It’s just not summer without the Thurston County Fair! Past attendees have been counting down the days because they know what awaits them. And if you have never been, make 2023 the year you experience what you’ve been missing! Rides, games, entertainment, animals, fair food and more delight and thrill at the Thurston County Fair happening July 26-30 at the Thurston County Fairgrounds. Buy your tickets online now!
County Fair Offers Games, Rides, Live Entertainment and Food
It just can’t be called a fair without rides, games, entertainment, and all-you-can-eat fair food! Let’s be honest, everyone hits the Fisher’s Scones booth at least twice during the day. And be sure to buy some jam to take home!
Experience the thrills of the rides Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are not available in advance, so just head to the carnival ticket window when you are ready for some fun.
Everything else in the County Fair is free with admission! That includes fun entrainment and games such as cornhole, 4-H Dog Brain Games, gardening demonstrations, music chairs, egg and spoon race, pancake breakfasts, eating contests, concerts and more.
New this year, and something the whole family will enjoy watching, is the 4-H archery contest! It will be held in the Andrews Arena on July 26 at 5 p.m., or when the horse show ends. Go early and watch the 4-H youth show their horses – it’s great fun.
Get to Know Your Community at the County Fair
County Fairs are more than just a festival with a lot of fun, at the heart, they are a place where the community comes together to show their passion and teach others about it. County youth in 4-H groups and FFA work hard all year long to prepare their projects to show the public. From horses and pigs to robots and sewing, they are excited to have you meet them, ask questions about their projects and learn!
In addition to youth, open classes are a chance for Thurston County adults and small businesses – like farms – to bring you their best. They are also eager to share their knowledge. Maybe you have thought about starting a garden but are not sure what to plant or have pondered getting sheep or goats to eat down those weeds. Whatever your questions, helpful community members – your neighbors – are waiting at the Thurston County Fair to share with you their passion and answer your questions.
Want to support the 4-Hers financially? Head to the Market Animal Sale on July 29 at 6 p.m. Here, you can bid on the market animals that the 4-Hers have carefully raised all year. All proceeds go to the youth.
Thurston County Fair Tickets and Information
Buy your admission tickets online now and save time on the day of the Fair! Adults are just $7, seniors over 60 are $6, children 6-14 are $5, and those 5 and under are free! You can also save with a season pass that gives you access to every day of the fair – think of the number of scones you could eat then! –and then you won’t miss one minute of the entertainment, contests and games! Passes are just $21 for adults, 18 for seniors and $15 for children. The Fair has special pricing on certain days:
One-Buck Wednesday, July 26 – admission is just $1 with a non-perishable food item donation supporting Thurston County Food Bank Can Hunger program.
Kid’s Day Thursday, July 27 – kids under 14 get in for just $2.
Military Appreciation Day Friday, July 29 – those with military ID get in for $2.
Daily parking is $5, or buy a season parking pass for just $20.
The 2023 Thurston County Fair hours are:
10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday
10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday
Carnival Ride Hours
11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday
11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday
More information can be found on the Thurston County website. Summers are short. Kids grow up fast. Family and friends move away. Make memories you will remember for a lifetime at the Thurston County Fair.
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