Washington

Headed to the State Fair in Puyallup? Here are deals that cut the cost this weekend

Fairgoers line the midway as the Grand Wheel spins during the opening day of the 2024 Washington State Fair in Puyallup.
Fairgoers line the midway as the Grand Wheel spins during the opening day of the 2024 Washington State Fair in Puyallup. bhayes@thenewstribune.com

The Washington State Fair in Puyallup begins celebrating its 125th year this Labor Day weekend, and there are a number of deals in place to make a trip to the fair this weekend a lot cheaper for families and others pinching pennies.

Admission deals

First, the fair is offering free admission to all kids ages 18 and younger all weekend long, from Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 1.

On Friday morning, anyone can get free admission by bringing a non-perishable food donation to any Fair gate. This discount runs only from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Friday. The donations will support the Puyallup Food Bank.

And on Monday, eligible military personnel and their dependents get free admission.

Admission for those who need to pay at the gate is $20 general admission or $17 for seniors 65 and older. Discounts are available by buying tickets in advance online.

People ride the Wave Swinger during the opening day of the 2024 Washington State Fair.
People ride the Wave Swinger during the opening day of the 2024 Washington State Fair. Brian Hayes bhayes@thenewstribune.com

Labor Day carnival rides deal

For those who love the carnival rides, you can ride as much as you like on Labor Day Monday with the purchase of a special holiday Dizzy Pass Ride Bracelet.

The ride is good for unlimited Funtastic ThrillVille and SillyVille rides on Monday. The bracelet includes two free games as well, but excludes the Extreme Scream and Adventure Zone rides.

Dizzy Pass Ride Bracelets cost $70 and do not include Fair gate admission.

The Sillyville Train chugs along during the opening day of the 2024  Washington State Fair.
The Sillyville Train chugs along during the opening day of the 2024 Washington State Fair. Brian Hayes bhayes@thenewstribune.com

Opening Day drone show

To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Washington State Fair, opening night will feature a drone and firework show. Hundreds of synchronized drones will light up the night sky in a series of formations, accompanied by a fireworks display. This 10- to 12-minute show marks a new tradition to launch the Fair.

While the Drone Show is one night only to celebrate Opening Day, every Friday will Fireworks Friday during the Fair. The shows will begin at 10 p.m.

Concert lineup

There will be live concerts every day at the Grandstand. Here’s the lineup.

FRIDAY, AUG. 29: TOTO, Christopher Cross and Men at Work

SATURDAY, AUG. 30: Riley Green with Josh Ross

SUNDAY, AUG. 31: Meghan Trainor with ellis

MONDAY, SEPT. 1: Rebelution with Iam Tongi and Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino

Separate tickets are needed to sit in the concert venue; those tickets include fair admission. The full concert lineup for the entirety of the fair season and tickets are available on the fair website.

The fair also offers free live music, comedy and other shows on four stages. Shows will include The Panto Company’s Little Mermaid, Professor Smart’s Science Show, Asbury Park, Radio Ready, Chicago Honey Bear Dancers, Divas Through The Decades, Red Corvette and more. See the full lineup on the fair website.

People wait in line for Fisher’s scones during the opening day of the Washington State Fair in 2024.
People wait in line for Fisher’s scones during the opening day of the Washington State Fair in 2024. Brian Hayes bhayes@thenewstribune.com

This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Headed to the State Fair in Puyallup? Here are deals that cut the cost this weekend."

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