It’s officially fair season in Northwest Washington, with two major events returning in the second week of August. The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden and Skagit County Fair in Burlington occur in close proximity, yet both have unique offerings and identities.
From famous musicians to acrobats, hypnotists and horses, entertainment at the Northwest Washington Fair is unparalleled. Other notable attractions include competitive exhibitions, 4-H demonstrations and a carnival. That’s not to mention the food options, from the iconic Moo-Wich to poffertjes and brick-sized curly fries.
The Skagit County Fair, on the other hand, is celebrating its 125th year in action with the theme “Skagit’s ‘Goat’ Talent.” Fairgrounds manager Aric Gaither said the event is pure Skagit County, maintaining its manageable size and “very local community feel” despite continued growth. This year they’re welcoming more than 100 performers across three stages, plus thousands of exhibits, 100 shopping vendors and 22 food vendors.
Whether it’s your first or 15th time attending the region’s fairs, here’s a guide for what to expect in 2024.
Hours and pricing
The Northwest Washington Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily Aug. 8–17. Gate prices are $15 for general admission, $13 for seniors (62+) and $10 for youth ages 6–12. Children 5 and under enter free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
The Northwest Washington Fair offers several discount days, including Food Drive Friday (Aug. 9), where visitors gain free admission between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Gates 1 or 5 by donating four food items. All community members receive free gate admission on Aug. 11 from 9–11 a.m. at Gates 1 or 5. Free entrance is available for first responders on Aug. 12, military personnel on Aug. 13 and kids under 12 on Aug. 14. Western Washington University students, faculty, staff and alumni receive $2 off gate entrance on Aug. 15.
This year the Skagit County Fair is open on Sunday, from Thursday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 11 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 8–10 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug 11). Gate prices are $10 in advance and on opening day; the rest of the weekend, tickets are $13 for adults (18–61); $11 for youth, seniors and military; and $44 for families (two youth plus two adults). Children 5 and under enter free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
Fairgoers can gain discounted entry at the Skagit County Fair by donating one pack of diapers for one entry (valid only at the Cleveland Park North Entrance) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 8.
Getting there
The Northwest Washington fairgrounds are located half a mile from Front Street in Lynden (10.2 miles from Interstate 5 exit 256A via Guide Meridian). The lot is surrounded by paid parking, with most fees supporting local causes, though a free shuttle bus is also available from Fisher Elementary School. Street parking is also free in Lynden.
Whatcom Transportation Authority is waiving fees from Aug. 8–17, meaning you can catch a bus at Cordata Station in Bellingham and ride to Lynden free of charge.
Skagit Transit also offers a variety of public transportation options to the Skagit Fair. From Bellingham, take route 80X to Skagit Station, then transfer to Route 202 and exit at the Skagit Fairgrounds bus stop (No. 1283). Parking is available for $7 at the Main Fairgrounds South Parking Lot (501 Taylor St.).
Entertainment at the Northwest Washington Fair
As far as grandstand entertainment goes, Ludacris’ buzzed-about Aug. 17 performance is sold out. But that doesn’t mean other options don’t exist: Country star Walker Hayes still has general admission tickets available on Aug. 10 as of press time, and the Banda Los Recoditos show on Aug. 11 is sure to be a blast.
Additional grandstand performances include Leeland (contemporary Christian, Aug. 14), Chris Janson (country, Aug. 15) and Ace Frehley/Steven Adler (KISS/Guns ‘n’ Roses covers, Aug. 16). The Demolition Derby is on Aug. 8–9, and the PRCA Rodeo takes place Aug. 12–13. Note that the price of gate entry is not included for general admission tickets.
Other performances at the Northwest Washington Fair, like the Grandstand Horse Show (Aug. 12–17), are free with a gate ticket. Fair manager Selena Burgess said some entertainment options are also new for 2024. This includes the comedic American Ninja Warrior-style Ninja Experience and cyberpunk-tinged Cirque Cyber. Folks can also catch returning entertainers — including Zuzu Acrobats, hypnotist Tammy Harris Barton and the Reptile Lady — at the Banner Bank Stage.
Entertainment at the Skagit County Fair
Main stage musicians at the Skagit County Fair are diverse, ranging from Minimum Wage Band (oldies, Aug. 8) to County Rose (Americana, Aug. 9), ShiDaa (West African percussion, Aug. 9) and Queen’s Bluegrass (bluegrass, Aug. 10). The main stage also features family entertainment including hypnotist Ron Stubb and magician Sterling Diaz.
The Community Stage has five daily performances from entertainers including PNW Country Dance (Aug. 8), Cascade Cody & His Unpulled Bootstraps (Aug. 9) and Keith Howard (Aug. 10). Grounds entertainment includes daily performances from returning entertainers like Wren the Juggler, as well as all-new acts like the FlippenOut Extreme Trampoline Show.
Skagit County has a large Latino community, and Gaither said the Latin Stage is a good inroad to “making sure the entire community is welcome.” Entertainment includes DJs, cumbia dancing, Latin horse shows and even a performance from Latin Grammy-nominated singer/actor El Dasa.
Exhibits, events and competitions: Northwest Washington Fair
Competitive exhibit categories — 38 of them, to be exact — are among the Northwest Washington Fair’s most interesting and longest-running features. Open-class and 4-H categories range from photography to agriculture, animals, hobbies, flowers, and even baking and canning (the latter dating back to the event’s inception in 1911).
The fair also wouldn’t be the fair without a focus on farming. Over at the Henry Jansen Ag Center, attendees can witness the birth of baby calves, interact with local farmers, or get up close and personal with small animals like bunnies and pigs.
There’s also a Farming for Life Experience, highlighting the development of Whatcom County agriculture, plus performances and competitions from local 4-H youth and their animals. For even more cuteness, make sure to catch the All Creatures Barnyard Races daily on the west side of BP Place.
Finally, the ever-anticipated carnival is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with rides ranging from merry-go-rounds to Ferris wheels and more. Unlimited ride wristbands are $42 online before the fair opens, or on-site during the event for $55. Wristbands must be redeemed by 8 p.m.
Exhibits, events and competitions: Skagit County Fair
Farming exhibitions and demonstrations are also a mainstay at the Skagit County Fair. Most notable are exhibitions by Skagit County’s 4-H members and Future Farmers of America (FFA), whose work Gaither described as “a huge testament to all of the leaders in our county who have mentored the younger generation and created a pipeline of sustained success.”
The Skagit County Fair also has no shortage of competitions, from daily pie eating contests to a Diaper Derby race (Aug. 8). There’s also the Cheer at the Fair event on Aug. 8, which features not just a performance but a team spirit and cheerleader pie eating competition.
Other notable events include daily character meet-and-greets to themed days, like Family Resources Day (Aug. 8), Safety and Preparedness Day (Aug. 9) and the SVC Auto Club Display (Aug. 10–11). This year the fair will even introduce a goat playground and free mini golf.
Finally, the Skagit County Fair carnival runs from noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 8–10 and noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 11. Unlimited ride wristbands are $40 at the fair, and are also available for discounted presale at Kaptein’s Ace Hardware in Mount Vernon through Aug. 6.
Miscellaneous tips
- Wear comfy walking shoes and stay hydrated. The Northwest Washington Fair has two water bottle refill stations, located by the restrooms at the Henry Jansen Ag Center and near the clock tower. The Skagit County Fair has a “Thirst Buster” station located by the Vuelta La Luna Circus, FlippenOut/Trampoline Show stages.
- Want to make a beeline for the Moo-Wich? The Northwest Washington Fair has a handy Fair Food Finder available on its website.
- This year the Skagit County Fair is introducing a kiddie corral/parent rest area in the Sherman Anderson Ball Field, complete with chairs, toys, shade and a nursing area.
- Fairgrounds are expansive, so plan your visit in advance — full maps and detailed schedules for both fairs can be found online. For more information, visit nwwafair.com and skagitcounty.net.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
