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It’s just not summer until the Thurston County Fair opens. Animal exhibits, live music, rides, games and more fried food than you could possibly eat: It’s all coming to the Thurston County Fairgrounds July 31 – August 4, 2019. Get your tickets ahead of time and skip the admission line – you won’t want to miss a minute of family fun at the Thurston County Fair!

Thurston County Fair tickets are available now online. Remember all concerts are free with paid admission! By a season pass and get 40 percent off the daily rate. You can also your parking and carnival armbands online, saving you even more time and money. Going on a promotional day? Not to worry, discounted day tickets are also available early.

Daily entertainment includes comedy acts, magic shows, musical guests, livestock shows, gardening demos, and more! You want to miss the Battle of the Bands happening July 31 – August 4. Check out the highlights of each day’s events below. Find the full Thurston County Fair schedule online.

July 31

One Buck Wednesday: Admission for all ages to the fair is only $1 with a non-perishable food donation (per person) for Thurston County Food Banks

Thurston County Fair
Meet all kinds of animals at the Thurston County Fair. Photo credit: Sarah Gonia

Butterfly Encounter: throughout the fair
Paramount Martial Arts Demonstration: 11:30 a.m. at the Expo Stage
Reptile Isle: throughout the fair, with shows twice a day. At 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Bamboozle: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
4-H Horse Costume Contest: 3:00 p.m. at the Andrews Arena
Slieveloughane Dancers: 4:00 p.m. at the Expo Stage
Eric Haines – One Man Band: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., roving the fairgrounds
Welcoming Ceremony: 6:00 p.m. at the Main Stage

August 1

Kid’s Day: $2 admission for all kids 14-years-old and younger

Buddy Day: Buy one armband and get one free – your buddy must be with you at time of purchase

Exhillirating rides are a must-do at the fair. Buy your carnival wristband ahead of time and save on the fun.

Butterfly Encounter: throughout the fair
Reptile Isle: throughout the fair, with shows twice a day. At 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Bamboozle: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
Eric Haines – One Man Band: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., roving the fairgrounds
Chocolate Cake Eating Contest: 12:00 p.m. entry time at Expo Center
Tanglefoot Cloggers: 6:30 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
Battle of the Bands: 9:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage

August 2

Military Appreciation Day: $2 admission for military, must present ID

thurston county fair
When your ready to refuel, you will have plenty of amazing food to choose from at the Thurston County Fair.

Butterfly Encounter: throughout the fair
Reptile Isle: throughout the fair, with shows twice a day. At 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Bamboozle: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
Eric Haines – One Man Band: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., roving the fairgrounds
Mangathon Demo and Competition: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Sokolik Building
Angel Fire Band: 3:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage
Sack Races: 5:30 p.m. in the Heritage Green Hall
Nail Driving Contest: 6:00 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
Battle of the Bands: 9:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage

August 3

thurston county fair
Participation isn’t limited to groups or organizations, thanks to Open Class opportunities, anyone can showcase their talent, hobby, or hard work. Photo courtesy: Thurston County Fair.

County Commissioner’s Pancake Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. at the Heritage Hall Kitchen
Butterfly Encounter: throughout the fair
Reptile Isle: throughout the fair, with shows twice a day. At 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Bamboozle: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
Eric Haines – One Man Band: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., roving the fairgrounds
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Demonstration: 1:00 p.m. at the East Arena
Rubber Chicken Toss: 2:30 p.m. at the Heritage Hall Green
Shady Day Band: 4:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage
Battle of the Bands Finale: 9:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage

August 4

Thurston Throwback Day: There will be special displays showing technologies of the past from the Olympia Historical Society, Bigelow House Museum, Lacey Museum, Steilcoom Tribe, Olympia South Thurston County Historical Society, Tenino Museum, Thurston County Historical Commission, Washington State Archives, Washington State Library, and more!

Butterfly Encounter: throughout the fair
Reptile Isle: throughout the fair, with shows twice a day. At 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Bamboozle: 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
Eric Haines – One Man Band: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., roving the fairgrounds
Oly Highlanders Pipe and Drum band: 12:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage
Taiko Drummers (River Ridge High School): 1:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage
Slainte-Celtic Band: 3:00 p.m. at the Food Court Stage
Land of Living Color and Bryan Duncan: 4:00 p.m. at the Expo Center Stage
Equine Parade of Champions: 5:00 p.m. in the Andrews Arena

thurston county fair
Performers, vendors, participants, and attendees showcase the best our county has to offer in music and entertainment. Photo courtesy: Thurston County Fair.

Thurston County Fair Hours

Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Rides open from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday and 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.

Thurston County Fair Admission

Tickets purchased by credit card will incur a processing fee.

Adults: $7
Senior (60+): $6
Youth (6-14): $5
Child 5 years and under: Free
Carnival armbands: $32, at fair, $27 if pre-purchased before July 31
Parking is $5 daily, $20 season

By a season pass and get 40 percent off the daily rate.

Tickets can be pre-purchased online.

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