FREE gate admission with a school supply donation at Washington State Fair

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.

Find another state and county fair in Washington State.

In addition to the Washington State Fair every September, there is also a Spring Fair in Puyallup every April and a Holiday Magic show every December. Find details about all of these events below.

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Mount Rainier was taken from Edgewood, Washington

Mount Rainier from Edgewood, WA a small town north of Puyallup – iStock by Getty Images photo by JeffGoulden

2022 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 top cover bands from around Puget Sound. Discount on advance purchase tickets. All-ages until 6pm. Hours: Friday, Oct. 7: 12pm – Midnight; FREE admission until 3pm. Saturday, Oct. 8: 11am – Midnight. Sunday, Oct. 9: 11am – 6pm – Half price day!

You might also like: Oktoberfest beer festivals in the Puget sound region – Greater Seattle on the Cheap

2022 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: The 20-day event kicks off Friday of Labor Day weekend. September 2-25, 2022. (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesday, Sept 7, 2022)

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 admission at the gate: Adult (ages 13 – 61) weekday $15, weekend $18. Seniors 62+ and children (6-12) weekday $13, weekend $15. Children 5 & under: FREE

Discount tickets (admission, rides, packages): Weekday prices are less than Weekend prices. Best price is advance online purchase BEFORE opening day. During the Fair, save with advance online purchase. Prices are highest at the gate.

Parking: Monday – Friday: $12. Saturday & Sunday: $18. Premium: $30. Save $3 with coupon at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores.

More info: Washington State Fair – Puyallup, WA (thefair.com)

FREE admission days for Washington State Fair in Puyallup

September 2, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. KOMO Opening Day Food Drive. FREE admission for those who donate non-perishable food for the food drive supporting the Puyallup Food Bank, which distributes to 29 food banks and pantries in the South Sound area.
September 2 – 5, 2022. BECU Free Kids Weekend. FREE gate admission throughout the entire opening weekend for ages 18 and under is valid Friday – Monday, Labor Day Weekend only.
September 5, 12, 19. Every Monday is Military Appreciation Day. FREE admission for all active, reserve, and retired military and National Guard and their dependents, plus disabled veterans, with ID at any Fair gate.
September. 9, 2022. School Supply Drive (sponsored by Coca-Cola). FREE gate admission for all 10:30am – 12:30pm, with a suggested new school supply donation.

More info: Admission Prices – Washington State Fair (thefair.com)

FREE gate admission with a rodeo ticket or concert ticket

Concert tickets include admission to the Washington State Fair. More info: Concerts at Washington State Fair – Puyallup, WA (thefair.com)

Rodeo tickets include admission to the Washington State Fair. More info: Rodeo at the Washington State Fair (thefair.com)

Cow standing in a field in Washington State – iStock by Getty Images photo by David Maki

2022 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: Dec. 1-23, 2022 (Select Days) from 5:00PM – 10:00PM (LAST ENTRY AT 9:30PM)