The Best Summer County Fairs In Washington
Summers are made for county fairs, and Washington offers the best there is. You’re greeted with the aroma of funnel cakes and cotton candy upon entry, an immediate rush of adrenaline and adventure on rides and rodeos, all in one weekend. While each of these events gives you the classic and traditional fair experience, many take things further with special themes like Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo, monster truck shows at Clark County Fair, and even a Zucchini 500 race at San Juan County Fair. They're fun for the whole family with some children-tailored options, including a diaper derby at the Skagit County Fair and the Kids Zone at the King County Fair. If you are looking to make exciting summer plans, these eight must-see county fairs in Washington are the perfect place to start.
Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo
Held each year in the third weekend of August, Goldendale hosts this county fair to wrap up the summer. It takes the experience further with an annual theme, such as 2026’s Hashtags & Harvest Nights, inspired by cropping, gardening, celestial vibes, and relatable hashtags like #bornabarnkid. No matter the theme, Klickitat County Fair & Rodeo delivers in excitement, with a Kick-Off BBQ, beer garden, and the chance to see an NPRA rodeo, which is promoted as the “Best in the West.” The rodeo features top-tier athletes, spotlights a grand marshal, and crowns a queen each year.
The fair features livestock like sheep and pet goats, an exhibit hall featuring local artists, sewers, and farmers, and a downtown parade that takes over Columbus Avenue.
King County Fair
Barrel racing, a rodeo, a designated kids area, and a carnival are just some of the things you can experience at the King County Fair every summer in mid-July. When it comes to live music, the fair, located in Enumclaw, offers a variety of options, including folk, rock, country, and local and nationally acclaimed bands and musicians.
The carnival area features a gated kid zone for smaller children with fun activities like puzzles, story time, and games. Older kids and adults can get their thrill on the Pirate Ship, Shockwave, and Super Slide rides.
The fun doesn’t stop there. The King County Fair stays true to tradition with attractions such as mechanical bull riding, Butterfly Kingdom, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
San Juan County Fair
Each summer in mid-August, thousands of locals and tourists from the San Juan Islands and beyond head to the fair for its live music, flavorful food, and gripping carnival rides. Offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family, the San Juan County Fair features activities such as the Zucchini 500, a race for handheld cars made from zucchinis and other household items; the Trashion Fashion Show, a display of clothing made from reused and recycled materials; and tasty fair classics like elephant ears.
Channel your inner competitor by entering the baking contest, poster art competition, or photography contest, in which even the little ones can participate. Drink your favorite brew while vibing to tunes at Beer Garden Bands and stop by an animal barn to round out your weekend at the fair.
Grays Harbor County Fair
Held in Elma in late July, the Grays Harbor County Fair is the time this small town shows off its best charm. The fair boasts four days of live music, fried treats, exhilarating rides, and even a mosh pit, welcoming those from near and far to join their small-knit community.
An unlimited-ride wristband lets you seek adventure for hours with nonstop carnival rides. 4-H and FFA livestock are on display all week, and the fair also includes a youth livestock auction and a new baby goat exhibit. Live music from big-name bands and esteemed local acts sets the soundtrack for your weekend, as you enjoy fair foods like burgers, tacos, and barbecue.
It’s also worth noting that children ages 6 and under can take part in the kids zone and explore the best of agriculture, farming, and the great outdoors.
Kitsap County Fair & Stampede
Wrap up summer with the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede in Bremerton on the last weekend in August. Whether you go for one day or find something new to discover each day, your itinerary will be filled with memorable activities. It often kicks off with a motorcycle show, music, and nature-based activities, like seed snail painting. A rodeo with barrel racing at Thunderbird Arena, and cool moments like a magic show make the Kitsap County Fair a unique event. Aside from activities, art, crafts, and floral displays line the exhibit hall, along with fun happenings like pie-baking contests. Your day at the fair can end with face painting, a stroll through local boutiques, and picking up treats like freeze-dried candy.
Pierce County Fair
With annual themes like "Pirates of the FAIRibbean," the Pierce County Fair in Graham is a hit for all walks of life in mid-August. Its standout Hill & Dale Floral Show puts the best local blooms on display, while the Pierce County Youth Market Sale highlights the area's top 4-H students, and the Royal Ambassador Coronation offers a royal twist. It's not a fair without tasty sweets, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The Pierce County Fair offers all of that and more, with performances by tribute bands, lively rides like The Loop O'Plane and The Rave, and attractions like The Surf Shack.
Clark County Fair
The Clark County Fair takes over Ridgefield for 10 days each August, and it is quite an experience. From 4-H events like a llama social and a pirate's parrot show to family-friendly events like a watermelon-eating contest and a pretty baby contest, the fair is action-packed from beginning to end.
The motorsports lineup is an event in itself, with monster trucks, racing, and Tuff Trucks rides. At the same time, Mars Encounters is an interactive STEM exhibit featuring hands-on activities, Mars rovers, and space-themed exploration. Extreme bull riding and a rough stock rodeo also add another layer of excitement.
After the thrill, take in a live concert, stop for the famous Irish sundae served by Job's Daughter booth, and watch athletic pups swim in DogTown, a 32,000-gallon pool.
Skagit County Fair
Add the Skagit County Fair to your summer to-do list every second weekend in August. For four days in Mount Vernon, the fair is spread across four large stages, including the main and community stages, and the Latin entertainment stage for live music, family-friendly fun, and mystical shows featuring magic and hypnotism. Locals and tourists alike can join the fun with activities like Sewing at the Fair with Polly, a livestock sale, and a pie-eating contest. Kids can have a touch of fairyland, meet their favorite characters through Enchanting Events, and see trains up close with the Puget Sound Garden Railway Society. At the same time, babies can race in the adorable diaper derby. Before you leave, be sure to check out a concert at the arena or get one last thrill on a carnival ride like the Zipper.
Summer Memories In The Making
Nothing says summer like spending a weekend at a local fair. Whether you're making a pit stop on your scenic road trip or have it at the top of your list every year, a county fair is an experience for the whole family. From fried treats and sweets to exhilarating rides, live music, fun contests, and interactions with furry friends, time at the fair makes memories like none other. If you're seeking exhilarating adventure, community, or a vibrant experience, a county fair should be your stop in the summer.
