We’re heading into summer event season and one of the most anticipated downtown Olympia events is just around the corner. Capital Lakefair has been delighting summer fun seekers for 67 years and is back with all the fun you’ve come to expect. Even better, the family-friendly event in Olympia pays it forward through their scholarship program that has given more than $500,000 to local high school students over the years. Come experience the fun July 17-21, 2024 in Olympia.
This year’s Capital Lakefair court and scholarship recipients are Mary Bayle from Capital High School, Sydney Peters from Olympia High School, Charlie Culley from Black Hills High School and Sarah Barry from Rainier High School. Community ambassadors for 2024 are Kiana Richards from Timberline High School and Natalya Hayes from Avanti High School. The court and ambassadors are chosen in February of each year, so the kids can start representing the fair at the first events of the season, including a parade that happens in April, shares Karen Adams-Griggs, co-president for Capital Lakefair.
2024 Lakefair Entertainment Schedule
Capital Lakefair gives us a long weekend of fun starting on Wednesday, July 17! All five days you can enjoy the food vendors that line Water Street, most of which are nonprofit organizations that use the funds for Lakefair for operating expenses. “We have a lot of the returning food vendors for food row, and we are excited to be able to snack our way down the road,” shares Karen. Food vendors are open 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day.
Over 56 craft and art vendors will also be open every day of Capital Lakefair in Olympia. Support local small businesses and artists while getting a jump on your holiday shopping! Vendors are open 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day. Check out free live performances from local, regional and national groups from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day.
And of course, the carnival! Open every day of Capital Lakefair, Funtastic is providing us with all kinds of fun games and rides. No wristbands this year. Tickets will be available for purchase onsite only. The carnival rides and games are open July 17-18 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., July 19-20 from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and July 21 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Special events during Capital Lakefair include:
Senior Day, Friday, July 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Back again is Capital Lakefair’s 50+ in the Park! There will be live entertainment vendors, activities and more at Heritage Park for those over 50 and thriving! Prizes and giveaways too, so don’t miss this fun event.
Lakefair Car Show, Friday, July 19, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. sponsored by Les Schwab and Thurston County Corvettes. Come check out all the incredible rides, from classic to modern at this free event. Get in on the fun and register your car for the Lakefair Car Show online.
Lakefair Grand Parade, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 5 p.m. The 2024 Grand Marshall is George Sharp. The parade route is Capitol Way at 20th, continuing down 5th Avenue, ending near the bridge.
Lakefair Fireworks, July 21, 2024 at 10 p.m. Sponsored by Washington Lottery, the Fourth of July may be over, but you can have one more chance to see an incredible, professional fireworks display in Olympia at Capital Lakefair! “The Fireworks will be better than last year,” promises Karen. You won’t want to miss it!
Attending Capital Lakefair 2024
There is no admission to Capital Lakefair! Come and enjoy friends, family and sunny weather in downtown Olympia. There may be fees for some activities and events. There is no designated parking area for Capital Lakefair. You can park on any street that is not closed for Lakefair week. The following are closed all week for Capital Lakefair: Water Street between 5th Avenue and Columbia Street; Legion Way between Water Street and Columbia Street; and eastbound, right lane of 5th Avenue up to Water Street. For the car show and parade, Deschutes Parkway between 5th Avenue and Lakeridge Drive. For the parade, you can park on portions of Capitol Way S, 5th Avenue and Deschutes Parkway.
Want to spend the weekend in Olympia for a little staycation? Check out The Marie Bed & Breakfast as a great locally-owned hotel near all the action.
For more information, visit the Capital Lakefair website.
Capital Lakefair
July 17-21, 2024
Heritage Park, Olympia
