the “Grand Champion” is chosen and will be in the Benson Mule Days parade on Saturday.  If you haven’t seen a mule competition this is a “must-see” for the whole family.

Benson Mule Days, the largest festival held in Johnston County, NC.

Downtown will be full of vendors and Entertainment on the Parrish Drive Stage.  And, it is always fun to walk into the local businesses which offer a variety of products in our area.  Want to see a real mule stable?  Check out the last standing mule stable in Benson during the hours of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.  You will also be able to take a tour of historic Benson in a horse-drawn wagon. 

Double Creek Pro Rodeo will once again present an SRA-sponsored rodeo on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon there will be a Jr Rodeo presented by the Benson Buckaroos Association.  The rodeos on Friday and Saturday begin at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:00 PM. There will be pony rides for the little cowboys and cowgirls. Come early to visit the vendors.

After the rodeo on Friday and Saturday, you can shake a leg at the Mule Day Dance.  Friday night’s Band is Eric Strickland and Saturday’s is Jonathan Parker.  If you attended the rodeo there is no admission charge.  You can come for the dance only for a $5.00 charge.   Beverages will be available for purchase.   

Mule Days Cowboy, Benson, NC.

Saturday is a big day at Benson Mule Days as thousands of spectators grapple for a place to sit or stand to observe one of the biggest parades in North Carolina.  Bands, floats, Shriner units, classic cars, antique tractors, unique entries, beauty queens, and hundreds of horses, mules, buggies, wagons, and more make their way down Main Street of Benson beginning at 10:00 AM. Following the parade visitors can make their way to the Singing Grove Park where a Classic Country Concert featuring Moe Bandy is being presented, and visit the arts and crafts vendors as well the commercial vendors. 

Want to ride a bucking bull?  We will have a mechanical one on vendor row. There is a lot to do during Benson Mule Days and it is a great time to stroll the beautiful town of Benson.  For a complete schedule of this 73-year-old event, which honors the farmer’s best friend the mule, see attached.

For a complete schedule of this event honoring the farmer’s best friend, visit the website our dedicated webpage here. For more information, you can call (919) 894-3825 or e-mail office@bensonmuledays.com. Need a camping lot or vendor information? You may contact the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce at the same numbers.