As summer begins to transition into fall, the Washington State Fair returns to the fairgrounds in Puyallup for its annual 20-day fun-filled fair. Ranked as Washington State’s largest single attraction, the Washington State Fair is also known as one of the largest fairs in the world. This year, visitors can enjoy a number of new attractions among the classic state fair favorites and traditions.
What’s New This Year
Lost World of Dragons is a new exhibit dedicated to telling the stories and mythology of dragons. Learn about the fables and history of dragons from various regions and cultures ranging from China to Norway. This new exhibit is fun for the whole family and allows visitors to enjoy interactive displays and exciting photo opportunities as you explore the science and history behind the myth of dragons across different nations.
Tropical Odyssey – A Maze Adventure is a free new exhibit that highlights how butterflies are sustainably farmed. Make your way through the maze as you discover sustainable rainforest practices, play games and learn how to feed butterflies as well as rescue caterpillars from predators. Enjoy a number of activities including a zip slide through the rainforest canopy.
A number of new food vendors will be joining the scene at the Washington State Fair this year. Enjoy a variety of strawberries on a stick at the Shiskaberry booth located in Showcase Way across from Brank’s BBQ, gourmet hotdogs from Tacoma Weiner Company located at Outpost 47, and islander favorites ranging from Kalua pork to ahi poke and lumpia at the Kama’ainia Grill located near the Orange Gate area.
Returning Highlights and Special Attractions
The Farm at Sillyville is a free and amusing hands-on exhibit perfect for kids and families. The 1.5-acre Farm at Sillyville portrays a story of our state’s food and farming, and engages children in agriculture through play. Learn about the farmers who produce the food we eat and where it comes from, while learning everything from how to choose healthy eating choices to how to feed chickens and harvest vegetables.
The World’s Biggest Bounce House is back by popular demand and stands over 36 feet tall. The massive 10,000-square-foot inflatable bounce house features interactive activities, an obstacle course, over-sized characters and even has its own live DJ sure to pump you up.
Outpost 47 returns to the fair with a fun all-ages stage with live entertainment and a bar area for ages 21+. Kick back and relax while you enjoy live music, food, and family-friendly seating during the fair’s lineup of free nightly concerts and entertainment. Some of this year’s shows include music by Ryan Cabrera, Howie Day, Bjorn Again, Journey Unauthorized, Brandon Lay, The Spazmatics, Queen Nation and more! Seating at Outpost 47 is first-come, first-seated.
As always, fair visitors will find endless varieties of fun attractions, wild rides, delicious foods and unique vendors. Enjoy entertainment ranging from magic shows and the petting zoo, to the Columbia Bank Concert Series featuring a star-studded lineup including musicians like Billy Idol, Ciara, Keith Urban, Weezer and more.
Tickets and Discounts
This summer, discounted pre-fair gate admission is available for those who are interested in purchasing tickets prior to August 29, 2019. Pre-fair admission for ages 13 – 61 is $11, while tickets for ages 6 – 12 and 62+ cost only $10.50. Regular admission prices starting on August 30, 2019 for ages 13 – 61 will cost $14, and $12 for ages 6 – 12 and 62+. Children under the age of 5 get free admission into the fair.
With parking available at the fair for $10 on weekdays and $15 on the weekends, other transit options are also available for those interested in skipping the hassle of the parking lot and being dropped off curbside right at your destination. The Sounder Train to the Fair will run on September 14 and 21 from nine different stations between Everett and Puyallup. Pierce Transit’s Fair Express Bus will also be available from South Hill Mall, Lakewood Town Center and the Tacoma Mall.
While a number of admission packages are available, Fred Meyer’s pre-fair discount is available until August 30 and will save visitors 50% with their annual Value Pack that includes fair admission, food, rides and weekday parking. O’Reilly Auto Parts also offers discounts on rodeo tickets through August 30 and Xfinity Dizzy Passes used for unlimited rides on select weekdays can purchased for $10 off before September 1.
More information on admission and attractions can be found online at the Washington State Fair’s website.
