Scones and horses and rides, oh my! It’s that time of year when summer crosses into fall and Puyallup surges with energy and crowds for the 2025 Washington State Fair. The Fair turns 125 this year and wrapped up a $28 million renovation for its milestone anniversary. This year’s festivities run from August 29 to September 21. We’ll cover what’s new at the Fair, returning family favorites, and tips for having fun on a budget.
“We’re so excited to welcome everybody to our biggest party yet,” said Fair spokeswoman Stacy Van Horne. “We’re turning 125 and there are so many great ways for families to save. We can’t wait for everybody to celebrate with us.”
What’s New at the 2025 Fair
Drone & Fireworks Show at the Washington State Fair
For kids who can stay up late, the Washington State Fair is holding its first-ever drone and firework show on opening night, August 29, 2025, starting at 10 p.m. The show will include hundreds of drones to make formations shaped like Big Wa, farm animals, and more. (If your night owls love fireworks, stay for the fireworks show at 10 p.m. every Friday of the Fair.)
Zoom down the giant slide — a classic ride at the Washington State Fair. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
Renovated Gold Gate Entrance at the Washington State Fair
Enter the fairgrounds through the Gold Gate and you’ll notice its snazzy makeover. Look for a water feature and a “W” structure at this renovated entrance.
Explore with the State Fair’s Free Self-Guided Tour App
Choose your own adventure with the Fair’s new free self-guided walking tour app. There are six curated tours to pick from and follow at your own pace. “Family Friendly & Free” covers free and low-cost activities kids will love. There’s also a “Sweets & Treats” tour for dessert fans and a “Murals & Photo Ops” tour for the best selfie spots. There’s no login needed for the app, and it works offline after you download it.
1900 Food Hall and Rooftop Bar. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
Must-Try Fair Food at the Washington State Fair 2025
Food! This is the one day you completely throw nutritional value out the window.
- Tanghulu. One of the new food vendors this year, it’s a sugar-coated fruit skewer that’s a popular Chinese street food.
- Doh! Sweets & Treats. Inside the new 1900 Food Hall & Rooftop Bar — try the carrot cake, elephant ears, and giant ice cream sandwiches.
New Educational Exhibits at the Washington State Fair
- “Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington” is a new exhibit for kids. The immersive exhibit covers Washington’s agricultural roots and farming innovations. Fun, educational — and free. Trifecta.
- The new Fair Park & Stage is the largest free entertainment stage, located in the middle of the fairgrounds where the M barn used to stand. It’s an all-ages area, though there is a 21+ bar.
The Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington agriculture exhibit is new this year. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
Family-Favorite Attractions Return in 2025
Free Farm Fun at SillyVille for Kids
The Farm at SillyVille is beloved among toddlers and preschoolers. It’s a series of adorable little buildings, each featuring a different hands-on farm activity. Kids complete the tasks, like sorting apples and pollinating flowers, and earn a sweet reward. There’s also a cute mini tractor track outside. Both free.
Goats, giggles, and good times — animal encounters are a must at the Washington State Fair. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
Watch a Calf Being Born at the Fair’s Animal Exhibit
Last year’s new cattle birthing exhibit is back. The barn is dedicated to expecting mothers and newborn calves and is also free to visit. Don’t the ladies want a little privacy during labor? Van Horne didn’t miss a beat: “No.” Chat up the knowledgeable staff at this exhibit about animal husbandry, and you will be shocked that you can buy a gallon of milk for less than $3 at the store.
Visit the Washington State Fair’s live animal exhibit and watch a calf being born. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
The Classic Coaster: 90 Years of Thrills at the Fair
The Fair’s wooden rollercoaster, the Classic Coaster, turns 90 this year. It is one of the longest-running wooden coasters in the world. The coaster stands 55 feet tall and 2,650 feet long. Put your teens and tweens on for a thrilling ride.
Wooden Classic Coaster marks its 90th birthday this year. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
Don’t miss the horse breed showcase, which takes place over the opening weekend, August 29 to September 1. You’ll see some very cool horses, including an ancient Iranian breed once considered extinct and the war horse that carried knights into battle during the Middle Ages, all for free.
How to Save Money at the Washington State Fair 2025
A day at the Fair does not have to break the bank. Plan your visit for one of the free admission days.
Free Opening Day Admission with Food Drive Donation
From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on opening day, August 29, admission is free for everyone who brings a suggested donation of a non-perishable, non-expired food item for the food drive. The food drive supports the Puyallup Food Bank.
Free Admission for Kids: BECU Weekend
Opening weekend for the Washington State Fair (Aug. 29, 2025 to Sept. 1, 2025) is BECU free kids weekend, where everyone 18 and under gets free gate admission.
You don’t have to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to paying for the Fair. Choose a free day to attend. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
Free Admission on Military Mondays & School Supply Day
On military appreciation Mondays (September 1, 8, and 15), gate admission is free for all active, reserve, and retired military and their dependents, plus disabled veterans. You can also bring in a donation for the school supply drive on September 5, and you’ll receive free admission from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Budget-Friendly Food and Free Entertainment at the Fair
- Steer clear of the carnival games and stick with the free music, shows and entertainment. There are hundreds of free activities throughout the Fairgrounds, from live theater to a petting zoo to a draft horse demonstration.
- Check out the Fair Value Menu program for weekday deals on food. Select vendors offer $12 meals, including a standard entrée with a side and/or drink, and $8 deals for items like snacks or drinks. It’s a good way for families to save.
- Also, you should know that bringing your own food and drinks into the Fair is perfectly fine, just no alcohol.
Learn a new skill — like archery! — at one of the many free events at the Washington State Fair.(Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
2025 Washington State Fair Hours, Tickets & Parking Info
- Address: Washington State Fair Event Center: 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup
- Hours:
- Labor Day weekend: Friday 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Monday 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- After Labor Day: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 9:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Closed Tuesdays and Sept. 3.
- Gate admission: General (ages 13+) $16; children ages 6-12 and seniors 65+ are $14 on weekdays. General (ages 13+) $20; children ages 6-12 and seniors 65+ are $17 on weekends. Save $1-2 if you buy tickets online. Kids 5 and under are free every day.
- Parking: $15 weekdays, $22 weekends. Save $3 on parking Monday through Thursday with a coupon at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores.
Looking for more fair fun? Don’t miss our 2025 Summer Fair Guide, covering the Evergreen State and King County Fairs, too.
