Located south of Seattle and east of Tacoma in the shadow of majestic Mount Rainier, the Washington State Fair Events Center comprises over 160 acres. The facilities are available for rent during the year.
Washington State Fair (formerly known as the Puyallup Fair) is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington. The Fair continually ranks as one of the largest fairs in the world. In addition to the Washington State Fair every September, there is also a Spring Fair in Puyallup every April, Oktoberfest in October, and a Holiday Magic show every December. Find details about all of these events below.
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Mount Rainier from Edgewood, WA a small town north of Puyallup – iStock by Getty Images photo by JeffGoulden
2023 Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup
Oktoberfest Northwest in Puyallup is a Munich-inspired Festhalle at the Washington State Fairgrounds. Enjoy traditional Oktoberfest music and dance, authentic German food, a large variety of German beers poured in steins, Wiener Dog Races, Stein Dash 5K, Sports Haus, Bavarian Bier-lympics, Root Beer Garden, and the Northwest’s exclusive Hammerschlagen® Tournament of Champions. The event closes out Friday and Saturday nights with the Puget Sound’s top 80’s cover bands. Discount on advance purchase tickets. All-ages until 6pm. Hours: Friday FREE admission until 3pm. Sunday – Half price day!
- Where: Washington State Fair Events Center (about 35 miles south of Seattle), 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.
- When: October 6-8, 2023. All ages until 6PM. Hours: Friday: Noon – 12:00am, Saturday: 11:00am – 12:00am, Sunday: 11:00am – 6:00pm. All ages welcome until 6:00pm.
- Admission: (Regular prices begin 10/6) Friday $15.00. Saturday $20.00, Sunday $10.00.
- Discounts: Friday admission FREE noon – 3pm. Save with advance online ticket purchase before 10/6.
- Parking: FREE. RV CAMPING available for $40 per night.
More info: Oktoberfest Northwest – Puyallup, WA (thefair.com)
- You might also like: Oktoberfest beer festivals in the Puget sound region – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
2023 Holiday Magic at Washington State Fairgrounds
The Washington State Fair “Holiday Magic” festive is a walk-thru experience. Enjoy a wonder-filled stroll through magical lights and festive displays. Your admission ticket includes light displays, interactive exhibits, and rides. For an additional charge, take a spin on the ice-skating rink (tickets sold separately; not included with gate admission). Don’t miss this magical holiday experience with breathtaking lights, interactive displays, festive food and drink and fun for the whole family.
Holiday Magic began in 2020 as a safe and innovative way to bring cheer to the community. Each year, the event gets bigger, better, and brighter. Take a spin on the merry-go-round, ride on the Santa Express Train, sip drinks at The Yeti Bar and Fire Pit (21+ only), plus shopping, festive food, displays, and more! Celebrate this special time of year both indoors and outdoors.
Where: Washington State Fair Events Center (about 35 miles south of Seattle), 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.
When: December
Tickets: TBA
Parking: TBA
More info: Holiday Magic at The Fair – Puyallup, WA
- You might also like: Christmas light displays around the Puget Sound region – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
2024 Spring Fair in Puyallup
Fair favorites like great entertainment, yummy Fair food, wild rides, adorable animals and more. Discount when tickets purchased online, lower prices Thursday-Friday (higher on weekends). FREE admission available on select days. Kids 0-18 get FREE admission both Thursdays. FREE parking Thursdays.
- Where: Washington State Fair Events Center (about 35 miles south of Seattle), 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.
- When: Thursday-Sunday, April 11-14 & 18-21, 2024
- Gate Hours (2023): Thursdays 2:00pm – 10:00pm. Fridays-Saturdays 10:00am – 10:00pm. Sundays 10:00am – 8:00pm.
- Regular admission at the gate (2023): Prices are highest at the gate. Weekday prices are less than Weekend prices. Best price is advance online purchase. Weekdays (Thursday-Friday) Adult (ages 13+) $13. Child (ages 6-12) $11. Kids (5 & Under) always FREE. Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) Adult (ages 13+) $15. Child (ages 6-12) $12. Kids (5 & Under) always FREE.
- FREE admission available on select days: TBA
Discount tickets:
- EARLY BIRD PRICES ONLINE 2024: TBA
- Online Prices 2024: TBA
Parking (2023): Thursdays FREE. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: $15.
More info: The Spring Fair – Puyallup, WA (thefair.com)
2023 Taste Northwest in Puyallup (formerly The Taste at Defiance Park)
Taste Northwest is a culinary experience that celebrates the tastes of Tacoma and the South Sound. Features food vendors, $5 food tastes, local chef cook-off battles, outdoor beer gardens, tequila tasting, outdoor marketplace, indoor retro roller rink, games and activities for kids and adults, live entertainment on three stages, and more.
- Where: Washington State Fair Events Center (about 35 miles south of Seattle), 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.
- When: June 30 – July 2, 2023. Hours: 11AM – 9PM
- Admission: FREE. Vendors will offer full entrees, plus $5 taste samples.
- Parking: Gold and Blue Lots: $12
- More info: The Taste Northwest – July 1-3, 2022 – Washington State Fair Events Center (thefair.com)
2024 Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair (formerly the Puyallup Fair) is one of the biggest fairs in the world, the largest in the Pacific Northwest, and the largest single event in Washington State. The Fair started in 1900 in Puyallup and today welcomes over a million guests each year with star-studded entertainment, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo, carnival rides, fair food, and farm exhibits and animals.
- Where: Washington State Fair Events Center (about 35 miles south of Seattle), 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371.
- When: August 30 – September 22, 2024
- Gate Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu: 10:30 am – 9:30 pm. Fri: 10:30 am – 10:30 pm. Sat: 9:30 am – 10:30 pm. Sun: 9:30 am – 9:30 pm.
- Regular Weekend admission at the gate (2023 prices): Adult (ages 13 – 61) $18. General (ages 13+): $18. Child (ages 6 – 12): $15. Seniors (ages 65+): $15. Kids (ages 5 & under): FREE.
- Parking: Monday – Friday: $12. Saturday & Sunday: $18. Premium: $30.
Discount tickets to Puyallup Fair
Best price is advance online purchase BEFORE opening day. During the Fair, save with advance online purchase.
Discount admission, rides & packages: Weekday prices are less than Weekend prices. Online prices are less than gate prices.
FREE admission days for Washington State Fair in Puyallup:
- TBA
Rodeo or concert includes FREE gate admission. More info: Concerts at Washington State Fair – Puyallup, WA (thefair.com) and Rodeo at the Washington State Fair (thefair.com)
More info: Washington State Fair in Puyallup (thefair.com)
You might also like: State and County Fairs in Washington State – Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Puyallup Valley cows are excited to see you every summer for The Fair – iStock by Getty Images photo by David Maki
Upcoming state and county fairs
Most state and county fairs happen June to September. The two biggest are Evergreen State Fair in Monroe and Washington State Fair in Puyallup. But there are many, many other farm fairs around the state. Smaller fairs can get you up close to animals, and of course offer fair food, carnival rides, and plenty of family fun.
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