Thurston County Fair
Immerse yourself in over 150 years of tradition at the Thurston County Fair, where timeless agricultural heritage meets modern family fun in a vibrant celebration of community spirit.
Held annually on the first full weekend of August, the Thurston County Fair transforms the Thurston County Fairgrounds into a hub of excitement and nostalgia. What began in 1871 as a humble showcase of territorial goods and livestock has evolved into a vibrant celebration of local culture, agriculture, and entertainment.
Visitors of all ages eagerly anticipate the fair's diverse offerings each year. With thrilling carnival rides, live performances, competitive exhibits and many other family-friendly activities, the Thurston County Fair captures the spirit of the region.
Event Details
- Exhibitions – See the region's best animals during 4-H and Open Class contests and demonstrations including llama and alpaca demos, dairy goats, and a dog obstacle course.
- Live Entertainment – Keep the fun going with corn hole, free live music, kids art activities, and art exhibits showcasing the work of local artists.
- Carnival Rides – Discover endless thrills on the classic carnival rides!
- Baking Contests – Watch as local bakers put their homemade cookies, berry pies, and other baked goods to the test in the different baking competitions.
When & Where
Dates: July 31 – August 4, 2024
Hours:
- Wednesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
(Carnival rides are open Wednesday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Location: Thurston County Fairgrounds
Admission
Season Admission
- Adult – $23
- Senior – $20
- Youth (6-14) – $17
- Adult Exhibitor – $16
- Youth Exhibitor – $10
Daily Admission
- Adult – $9
- Senior – $8
- Youth (6-14) – $7
- One Buck Wednesday – $1 ( Per person with a non-perishable food item donation to support the Thurston County Food Bank Can Hunger program.)
- Thursday Kid’s Day – $2 (All kids 14 and under.)
- Friday, Military Day – $2 (Present your military ID.)
Carnival ride tickets are available for purchase at the carnival and are good for same day use only.
Where to Stay
Visitors to the Thurston County Fair have several accommodation options, including on-site camping at the fairgrounds with three different sites available: electrical hookups for $133, generator sites for $89, and dry camping for $89. For other lodging options, nearby hotels offer a comfortable alternative with modern amenities.
Getting There
Parking at the fairgrounds is $7 per day or $22 for the season. There is also a free shuttle bus providing service from the Bus Barn and Woodland Elementary(4630 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503) to the fairgrounds. Buses operate Wednesday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.