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The moment you have been waiting for all year is finally here – The Thurston County Fair is upon us! Happening August 1-5, it’s the perfect family outing.  The smell of popcorn and fried foods, the sounds of the games, including the screams from the rides, and of course the sights. So much to see including animals of all sizes, hobbies of every type and entertainers galore!

New this year, daily and season passes for admission, parking and pre-sale carnival armbands are all available for purchase online before the fair, so you can bypass the ticket lines and get to having fun quicker than ever before.

You can access the full Thurston County Fair schedule here, which includes livestock schedules. Daily entertainment includes comedy acts, magic shows, musical guests, livestock shows, gardening demos, and more! Check out the highlights of each day’s unique events below.


August 1

One Buck Wednesday – Admission is $1 with a Thurston County food bank donations

  • Poultry Costume Contest: 3:00 p.m. at the Petersen Barn
  • Six Pack Pretty Band: 7:00 p.m. on the Les Schwab Stage.
  • Dan Walker Duo: 7:00 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.

August 2

Thurston County Fair
Get your fill of fuzzy animals at the Thurston County Fair. Photo credit: Sarah Gonia

Kid’s Day – Kids ages 6-14 get in for $2
Buddy Day – bring a buddy with you to the ticket office and buy one armband, get one free

  • Bubble Gum Blowing Contest: 2:30 p.m. at The Green at Heritage Hall.
  • Corn Hole Game: 5:30 p.m. at The Green at Heritage Hall.
  • Big Blue Van: 7:00 p.m. on the Les Schwab Stage.
  • Oly Lemmings: 7:00 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.

August 3

Military Day – Active and retired military and National Guard, and their family members, get in for $2

  • Army Rock Band: 1:00 p.m. on the Main Stage.
  • Under Tones Bans: 1:00 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.
  • Egg on a Spoon Race: 2:30 p.m. at The Green at Heritage Hall.
  • Sack Races: 5:30 p.m. at The Green at Heritage Hall.
  • 4-H Cat Costume Contest: 6:00 p.m. at the Petersen Barn
  • Backlash: 7:00 p.m. on the Les Schwab Stage.
  • Oly Mountain Boys: 7:00 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.

August 4

  • Thurston County Fair ride
    Rides for the daring are waiting for you at the Thurston County Fair

    Rubber Chicken Toss: 2:30 p.m. at The Green at Heritage Hall.

  • Watermelon Eating Contest: 5:30 p.m. at The Green at Heritage Hall.
  • Smoking Mountain Bluegrass Band: 5:30 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.
  • The Shady Day Band: 7:30 p.m. on the Food Court Stage.

August 5

  • Rabbit and Cavy Costume Contest: 1:00 p.m. at the Petersen Barn
  • Hay Scramble: 2:30 p.m. at The Green at Heritage Hall.
  • Ryan Stevenson with special guest The Salzer Creek Band: 4:00 p.m.

Thurston County Fair Hours

  • Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Rides open from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Rides open 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Whether you love fair food, live music, animals, shows or all of the above, you will find it at the Thurston County Fair.

Thurston County Fair Admission 

  • Adults: $7
  • Senior (60+): $6
  • Youth (6-14): $5
  • Child 5 years and under: Free
  • Carnival armbands: $30

Parking is $5 daily, $20 season. Free parking and shuttle service is available. Park at the North Thurston School District Bus barn or Woodland Elementary School and take the shuttle to the fair. Runs every 15 minutes.

By a season pass and get 40 percent off the daily rate. Carnival armbands $25 until July 31 when pre-purchased.

Tickets can be pre-purchased online.

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