Central Washington State Fair 2024 in Seattle

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, the Reptile Lady, petting zoo, Spoon Man and Circus Luminescence performances, free concerts, and Animal Crackers Conspiracy. One of the most anticipated parts of the fair is a Midway. This year, Butler Amusements, one of the West Coast’s top carnival companies, returns as the carnival once again. Everyone can indulge in performances of some of the best cowboys and cowgirls and rodeo action at the Rough Stock Round-Up. At Insanity Fest, which will take place on September 28 - 29, visitors can witness the Battle of the Monster Trucks, Western Grand National Truck Pulling, Full Boogie Tilt, and more. The Rough Stock Round-Up and Insanity Fest require separate tickets, which include fair admission.

Music

This year, the fair will feature a new entertainment format that will showcase some of the best Tribute Bands in the Country to entertain fairgoers. Entrance is free with fair admission.

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 on weekends, $9.50 for youth aged 6-12, $11.50 for seniors aged 65 and above, and $9 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.