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 2026 Washington State Fair, which runs Sept. 4-27. The Fair turns 126 this year and wrapped up a $28 million renovation for its milestone anniversary. Here’s what to expect at the Fair in terms of family favorites and tips for having fun on a budget.
What’s New and Upgraded at the 2026 Fair
America 250 Celebration
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with special exhibits, patriotic entertainment, art, history and interactive experiences throughout the Fair.
Dog Stunt Show
Catch this brand-new free show featuring talented canine athletes performing tricks, running races, and soaring through stunts.
Expanded Agricultural Exhibits
Learn about Washington agriculture through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and interactive experiences — all about the people and industries that help feed our state.
Enhanced STEM Learning Stations
Explore interactive science and technology exhibits designed for kids and families.
Upgraded Petting Farm
There’s more space and activities that allow children to interact with animals.
Youth-Focused Competitions
Kids and teens are invited to join special contests in creative and skill-based categories
Family Favorites to Visit (and Revisit)
Zoom down the giant slide — a classic ride at the Washington State Fair. (Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
Renovated and Snazzy: The Gold Gate Entrance
Enter the fairgrounds through the Gold Gate and you’ll notice its fancy makeover. Look for a water feature and a “W” structure at this renovated entrance.
Explore with the Fair’s Free Self-Guided App
Choose your own adventure with the Fair’s free walking tour app, with six curated tours, including “Family Friendly & Free,” “Sweets & Treats” and “Murals & Photo Ops.” There’s no login needed for the app, and it works offline once you download it.
Free Farm Fun at SillyVille
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.
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)
Eat Here: Familiar Fair Foods and New Tastes
Enjoy! This is the one day you completely throw nutritional value out the window.
The Classic Coaster: Built in 1935 and still going
The Fair’s Classic Coaster, 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)
How to Save Money at the Washington State Fair 2026
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 2:30 p.m. on opening day, September 4, admission is free for everyone who brings a suggested donation of a non-perishable, non-expired food item for the food drive, which supports the Puyallup Food Bank.
Free Admission for Kids: BECU Weekend
On September 4 through September 7, admission is free for kids 18 and under at any fair gate, courtesy of BECU.
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 Fridays
Every Friday, admission is free for active, reserve, and retired military and their dependents, as well as disabled veterans.
Free School Supply Day
Bring in a new school supply to donate on Friday, September 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and you’ll receive free admission.
Budget-Friendly Food and Free Entertainment at the Fair
- Steer clear of the carnival games and choose from the hundreds of free music, shows and entertainment. Fun options range from live theaater 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.
- Also, bringing your own food and drinks into the Fair is perfectly fine,. No alcohol, please.
Learn a new skill — like archery! — at one of the many free events at the Washington State Fair.(Image: JiaYing Grygiel)
2026 Washington State Fair Hours, Tickets & Parking Info
- Address: Washington State Fair Event Center: 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup
- Dates: September 4-September 27, closed on Tuesdays and on September 9
- 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 September 9
- Gate admission: WEEKENDS: General (ages 13+) $18; children ages 6-12 and seniors (65+) $16. WEEKDAYS: General (ages 13+) $15; children ages 6-12 and seniors (65+) $13. Save $1-2 if you buy tickets online. Kids 5 and under are free every day.
- Parking: $15 weekdays, $25 weekends. Save $3 on parking Monday through Thursday with a coupon at participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. Premium parking (closer in) $35, purchase on-site.
Looking for more fair fun? Don’t miss our 2025 Summer Fair Guide, covering the Evergreen State and King County Fairs, too.
