10 things to know before going to this year’s Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden
The Northwest Washington Fair is coming back to Lynden in just a few days, but there are a few things you’ll likely need to know before attending this year’s fair, which runs Aug. 8-17.
Here are 10 things you need to know before heading to the fair:
1. How to get tickets
Tickets for this year’s fair can be purchased online in advance or at the fair’s office. Admission tickets into the fair cost $15 for ages 13-61, $13 for ages 62 and above, and $10 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free, and season passes cost $45 per person.
The fair’s office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday regularly, or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair at 1775 Front St. in Lynden.
2. Discounted tickets are available
The fair offers a few free ticket days and ticket discounts:
▪ Free admission from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Food Drive Friday, Aug. 9, with a donation of four food items at gates 1 and 5.
▪ Free admission from 9 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11 at gates 1 and 5.
▪ Free admission for law enforcement officers, EMTs and firefighters, along with their spouses and children, on Monday, Aug. 12 at gates 1 and 5. A valid ID must be presented.
▪ Free admission for all active duty, veteran and retired military persons, along with their spouses and children on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at gates 1 and 5. A valid ID must be presented.
▪ Free children’s admission for all kids age 12 and under on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at gates 1 and 5.
▪ $2 off admission price for all Western Washington University students, alumni, faculty and staff with valid ID on Thursday, Aug. 15 at gates 1 and 5.
3. Where to park
There are two parking lots on Front Street on the west side of the fairgrounds, near Gate 2 and the Philips 66 Center, according to the fair map. Parking is also available on streets surrounding the fairgrounds.
The fair also offers a free park-and-ride shuttle from Fisher School to the fairgrounds. The shuttle will run from 11 am. to 10 p.m. daily, with pick ups and drop off at Gate 1. Fisher School is at 501 14th St. in Lynden.
Whatcom Transportation Authority is offering “Free Fare Days” Aug. 8-17, including free rides to the fair.
4. What you can bring in to the fair
You can bring your own food, water and drinks into the fair, but alcohol is prohibited. These items are also not allowed at the fair:
▪ Weapons of any kind
▪ Marijuana
▪ Tobacco can only be used in designated smoking areas.
▪ Items you are trying to sell or solicit.
▪ Pets, except trained guide animals or service animals.
▪ Items you distribute such as buttons, flyers, bumper stickers and more.
▪ Drones
5. How to go on carnival rides
Carnival ride prices vary on the ride, but all-day carnival passes are available. All day carnival passes will allows you to ride unlimited rides for one day, and cost $42 online, or $55 at the carnival ticket booths.
The carnival is open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. each day of the fair.
6. Free activities at the fair
Once you enter the fair, there are many things to do that do not cost any additional cost:
▪ The Banner Bank Festival Stage will offer free live entertainment throughout the entire fair. View the entertainment schedule here.
▪ The NW WA Fair Car Show is free, and is located inside the Philips 66 Center.
▪ Visit the many animal barns throughout the fairgrounds to view or even pet a variety of animals for free. The fair includes llamas, goats, sheep, cows, dogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, birds and horses.
▪ The Ninja Experience, a parkour stage show, is free throughout the fair. The show is performed at The Silver Reef Casino Resort Stage at noon and 2:30 p.m. daily, plus a 5 p.m. show on weekends.
▪ The Cirque Cyber Show, a high thrill circus show, is free throughout the fair at the Andgar Home Comfort Stage. The show is performed at 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. daily, plus a 5:45 p.m. show on weekends.
▪ Indoor exhibits and judged competitions such as flowers, quilts, LEGO and more are free to view in the Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion and Philips 66 Center.
7. How to see Grandstand shows
This year’s fair features a variety of Grandstand Entertainment, including Ludacris, Walker Hayes, a demolition derby, the PRCA Rodeo, Chris Janson and Leeland.
Grandstand Entertainment tickets are available online, or at the fair’s office. Grandstand Entertainment tickets do not include admission to the fair and must be purchased separately.
The fair’s office is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday regularly, or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fair at 1775 Front St. in Lynden.
8. Kinds of food at the fair
This year’s fair will have a large variety of special foods, treats and more for guests to enjoy. The 2024 Fair Food Finder includes a complete list of all food vendors and specialties, along with their location around the fairgrounds.
Some of this year’s food includes the famous Moo-wich ice cream sandwiches, giant corn dogs, poffertjes, espresso drinks, jumbo onion rings, cotton candy, fried rice, BBQ, pizza, pretzel bites, stir fry, mini donuts, boba tea and funnel cakes.
9. What is not allowed at the fair
The NW Washington Fair has a few rules you should know before visiting in addition to the prohibited items above. These actions are not allowed on the fairgrounds:
▪ Disorderly, disruptive, threatening or hostile behavior, or the use of loud or obscene language or gestures.
▪ Standing or walking in large groups that block movement or inconvenience others, or blocking any fire exits, buildings, booths, exhibits or public space.
▪ Skateboarding, rollerblading, bicycle riding, moped riding, segway riding or any form of skating.
▪ Possessing alcoholic beverages outside of designated areas.
▪ Sitting on table tops, or placing your feet on tabletops.
▪ Soliciting of any kind.
▪ Interfering with fair business.
▪ Any activity that could result in harm of a person or property.
▪ Using or possessing marijuana.
▪ Any act defined by federal, state, or local statute or ordinances as a crime.
10. Top things to do at the fair
The fair has a variety of activities that you won’t want to miss. Here are a few things we suggest:
▪ Learn about local farming practices at the Farming for Life Experience, open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily inside the farm pavilion.
▪ The Antique Tractor Display, open daily behind the water tower at the southwest corner of the fairgrounds.
▪ The beer garden located north of the Grandstand and behind the Grandstand ticket booth.
▪ Free entertainment shows this year: Ninja Experience and Cirque Cyber Shows.
▪ Local vendors and artists located throughout the fairgrounds.
▪ The All Creatures Barnyard Races will feature live pig, goat, duck and sheep racing around a small track at 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:15 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. daily on the West Side of BP Place.
This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
