Looking for the best things to do near Seattle this September? The Washington State Fair in Puyallup is one of the Pacific Northwest’s biggest annual events, attracting more than 1 million visitors each year. Named the runner-up for USA Today’s Best State Fair in 2026, it’s a classic fall tradition packed with carnival rides, famous fair food, live concerts, rodeo action, agricultural exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment.
Originally founded in 1900 as the Puyallup Fair, the event is still known by its iconic slogan, “Do the Puyallup.” Today, the Washington State Fair hosts spring and fall events, with the fall fair serving as the state’s largest annual celebration.
Washington State Fair 2026 Dates & Ticket Prices
The 2026 Washington State Fair runs September 4–27 and is closed Tuesdays and September 9.
Adult admission starts at:
- $15 on weekdays
- $18 on weekends
Buying tickets online is the cheapest option, as gate prices are higher. Official fair parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and costs $15–$25.
If you plan to visit multiple times, a Season Pass costs $59.50 and includes unlimited admission for all 20 days.
Free Admission Days & Family Discounts
The fair is one of the most family-friendly events near Seattle, with free admission for children ages 5 and under plus complimentary activities like face painting for kids 12 and under.
You can also save money during these special promotions:
- September 4: KOMO Opening Day Food Drive (10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) with a suggested non-perishable food donation.
- September 4–7: BECU Free Kids Weekend with free admission for everyone 18 and younger.
- Every Friday: Military Appreciation Day offers free admission for eligible active-duty, reserve, retired military members, National Guard, dependents, and disabled veterans with valid military ID.
- September 11: School Supply Drive (10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) with a suggested donation of new school supplies.
Washington State Fair Concerts & Puyallup Rodeo
The popular Columbia Bank Concert Series returns in 2026 with performances by Boy George, Weird Al Yankovic, Ice Cube, Jon Batiste, Bailey Zimmerman, and more. Concert tickets are sold separately, but each ticket includes fair admission.
Rodeo fans can also catch the Wild Card at Puyallup Rodeo, one of the premier stops on the PRCA Playoff Series. Visitors can purchase individual rodeo tickets or choose a season pass that includes all five rodeo performances, fair admission, and three Dancin’ in the Dirt concerts.
What’s New at the Washington State Fair in 2026
Returning visitors will find several new attractions this year, including:
- America’s 250th Celebration featuring the interactive Freedom Truck traveling museum
- A brand-new Dog Stunt Show
- An expanded Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington exhibit
- More free entertainment throughout the fairgrounds
- New creative arts and culinary exhibits
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a weekend date, or a fun day trip from Seattle, the Washington State Fair 2026 offers nearly a month of entertainment, live music, great food, and classic fair traditions—all less than an hour from Seattle.
For more information you can visit the fair’s website.
