The Washington State Fair, also called the Puyallup Fair due to its location, is situated in Puyallup, 56 km (35 miles) from Seattle and not far from picturesque Mount Rainier. The largest attraction in the state, the fair has made it to the top ten largest fairs in the United States. The 20-day Washington State Fair employs over 7,500 people and hosts over one million visitors every year. The fair usually starts on the Friday of Labor Day Weekend.
Fair Attractions
Washington State Fair is known for its free family-friendly attractions. The 2024 fair edition features an amazing Birthing Exhibit, connecting the public to farming roots and providing a great learning experience. Meeting the newborn calves and getting the chance to name them will surely be memorable! The "A Farmer for a Day" exhibit for kids at SillyVille Farm is another educational activity teaching about the life of farmers who produce food. Fair Farm is a petting farm full of adorable bunnies, goats, llamas, and chicks.
Other fair attractions include several stages of free entertainment, a Family Fun Stage, a Home Arts exhibit, a Hobby Hall, a Floral Exhibit, a Discover the Dinosaurs exhibit, Tractor Tracks for kids, equestrian shows, and much more. Every Saturday evening, the public can see a beautiful fireworks display.
Puyallup Rodeo (September 5-8, 2024)
The Washington State Fair Rodeo is among the biggest highlights. On the last, day the Puyallup Rodeo Finals begin at the Grandstand at 1 pm. For 85 years cowboys and cowgirls of Washington compete for a prize. A wild show is guaranteed! Rodeo is often followed by country music concerts and dance parties. Also, don't miss Western Rodeo Parade & Cattle Drive on September 6, 2024. Cattle Drive will begin at 10 am at Meridian Street in downtown Puyallup.
2024 Live Music Lineup
Over the years, concert series of the Washington State Fair features pretty big stars like Steven Tyler, Boy George, and Seal. Traditionally there is a lot of country music and local bands as well. In 2024, the Grandstand will host Foreigner on August 30 and Lauren Daigle with guest Blessing Offor on August 31. Wiz Khalifa with special guest Travis Thompson will perform on September 1. Happy Together tour on September 2 will feature The Turtles, Jay And The Americans, The Association, Badfinger, The Vogues, and The Cowsills. Parmalee will perform on September 8 and Theory of a Deadman with guest Black Stone Cherry on September 9, followed by KIDZ BOP on September 11, Walker Hayes with special guest Tanner Adell on September 12, Matchbox Twenty and guest Beauty School Dropout on September 13, Ne-Yo with special guest Gym Class Heroes on September 14, TobyMac with guest Leanna Crawford on September 16, Alabama with guest Alex Miller on September 18, and incredible Thomas Rhett on September 19. The concert series end with Gabriel 'Fluffy' Iglesias on September 20 and Steve Miller Band on September 22. All Grandstand concerts start at 7:30 pm.
Tickets and Hours
Daily hours are 10:30 am to 10:30 pm, and the fair is closed on Tuesdays. General admission is free. Rides & games require tickets. You can purchase 120 Ride & Game Tickets for $60 ($12 savings) or 35 Ride & Game Tickets for $24. On thursdays only, get 6 Ride and Game Pass is $25. Concert tickets are purchased separately. Reserved concert seating is from $55 to $170.
Fair History
Before 2006, the fair was called the Western Washington Fair. However, that name was dropped and the event was renamed the Puyallup Fair to emphasize its location. The fairground facility has also started to operate year-round, holding various festivals and concerts.
