2026 Thurston County Fair is in full swing

The Thurston County Fair is well underway, showcasing an estimated 4,000 entries from county residents of all ages.

The fair opened Thursday, July 30, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey.

A grand opening celebration Thursday evening welcomed the prestigious 2026 Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline, and more performers are scheduled to appear throughout the weekend.

Last year’s fair brought an estimated 20,000 visitors to the Thurston County Fairgrounds over its four-day run, and event organizers expect this year’s fair to see similar numbers.

An estimated 350 to 500 volunteers make the fair run, including fair board members, community members, and parents of kids exhibiting their animals.

“It takes a village to put on the fair,” said Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center Manager Thomasina Cooper.

Event highlights throughout the weekend include traditional 4-H and FFA livestock judging, the inaugural Kiddie Krawl Contest by KGY, the Thurston County Youth Animal Market Sale, the Lion Gypzi Fire Experience, public baking competitions, and America 250 exhibits from the State Archives Office.

Said Thurston County in a news release: “This year's fair brings back its signature blend of classic carnival fun, stellar live entertainment, agricultural showcases, and incredible daily gate specials designed to make the fair accessible to everyone.”

Thursday’s daily gate special allowed fair attendees admission for just $1 with a donation of a non-perishible food item.

Last year, the promotion brought in between 1,200 and 1,500 pounds of food for the Thurston County Food Bank, according to Cooper.

“We're proud to continue to do that and support them and just help our community in whatever ways we can,” Cooper said.

Friday’s daily gate special allowed fair attendees to purchase a $50 carnival ride wristband and enjoy unlimited rides all day. Saturday honors military and first responders by giving them discounted $2 admission with a valid ID, and Sunday celebrates kids with $2 entry for youth ages 6 to 14. Kids 5 and under get in free every day of the fair.

Regular daily admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors age 60 and over, and $7 for youth ages 6-14.

Carnival tickets are available for purchase only at the carnival between 1 and 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and between 1 and 8 p.m. Sunday.

No open-toed shoes or sandals are allowed on the carnival rides.

Parking in the designated fair parking lot is $7 per day, or $22 for a season parking pass.

Fair attendees can also park for free at either Woodland Elementary School at 4630 Carpenter Road SE or at the North Thurston Public Schools Service Center at 6620 Carpenter Road SE and ride a school bus to the fairgrounds.

The shuttle comes every half hour and is free to ride, thanks to a partnership with North Thurston Public Schools.

As an added perk, bus drivers are handing out lollipops to riders.

“You don't have to walk up a hill, you don't have to be sweaty, you don't have to pay, and you get a lollipop,” Cooper said. “That’s what I really recommend in terms of ease of access.”

For more information about the Thurston County Fair, including a schedule of events and exhibits, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdev4yrw.