The 2026 Washington State Fair runs September 4-27 at the Washington State Fair Event Center in Puyallup. This Washington State Fair guide covers the unusual closed dates, daily hours, admission and discounts, parking, food, accessibility, agriculture and a practical plan for “doing the Puyallup.”
State Fair Scout checked current official pages on August 28, 2026. Ticket prices, special admission days, parking rates, the food directory and accessibility services are published. Schedules and vendor availability can still change, so verify the linked official pages on the chosen date.
2026 dates, closed days and hours
The fairgrounds are at 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, Washington 98371. The fair is open for 20 days from Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 27, but it is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday, September 9. Do not read the date range as 24 consecutive operating days.
Opening weekend has special hours: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Labor Day. From September 10-27, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday hours are 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday is 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Saturday is 9:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; and Sunday is 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays remain closed.
Rides, animal exhibits, concerts and vendors may keep shorter schedules. Use the fair’s event page for the day, especially if one attraction is the main reason for visiting.
Admission prices and special deals
Online weekday admission from August 1 through the fair is $15 for guests age 13 and older and $13 for children ages 6-12 and seniors age 65 and older. Online weekend prices are $18 general and $15 child or senior. Children age five and younger enter free every day.
At the gate, weekday admission is $16 general and $14 child or senior. Weekend gate admission is $20 general and $17 child or senior. The season pass costs $59.50 for unlimited visits across the 20 operating days. Online orders carry standard fees, and tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
- September 4: free admission for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a suggested nonperishable donation to the Puyallup Food Bank.
- September 4-7: BECU Free Kids Weekend provides free admission for guests age 18 and younger.
- Every Friday: eligible active, reserve and retired military, National Guard members, disabled veterans and dependents enter free with valid military identification.
- September 11: free admission for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a suggested new school-supply donation.
BECU members can buy discounted online tickets after entering the first six digits of an eligible BECU debit or credit card. Published member prices include $14 any-day general admission, $12 child or senior admission and a $49.50 season pass. Concert and Puyallup Rodeo tickets include same-day fair admission, so compare that benefit before purchasing a separate gate ticket.
Parking and transportation
General parking in the official Gold, Blue, Red and Green lots costs $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. Spaces are first come, first served, and payment at entry can be made with cash or card. The Blue Lot includes bicycle parking.
Premium parking in Lot B costs $35 on any day and is purchased on site. VIP parking across from the Gold Gate costs $50 and must be reserved online for a specific date. Participating O’Reilly Auto Parts stores sell a $3 Monday-Thursday general-parking discount.
Drivers displaying a state disability placard or license plate can use designated first-come spaces in selected sections of the Gold, Blue, Red and Green lots. Arrive early on weekends because an accessible placard does not reserve a space. Save the color and entrance of the parked lot before entering.
Food highlights and value menu
The current food directory combines long-running fair traditions with newer stands. A Fisher scone remains one of the event’s defining foods. The 2026 list also includes Aurora’s Autentica Comida Mexican with gluten-free and vegan options, Bao Box for dumplings and noodles, BBQ Pete’s, tanghulu from HGG, Benji’s Diner, Big Mouth Sandos and Pacific Northwest-inspired food at The Pier.
On weekdays, participating vendors offer a Fair Value Menu with $12 meals and $8 deals. A $12 meal is a standard entree with a side and/or drink; the precise combination depends on the stand. Check the current list before arriving, then look for the corresponding vendor on the map.
Food lines grow around dinner and major show times. Eating slightly early, sharing one novelty item and using the value menu for the main meal can keep both time and cost manageable. Visitors with allergy concerns should confirm ingredients and cross-contact with the individual concessionaire.
Accessibility and caregiver admission
A guest with a mobility, developmental or intellectual disability who requires additional care from an attendant may receive complimentary admission for that caregiver when the guest purchases a fair ticket. Notify the ticket taker at the entrance; the policy is for a necessary attendant, not a general companion discount.
The accessibility guide identifies accessible parking in the official lots and provides information for mobility equipment, restrooms and grandstand access. Review the guide before buying a reserved event seat because accessible and transfer seating requirements differ by venue section.
Guests who need an accommodation can contact the event center in advance. Busy weekend conditions make early arrival, a saved map and a planned rest point especially useful. The grounds contain indoor exhibit spaces that can provide a break from rain, sun or dense midway crowds.
Agriculture, free activities and a one-day plan
The fair marks 126 years in 2026 and expands its Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington program. The Farm at SillyVille is a free-with-admission, hands-on “farmer for a day” experience for young children. Other agricultural programming includes livestock, milking demonstrations, draft horses, rabbits, poultry and a cattle-birthing exhibit expected to welcome calves during the run.
New 2026 features include America’s 250th celebration, the K9 Kings Flying Dog Show, expanded agricultural exhibits, more free entertainment and creative and culinary arts highlights. Free stages operate daily, while grandstand concerts and the Puyallup Rodeo are ticketed and include fair admission.
A practical day begins with a scheduled animal or educational activity, then food and exhibits before the late-afternoon crowd. Save rides or a concert for the evening. Families visiting opening weekend should combine the free-kids offer with an early arrival, while budget-focused adults can use a weekday online ticket, the value menu and the O’Reilly parking offer.
Compare other western fair trips with the Oregon State Fair, Alaska State Fair, Utah State Fair and Arizona State Fair. Their weather, parking and operating patterns are quite different.
Washington State Fair FAQs
What are the 2026 Washington State Fair dates?
The run is September 4-27, 2026. The fair is closed every Tuesday and also Wednesday, September 9.
How much is admission?
At-gate general admission is $16 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Child and senior rates are lower, children age five and younger are free, and online prices are lower before fees.
How much is parking?
Official general parking is $15 on weekdays and $25 on weekends. Premium parking is $35 and reserved VIP parking is $50.
Which tickets include fair admission?
Current concert and Puyallup Rodeo tickets include same-day Washington State Fair admission.
Is there caregiver admission?
A necessary attendant or caregiver for an eligible guest with a mobility, developmental or intellectual disability receives complimentary admission under the official policy.
What food savings are available?
Participating weekday vendors offer $12 Fair Value meals and $8 deals. Availability and menu items differ by stand.
Updated August 28, 2026 by State Fair Scout. This independent guide combines verified official information with editorial planning advice and does not claim a firsthand visit. Dated official sources and correction information appear below.