Washington State Fair
Washington State Fair
4
About
The Washington State Fair Event Center is the largest event center in the state. The event center produces five signature events annually, including the end of summer 20-day Washington State Fair, one of the largest in the country. The 8-day Spring Fair occurs each April as a celebration of Spring. In addition to the fairs, the event center produces The Taste Northwest, a food and drink filled extravaganza in July, Oktoberfest Northwest, the state’s largest Munich-style celebration in October, and Holiday Magic, a festive winter experience in December.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
298 reviews
Excellent
142
Very good
84
Average
39
Poor
20
Terrible
13
Ronald S
Issaquah, WA386 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I always enjoy the fair, and something fun and interesting each year that is slightly different. I usually find one good concert each year. Only minus is the restrooms at the grandstand are way too small and outdated. Implode them and get new restrooms. A men's restroom with a line and not enough toilets or urinals for so many people. The rest was good.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen J
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
The Washington State Fair has become so ridiculously expensive and the changes made have destroyed my family’s interest in returning in the future.
This was the first year that my family choose not to buy food at the fair after discovering that it would have cost our family of 4 over $80.00 to eat dinner. Keep in mind that we had just spent $60.00 (15 pp) to get into the fair. We also didn’t appreciate the barrage of pushy sales people in our face as we walked through the commercialized building, we walked out after 5 min.
I would suggest the people making decisions for the WSF take notice and make the appropriate changes if they want people to return.
This was the first year that my family choose not to buy food at the fair after discovering that it would have cost our family of 4 over $80.00 to eat dinner. Keep in mind that we had just spent $60.00 (15 pp) to get into the fair. We also didn’t appreciate the barrage of pushy sales people in our face as we walked through the commercialized building, we walked out after 5 min.
I would suggest the people making decisions for the WSF take notice and make the appropriate changes if they want people to return.
Written September 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darin367
Shelton, WA8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
RIDICULOUS PRICES! Yes the fair has always been over priced, but this is ridiculous.. $5 for a bottled water, $10 for 1 corn on the cob, $15 to park, just to name a few.... Been going to the fair for 30 years and this was the first time there were no lines at the food court! We will find other places to spend our hard earned money... It should be illegal to sale a bottled water for $5.... Another venue destroyed by greed...
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roxanne G
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I went to see the animals, and it was so depressing. The angora rabbits were in rough wire-bottom cages (which wreak havoc on their feet), and the other rabbits were getting prodded at through the cages by rowdy children. Attendants were just letting them do it. The other animals were either obviously stressed out and unhappy or so bored their eyes were glazed over. Except for one humpback cow (zebu?) who seemed to want some laidback socialization. Let me pet his/her head. That was one cool cow.
The rest of the fair was meh. Wicked expensive junk food and long lines for rickety rides. Might have enjoyed it more if I didn't just see a bunch of unhappiness.
The rest of the fair was meh. Wicked expensive junk food and long lines for rickety rides. Might have enjoyed it more if I didn't just see a bunch of unhappiness.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H S
Olympia, WA7 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I was VERY disappointed this year. Lots of empty booths and the place that did turkey legs, did not have prices listed. You had to wait in line for 10 minutes to get to a register to find out that they were EXTREMELY overpriced, even for fair food. AND they would not accept cash payment!! The last I heard, American money still says legal tender for all debts. I can't imagine how the Fair allowed a business to set up without being able to accept a LEGAL form of payment.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First C
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is a very small fair as state fairs go. If you've been to the Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, California, Illinois, or even the Western Idaho State fair make the Washington State fair look like one of those carnival's in a grocery store parking lot. The prices are outrageous..$23 for a turkey leg. $8 for a small ice cream. But the biggest offense is the fair does not follow ADA regulations. There is no people mover cart on Friday Saturday, or Sunday. There is no special seating for people in wheelchairs. They rent wheelchairs and mobility scooters for $40 but abled people rent them, leaving a short for people who need them. There is no gate dropoff, so be prepared for a long, painful trip just to get into the venue. This was a horrible experience.
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeicaTiman
Seattle5 contributions
Sep 2022
The price of $10 for an ear of corn is very telling. There is nothing at this fair which hasn't been overpriced. $6 cups of pop. $10 for small cups of frozen yogurt whipped with pineapple. $20 for a turkey leg.
Don't bring your family, unless you have already eaten and you only plan to stay for a short time. I brought my wife, two boys, and sister-in-law, and the day was nearly $1000. after admission fees, parking, food, and amusements.
Don't bring your family, unless you have already eaten and you only plan to stay for a short time. I brought my wife, two boys, and sister-in-law, and the day was nearly $1000. after admission fees, parking, food, and amusements.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew W
2 contributions
Sep 2022
It's the fair - it's expensive, the food is gut destroying, the rusty old rides feel like they are going to crash down at any moment, and no matter how many times I play ring toss I always lose - it's the fair.
Ate WAY more than any normal human being should have, I will regret this tomorrow but probably will have fond memories by Thursday.
It's a fun place! Go enjoy yourselves!
Ate WAY more than any normal human being should have, I will regret this tomorrow but probably will have fond memories by Thursday.
It's a fun place! Go enjoy yourselves!
Written September 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA973 contributions
Sep 2022
The Washington State Fair is the largest fair in the PNW area. It excels at having a pretty expansive midway (including a permanent wooden coaster) and a large collection of exhibits. What it could improve at is having better free live entertainment and more unique food vendors. I didn't really see the traditional wild fair food that you will see at other fairs. The food focuses on scones, corndogs, and large burgers it seems. This is the state fair to go to if you live in WA, OR, and ID, but could definitely has room to improve what they offer.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
edinburghlassietn
tn62 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
the weather was fantastic I am from Florida. the staff were very pleasant the free shows such as the juggler was ery good the music and other free events were outstanding. I was horrified how expensive and how horrible the food was. first I bought two hamburgers with onions yuck. then later I bought a big hot dog yuck yuck. I ate the horrible hot dog threw the rest in the trash $5 charge for water? really? $so.e places $9 for a lemonade. it was fun and I enjoyed the rodeo and concert with Josh I would suggest for people to pack a sandwich and a couple of cold drinks.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brianna
Tacoma, WA
What is the slingshot ride like?
I went on this a few years ago at the Puyallup Fair thinking I'd CONQUER MY FEAR OF HEIGHTS, heck no DID NOT HAPPEN. When I finally got out of the sling shot (after being violently flung across the sky) my clothes were completely soaked from sweat and I felt so sick to my stomach and really dizzy. My BF at the time said my face was ghost white and my heart was racing.
So not the best way to try and conquer a fear of heights, it cost $90 and was thankfully over within about a minute and a half.
Angie238
Lincoln, NE23 contributions
I am trying to sell Keith Urban tickets for Saturday Aug 31 but can't seem to get a hold of anyone at the fairgrounds to talk to. Where is a good place to post those things for the locals?
buttonjunkie
Seattle, WA26 contributions
Try Craigslist Tacoma, Seattle, Washington. I would also suggest PayPal for payment and priority and or signature of delivery. Good luck
tcaff777
Federal Way, WA
Can I bring my very well behaved pet dog to the fair?
chrisgresham61
Auburn, WA20 contributions
I'm uncertain of whether or not you can (beyond service animals), BUT I highly recommend that you don't. There are way too many people, kids, distractions, food, etc, to make it an easy time for a dog; AND there are no real places for a potty break. Many inside buildings and pavement outside. Suggestion, find a park, not the Fair. You'll both have more fun.
Why is the fair closed on Tuesday, in the past it was open for the full week.
Donna S
Puyallup, WA9 contributions
Because they have added more days to the Fair they close on Tuesdays I am assuming for clean up and staff scheduling.
Ketie12355
Lleida, Spain19 contributions
Hola! me gustaría saber si hay que sacar entradas anticipadamente para ver un rodeo
ekmccormick
Seattle, WA
Does anyone know if you can buy that amazing soft serve ice cream (next to the cow being milked) anywhere else during the year?
morebigbadmomma
Spanaway, WA19 contributions
I really have no idea. I don't eat much fair food. Sorry
BellaBeloved
Richland, WA1 contribution
Anyone been to a concert here? Are the any nearby accommodations? Do you have to pay for fair admission as well as the concert tickets??
morebigbadmomma
Spanaway, WA19 contributions
Fair admission is included with the concert tickets. There are accommodations nearby. you can look in Puyallup and Sumner
ONICAgg
Brindisi, Italy15 contributions
Ciao ho letto che il 26 settembre si terrà il concerto di jason Derulo...volevo sapere se devo comprare i biglietti per il concerto a parte,oppure bisogna comprare un biglietto che comprenda la.visita della.fiera più lo spettacolo....Dove posso comprare i biglietti?Grazie
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Claim your listingWASHINGTON STATE FAIR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington State Fair
- Hotels near Washington State Fair:
- (0.04 km) WA State fairgrounds RV Park
- (0.37 km) Cozy Home 4BR 2.5Bath- Walking Distance to State Fair
- (0.38 km) Small Town Friendliness & Family Activities; 2 blks from Western WA Fairgrounds
- (0.81 km) Fairfield Inn & Suites Tacoma Puyallup
- (0.81 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma/Puyallup
- Restaurants near Washington State Fair:
- (0.11 km) Don's Drive-In
- (0.15 km) 7-Eleven
- (0.19 km) Taco Bell
- (0.24 km) Fisher Scones
- (0.47 km) Bourbon Street Bar and Grill