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Located only minutes from Tacoma and 35 miles from Seattle, the Washington State Fair (formerly known as the Puyallup Fair) is the state's biggest annual event.

Every year, it attracts some 1 million visitors to fun, food, and entertainment at the 160-acre Puyallup Fair and Events Center.

First organized by a handful of families in the early 20th century, the big event became known as the Puyallup Fair in 2007 before changing its name to the simpler Washington State Fair in 2013.

Today, the Washington State Fair in Puyallup remains one of the state's most popular early fall attractions combining a concert lineup with state-of-the-art amusement rides. That also includes old fashioned bronco busting, folk art and farm animal exhibits .... and lots and lots of food!

This year, the Washington State Fair kicks off on Labor Day weekend and ends on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

As usual, the fair will be closed each Tuesday throughout its three-week run.

2023 Washington State Fair concert lineup

Another spectacular concert lineup is planned in 2023 that in the recent past has included such names as Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Willie Nelson, Martina McBride, and Tim McGraw.

So far, organizers have announced that rock band Chicago will open the fair on September 1st, followed by Casting Crowns with Anne Wilson on Monday, September 18th. And be sure to keep it here for the complete lineup when it is revealed over the summer.

Usually, ticket prices range from $30 - $75 and includes general admission to the Fair.

What else to see and do at the Fair

For a unique blend of entertainment, also check out a very popular hypnotist act guaranteed to amaze and delight kids of all ages.

For more local wizardry, don't leave the fairgrounds before taking in the Hobby Hall — featuring wood carvings, egg art, ceramics, stained glass, hand crafted dolls, doll houses, and all manner of operating whirligigs and doodads.

While Puyallup features the familiar cotton candy, lemonade and deep fried everything, it's also often recommended that visitors find their way to the Young Life Pie Booth for a warm smile and a fresh slice of "the best pie on earth."

Giving fair-goers a chance to get silly, eat hearty, and be entertained "generation after generation."

For roller coaster fans, also don't miss a climb aboard the antique wooden roller coaster built in 1935, offering old-fashioned clickity-clack turns, spins, and thrills. As one recent fair goer put it, "I wish the Fair was open all year round!"

Have fun!

DID YOU KNOW? Washington State Fair fun facts

• Opened on a vacant lot (near the present location of Pioneer Park), the "Valley Fair" first opened from October 4-6, 1900. Admission was $1 per family for all three days.

• The Fair had its first carousel in 1923 featuring a Wurlitzer band organ. Today, the restored antique carousel is now valued at $1.3 million and located in its own building in front of the Exposition Hall.

• In 1991, the Puyallup Fair was the first major fair in the United States to feature the latest craze, bungee jumping.

• Fisher Fair Scones (dripping with honey butter and jam) celebrated their 100th Anniversary by serving their 100 millionth scone during the 2011 Puyallup Fair.

• By 2016 the Washington State Fair became so popular than it extended its schedule from two weeks to its present three-week run.

More information about the Washington State Fair around the Web:

TheFair.com - This is the official site of the Washington State Fair with a complete guide to dates and schedules, concert lineup, ticket prices and information, major attractions, photos, maps and directions.

Washington State Fair- Check out the Wikipedia guide to the annual fair including a brief history, attendance records, photos and related resources.

The Puyallup Fair Photography Collection - Fun facts, history and photos covering the entire history of the fair from the 1900s to the present, courtesy of the Tacoma Public Library.

also see -> Washington Campgrounds

Washington Beaches | Washington State Fall Foliage

Washington State Wineries | Christmas in Washington State