There are more than 70 fairs and fair shows in Washington State each year, but the two “BIGGIES” will be throwing open their gates in the next few weeks.
Each year the Evergreen State Fair ushers out the summer at the end of August, just as the Washington State Fair (better known as “The Puyallup”) ushers in the fall, offering a full month of fair fun in September.
Both events see tens of thousands of visitors each year and are considered the best of the Washington fairs bunch when it comes to livestock events, fair food and rides, plant and animal growing competitions, giant vegetables and other expected (and some unexpected) attractions. Crafts, art, music, live shows — there’s something for just about everyone.
Evergreen State Fair, Aug. 25-Sept. 5, Monroe (closed Aug. 31)
“The show must go on!”
That’s this year’s Evergreen State Fair theme. Organizers decided they wanted a theme that recognizes the last three difficult years of pandemic challenges and celebrates the courage of farmers, merchants, entertainers and visitors in moving on with living despite so many unknowns.
The Evergreen State Fair has received accolades for its Morning of Dreams event, a special morning fair session for children and adults with disabilities or special needs.
It first launched as the Snohomish County Fair in the 1890s. In 1949, the fair grounds were build and the event was renamed to the Evergreen State Fair. It has grown over the years and this year it will take up just about every inch of the Evergreen State Fair Park’s 193 acres. The fair runs over two weeks: August 25-30 and September 1-5. The Evergreen will be closed Aug. 31.
Washington State Fair (a.k.a “The Puyallup”) Sept. 2-25 (with exceptions)
Lo the herald of fall and the mightiest of all Washington fairs: The Washington State Fair.
Better known as “The Puyallup,” is the largest single-attraction event held annually in the state of Washington and one of the largest fairs in the world. It includes several events within the fair: The Puyallup Rodeo with its $1 million purse (Sept. 8-11); concerts (this year’s line-up includes Ann Wilson, The Beach Boys, Nelly and more); a large animatronic dinosaur exhibition and more.
Of course this fair will offer a host of other familiar big-fair attractions: carnival rides, animals, agriculture competitions, food, crafts and a whole lot of kid-oriented fun, including The Farm at SillyVille, a hands-on space created just for kids.
Did you know it takes 1,900 people to put on a fair this size?
More fun for the end of summer:
Check our Family Event Calendar
Route 66: Your guide to a fun Seattle summer
