The rodeo . The deep-fried treats . The live concerts on the Grandstand Stage. All this could only mean one thing: The Washington State Fair returns to Puyallup Fair & Events Center from Fri., Sep. 2-Sun., Sep. 25. 🗓️
In the early 20th century , the fair welcomed people from around Washington to view horse races, auto polo + fiddler contests in its early years. By 1991, it had developed into a summertime tradition + one of the largest state fairs in the United States — reaching over 1 million visitors annually.
This year marks the fair’s 122nd year in business, so we want to prep you with everything you need to know before you go. Ride with us. 🎟️
⏰ Hours, tickets, parking
- Gates open between 9:30-10:30 a.m., depending on the day of the week.
- Tickets are available both online + in person. One day admission ranges from $12-18 + kids ages 5 and under get in free.
- Prices to park range from $12 on weekdays to $18 on weekends.
- Take advantage of the fair’s various free admission days .
🎶 The concerts
Some big names are headlining the Washington State Fair Grandstand. All concert tickets include same-day gate admission to the fair, up to a $16 value. Among the shows:
- Ann Wilson of Heart with special guest Night Ranger | Fri., Sep. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | $40+
- Blake Shelton with special guest Wade Hayes | Sat., Sep. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | $95+
- Nelly with special guest Breland | Sun., Sep. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | $45+
- The Beach Boys | Mon., Sep. 5 | 6 p.m. | $35+
- Shaggy and TLC | Thurs., Sep. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | $50+
- Lynyrd Skynyrd | Sun., Sep. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | $80+
💪 The competitions
The Washington State Fair also offers an assortment of creative competitions where fair attendees can enter their own work — from photography to wine making — and win cash prizes. Downloadable pamphlets provide details on how to enter.
🍗 The fried fair fare
As always, expect a lot of decadent food throughout the venue, as well as specialty beverages to wash it down. Check out the deep fried salsa fritters at Totally Fried , or the chocolate covered bacon at Bacon! Bacon!! Bacon!!!
Want even more delicious fun? Check out the light-up beverage from Glow Tea — a new addition to the fair this year.
🎉 The festivals
- Biggest Little Livestock Show | Fri., Sep. 2-Mon., Sep. 5 | Free | Get up close and personal with miniature animals like Dexter cows.
- Extreme Dogs | Fri., Sep. 2-Sun., Sep. 25 | Free | Watch a talented team of dogs + their world-champion trainers perform a series of high-flying + athletic tricks.
- Fine Art Show | Fri., Sep. 2-Sun., Sep. 25 | Free | Wander through the gallery to view an array of original works from local artists, along with daily demonstration.
- Puyallup Rodeo | Thurs., Sep. 8-Sun., Sep. 11 | $35+ | Cowboy hats and all, the pros will compete in bull riding, steer wrestling + barrel racing competitions.
🦖 The exhibits
The Washington State Fair is known for exhibits spanning all kinds of interests. Head to the Centennial Building to check out the fair’s newest exhibit — Expedition: Dinosaur . Or pet some cute critters at the Fair Farm , which houses bunnies, goats, llamas + chicks.
💡 Final game plan
Of course, no fair is complete without rides + games, and the Washington State Fair will have plenty of those
, too. This daily calendar
of events + the fair’s free mobile app
will help you map out your visit. Whatever you do, give yourself plenty of time to explore it all — and wear comfy shoes. 🎡