Central Washington State Fair 2024 in Seattle

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Every September, the Central Washington State Fair takes place at the State Fair Park in Yakima, Washington. Boasting big-name entertainers, an array of delicious food options, traditional livestock exhibits, and thrilling carnival rides, the fair draws in approximately 300,000 visitors annually.

Attractions

At the Central Washington State Fair, visitors can enjoy a wealth of free entertainment, such as racing pigs, horse vaulters, free concerts, and bubble gum-blowing contests. Everyone can indulge their palate at the Wine Garden, situated in the Agriculture Building, which hosts nightly wine-tasting events featuring three or four different wineries. For beer enthusiasts, both the Food Court Beer Garden and The Corona Extra Stage Beer Garden offer a wide selection of local brews.

Entrance & Hours

Admission tickets to the Central Washington State Fair vary according to the day and ongoing promotions. Beginning September 23rd, regular gate admission prices range from $14.50 for adults on weekdays to $16.00 on weekends, $9.50 for youth aged 6-12, $11.50 for seniors aged 65 and above, and $9.00 for military personnel, as well as for families of military and first responders; children aged five and under enter for free. Carnival enthusiasts can opt for regular-priced wristbands, priced at $40 from Monday to Thursday and $45 from Friday to Sunday.

Fair gates swing open at various times throughout the week, starting from noon to 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 10 pm on Sundays, and 2 pm to 10 pm from Monday to Thursday. Additionally, the Carnival Midway beckons visitors with opening times ranging from noon on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, to 3 pm on Tuesdays through Thursdays, with Kiddie Land opening at 1 pm during the latter days.

Parking

All parking for the Central Washington State Fair funnels into the Main Lot and Infield Lot from Pacific Avenue, the thoroughfare bordering the north edge of State Fair Park. On-site parking is available for $10. General parking options are accessible through two vehicle gates: Gate 15 for the Main Lot, situated on Pacific Avenue adjacent to the Yakima County Stadium, and Gate 12 for the Infield Lot, positioned on Pacific Avenue behind the Yakima County Stadium.

Fair History

The first fair was held in Yakima in 1892. It was famous for its agricultural exhibits, war dances, coyote hunts, harness races, and horse races. In 1915, the Auto Show was one of the main attractions. Horse races, agriculture, and livestock exhibits are all still a big part of the Central Washington State Fair.

Rules & Restrictions

Visitors are permitted to leave and re-enter on the same day, provided they obtain a hand stamp before exiting the admission entrance. However, vehicles exiting the parking lot must pay for parking again to re-enter. Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds. While outside food and beverages are permitted, restrictions apply to bottles, cans, hard-sided coolers, and alcohol. Vendors within the fair have the flexibility to accept cash payments, although the majority also accept debit/credit cards for convenience.