The Evergreen State Fair returns to the Evergreen State Fair Park on Thursday, bringing back carnival rides, animal barns, exhibits, and entertainment.
The Evergreen State Fair returns to the Evergreen State Fair Park Thursday, bringing back carnival rides, animal barns, exhibits, entertainment, beer gardens, and a slate of new and returning food and commercial vendors.
Now in its 117th year, the fair’s 2026 theme is “Barn in the USA! Celebrating America’s 250,” a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary and the traditions that continue to shape the community.
What’s new and special this year:
Organizers are adding the Summer Artisan Market, described as a shopping experience featuring locally made products.
The fair is also planning an America 250 Celebration on Friday, Sept. 4. The community concert is free with paid fair admission and begins at 7 p.m.
The fair says the program will include a variety of musical performances featuring familiar American songs, along with special guests.
Daily attractions include All-Alaskan Racing Pigs, located east of the Museum, with scheduled race times at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
A new Mocktail Garden will offer non-alcoholic specialty drinks and is located northwest of the Grandstands. The fair also notes it will have multiple wine and beer gardens.
Pony rides are scheduled in Covered Arena No. 101 from noon to 8 p.m. daily, with hours ending at 6 p.m. on Labor Day. Rides are listed at $15 each, and parents can walk alongside and take photos.
Healthy Communities Day partnership, on Sept. 3, the fair is partnering with the Snohomish County Health Department for Healthy Communities Day, offering resources for healthy living.
The fair says the day highlights the department’s work promoting healthy habits, addressing health inequities, reducing the spread of communicable diseases, and protecting food, water, and the environment from health threats.
Classic Car Display hosted by Snohomish County’s Thursday Night Garage on opening day, Aug. 27, from 3-7 p.m. on the tarmac at the Speedway.
“Gardening with Ciscoe” with Ciscoe Morris on Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Courtyard Stage. Free with paid fair admission.
Costume character appearances from Enchanting Events, including Rapunzel from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 27 at the West Gate, Spider-Man from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 3 at the West Gate.
The fair runs Aug. 27-Sept. 1 and Sept. 3-7, 2026.
Hours
- Gates are scheduled to be open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 27-Sept. 1 and Sept. 3-6, and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 (Labor Day). Barns and the Event Center close at 9 p.m.
- Carnival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 27-Sept. 1 and Sept. 3-6, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 (Labor Day).
- Admission, parking and discounts
- Gate admission is listed as $16 on weekdays and Labor Day and $18 on weekends for regular admission (ages 13-61). Seniors ages 62-89, military with ID, and youth ages 6-12 are $13 any day. Seniors 90 and older and children 5 and younger are free.
- Parking is $15 per entry, with ADA parking spaces available in all parking lots.
- The fair notes that there are no added fees when purchasing at the gate, but there is an added fee when purchasing tickets online.
- Advance discount admission and carnival passes are available through Aug. 26 at 11 p.m. A Weekday Round-up Package (four admission tickets) is listed at $40, plus a $3 online fee.
The fair is closed Wednesday, Sept. 2.
