Key Points
- The 2026 Washington State Fair opens at the Puyallup fairgrounds starting Friday, September 4, and lasting until Sunday, September 27, 2026.
- The Washington State Fair is arranged such that every Tuesday during its duration and Wednesday, September 9, will be days when the event is closed.
- General admission tickets cost differently depending on whether the purchases are done online or at the gate.
- Weekday general admission tickets are $15 online and $16 at the gate, and the weekend tickets are $18 online and $20 at the gate.
- The unlimited passes can be bought for $59.50. Children below five years of age get admitted into the fair without paying for any ticket at all.
- New features for the 2026 season at the fair include a complimentary America250 event, a Dog Stunt Show by shelter and rescue dogs, increased agricultural and STEM exhibits, and new food value packages.
Puyallup (Evening Washington News) September 3, 2026 — Summer seamlessly transitions into the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of autumn as the 2026 Washington State Fair officially swings its gates open at the Puyallup fairgrounds.
Marking its milestone history, this year’s massive regional attraction brings an extensive array of new features, community-focused discounts, world-class entertainment, and classic traditions that draw millions of visitors across the Pacific Northwest.
Running from September 4 through September 27, the regional powerhouse event invites families, thrill-seekers, and agricultural enthusiasts to explore an action-packed schedule, though organizers remind the public that the fairgrounds remain strictly closed on Tuesdays and on September 9.
What are the ticket prices and special admission deals for the 2026 fair?
Navigating the cost of attendance requires understanding the tier-based pricing structure implemented for the 2026 season. According to details released on the official fair website, general admission prices depend on purchasing methods and visiting days. Weekday general admission tickets for visitors aged 13 and older are set at $15 when bought online, moving up to $16 for gate purchases. Weekend general admission tickets cost $18 online and rise to $20 at the entrance gates.
Discount structures extend further for children and seniors. Writing for Seattle’s Child, journalist JiaYing Grygiel noted that online weekday tickets for children aged 6–12 and seniors aged 65 and older cost $13, while weekend tickets online are priced at $15. At the physical entry gates, weekday tickets for these groups are $14, and weekend tickets are $17. Season passes providing unlimited visits throughout the entire three-week run are available for $59.50, and children aged 5 and under enjoy free admission every single day.
To ease financial accessibility, several promotional days have been integrated into the schedule. As reported by Olivia Sullivan of KING 5, opening day features free admission from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for anyone providing a suggested non-perishable food donation benefiting the Puyallup Food Bank. Additionally, the BECU Free Kids Weekend grants free admission to children and teens aged 18 and under from September 4 through September 7. Military families receive dedicated support, with free gate entry provided every Friday for active-duty service members, reservists, retirees, National Guard members, and their dependents upon presentation of a valid military ID.
What are the new attractions and exhibits debuting this year?
Anniversary updates and fresh entertainment options mark a significant expansion across the 160-acre fairgrounds. Visitors exploring the grounds this September will encounter an interactive free America250 celebration, designed to showcase national history, milestones, and cultural storytelling through specialized museum displays.
Among the standout family additions is a brand-new Dog Stunt Show. Described by JiaYing Grygiel of Seattle’s Child, this free daily attraction features “talented canine athletes performing tricks, running races, and soaring through stunts,” highlighting rescued and shelter animals. Olivia Sullivan of KING 5 further reported that the fair has introduced the K9 Kings Flying Dog Show, featuring a troupe of eight rescue dogs performing high-energy routines. Other structural enhancements include expanded agricultural showcases, upgraded petting farms, enhanced STEM learning stations, and focused youth competitions.
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What food options and budget-friendly menu deals are available?
Culinary traditions remain central to the Puyallup experience, anchored by signature favorites such as Fisher Fair Scones dripping with honey butter and jam, alongside sweet treats from the historic Young Life Pie Booth. Beyond the traditional deep-fried delicacies, cotton candy, and fresh lemonade, organizers have expanded the Fair Value Menu program to assist families looking to manage their spending.
As detailed by JiaYing Grygiel of Seattle’s Child, select food vendors across the fairgrounds offer budget-friendly meal packages priced at $12, which include a standard entrée paired with a side or beverage. Smaller snack and drink options are also available for $8. Furthermore, fair policies permit visitors to bring their own packed food and non-alcoholic beverages onto the grounds, providing a flexible alternative for budget-conscious families.
What is the concert lineup and entertainment schedule for the 2026 fair?
Live performance spaces across the fairgrounds are set to host a massive wave of headlining artists through the Columbia Bank Concert Series. Writing for FOX 13 Seattle, journalist Annabelle Pepin reported that “between Sept. 4 and Sept. 27— the duration of this year’s Washington State Fair— fairgoers have the opportunity to enjoy 19 different concerts,” with all tickets including applicable taxes, fees, and same-day fair admission.
The diverse musical roster features major acts across multiple genres:
- September 4: Boy George and Culture Club with special guest Wang Chung
- September 5: “Weird Al” Yankovic with Puddles Pity Party
- September 6: Little Big Town with Ingrid Andress
- September 7: Reggae Vibrations featuring The Legendary Wailers with Julian Junior Marvin, Third World, Inner Circle, and The Skatalites
- Mid-September highlights: Performances by Gretchen Wilson, Dylan Marlowe, Chase Rice, Yacht Rock Revue, Blippi, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Batiste, and Ice Cube.
- Closing week acts: Fiestas Patrias, Lauren Daigle, Adam Ray, HARDY, Trey Songz, Tyga, Chicago, and a final-night rock performance by Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach and Slaughter.
Complementing the evening concert series, the annual Puyallup Rodeo takes over the grandstand from September 10 to September 13. Olivia Sullivan of KING 5 noted that the rodeo features PRCA Cinch Playoffs Wild Card series events, including bull riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and a traditional rodeo breakfast with the Wranglers. Rodeo ticket purchases automatically include same-day fair gate entry and access to scheduled Dancin’ in the Dirt evening concerts.
With gates remaining open through September 27, local authorities and event organizers encourage attendees to review daily schedules online, utilize advance ticketing options to bypass long morning queues, and experience the full scope of agricultural exhibits, rides, and historic celebrations marking the 2026 season.
