Every late summer, the Washington State Fair in Puyallup transforms into Washington’s “biggest party,” and in 2025, it’s going bigger than ever, celebrating its 125th anniversary with 20 unforgettable days of fun, food, and festivity.
Star-studded concerts & live entertainment
Music lovers, rejoice! The Columbia Bank Concert Series delivers 20 nights on one stage, with tickets that include fair admission. Expect artists across genres from pop and rock to country and hip-hop including TOTO with Christopher Cross and Men At Work, Meghan Trainor, Darius Rucker, Ludacris, AJR, and more. Plus, the fairgrounds sparkle with extra live entertainment: a drone-and-fireworks show on opening night, daily “Celebrate the 1-2-5” stage shows, and family-friendly free concerts at Outpost 47.
Immersive exhibits & family activities
Theres more than fair rides here: explore exhibits celebrating Washington’s heritage and creativity. You can wander handcrafted quilts, award-winning photography, and local artistry. A highlight this year is the new interactive exhibit “Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington”, offering a fascinating look at the state’s agricultural roots and innovations from historic farming tools to modern precision agriculture.
For kids (and the kid at heart), SillyVille offers free face-painting, a “Farmer for a Day” experience at The Farm, and Tractor Tracks, an adorable test track through a miniature farm. There’s also a “Fair History Experience” and a walkable collection of vintage Fair memorabilia.
Animals, agriculture & competition
Agriculture is at the heart of the fair: visit barns filled with livestock, including champion cows, pigs, goats, and more. Don’t miss the cattle birthing exhibit, truly a unique, live-action learning experience. You can also watch milking demonstrations, breed showcases, and plenty of opportunities to meet animals up close.
Feeling competitive? The Fair includes opportunities to enter your creations from baked goods, to wine, photography, and art, all for a chance to win bragging rights and cash prizes.
Food galore & new dining venues
No fair is complete without indulgent eats, and the Washington State Fair does not disappoint. Sample iconic treats like Fischer Scones (topped with whipped butter and raspberry jam), Earthquake Burgers, and Cow-Chip Cookies. Browse dozens of vendor offerings from wood-smoked BBQ, giant burgers, tacos, churros, to global flavors like bao and pho.
A brand-new culinary destination, the 1900 Food Hall & Rooftop Bar, debuts this year with six freshly prepared elevated dishes and a fun, modern vibe. And for a relaxed vibe, check out Outpost 47, the beer-garden style bar offering food, family-friendly seating, drinks (beer, wine, spirits), and free nightly music.
Festive deals & special days
The Washington State Fair isn’t just fun, it’s community minded. Opening day, August 29, features a KOMO Opening Day Food Drive with free gate admission (donations encouraged). Opening weekend also brings “Free Kids Weekend,” where kids 18 and under enter for free. Other special days include Military Appreciation Mondays and a School Supply Drive with free admission for all ages.
A centennial celebration not to miss
This year marks 125 years since the Fair’s debut in 1900 in Puyallup. Drawing over one million visitors each September, it’s one of the largest fairs in the nation and the biggest in the Pacific Northwest. The blend of nostalgia, tradition, and modern flair makes this milestone celebration extra special.
The 2025 Washington State Fair brings together top-notch concerts, captivating exhibits, hands-on activities, farm animals, creative competitions, mouth-watering food, and festive deals all wrapped in a historic 125th-anniversary celebration. Whether you’re craving thrills, cultural ties, culinary delights, or family fun, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to “Do the Puyallup” this year – it’s history in the making!
For more information on the Washington State Fair, click here: Washington State Fair – Aug. 29 – Sept. 21, 2025 | Washington State Fair Event Center – Puyallup, WA
Sponsored by the Washington State Fair.
