Tomorrow Kicks Off 10 Fun-Filled Days of the Northwest Washington Fair

Summer is not over yet! Get ready for the 10 best days of summer in Whatcom County at the Northwest Washington Fair, kicking off tomorrow, August 13, and running through August 22. Discover activities, entertainment, farm animals, and carnival rides that the whole family will enjoy. And for fairgoers planning a trip on a budget, there are great opportunities to save on gate admission and Fair food. Plus, there’s so much to do and see that is FREE with admission.

Fairgoers can take advantage of seven different days featuring free or reduced gate admission, made possible by generous community partners.

August 13 – Community Education Day: Supporting local students, educators, and classrooms across Whatcom County. Receive complimentary gate admission in one of two ways:
- Complimentary Gate Admission for School Staff: All Whatcom County public, private, and tribal school employees receive complimentary gate admission with valid school credentials at Gates 1 or 5 all day.
- Donate Back-to-School Essentials and Receive Free Admission: Fairgoers can get free admission by donating four school supply items from the list below at Gates 1 or 5 between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
- Requested items: colored pencils, markers, Crayola crayons (especially jumbo size), washable tempera paint, glue sticks, and socks of all kids' sizes, including teens.

All donations will be distributed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Made possible by Trucordia.

August 14 – Food Drive Friday: Receive free gate admission between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM at Gates 1 or 5 with a donation of four food items (canned proteins, fruits, vegetables, dry pinto beans, rice, and pasta) to benefit the Whatcom County Food Bank Network. Made possible by Brown & Brown.
August 16 – Free Morning Admission/Worship at the Fair: All guests receive free gate admission at Gates 1 or 5 between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, made possible by Peoples Bank.

Worship at the Fair starts at 10:00 AM at the Bank of the Pacific Grandstands and is a community worship service that is free and open to all. Attendance at the worship service is not required to take advantage of free morning admission. However, please note that the carnival and most vendors open at 11:00 AM, though select vendors may open earlier.

August 17 – First Responders Day: Honoring those who risk it all to help others. All law enforcement officers, EMTs, and firefighters with a valid ID, including their spouse and children, receive complimentary gate admission. Offer is available all day at Gates 1 and 5. Made possible by Puget Sound Energy.
August 18 – Military Appreciation Day: Saying thank you to our nation’s heroes by providing complimentary gate admission for all active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel with valid ID, along with their spouse and children. Offer is available all day at Gates 1 or 5. Made possible by Victory Legal Services PLLC.
August 19 – Kids Day: All children 12 and under receive complimentary gate admission at Gates 1 or 5 all day. Made possible by WRS.
August 20 – Western Washington University Day: All Western Washington University students, alumni, faculty, and staff with a valid ID receive $2 off gate admission. Offer is available all day, and tickets must be purchased at Gates 1 or 5. The Fair is excited to partner for a fifth year with Western Washington University to provide this opportunity.

Fair fun starts the moment fairgoers step through the gate with four stages of FREE entertainment, included with gate admission. The Banner Bank Festival Stage features hypnotist Tammy Harris Barton, The Magic of Sterling, the high-energy entertainment duo B2Wins, and more. Plus, a spotlight performance on Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 PM by Aporto Versado and Los Armados, presented by Everson Farm & Hardware.

The Ziply Fiber Action Stage presents the daring acts of the All American High Dive Show, featuring world-class divers and gymnasts performing springboard and tower diving. Then, head over to the Silver Reef Casino Resort Stage to see the high-flying trapeze troupe, The Flying Royals, put on a thrilling show the whole family will love. In the center of the Fair at the iconic Alta Gas | ALA Energy Clock Tower Stage, discover different performances daily at 4:00 PM.

Don’t miss the Grandstand Horse Show presented by Northwest Propane! Grab a seat in the Bank of the Pacific Grandstand and discover the magnificence of the draft horse hitches as they move their way around the Scholten’s Equipment Arena. Cheer on the Nooksack Valley Riders, witness kiddos compete in mutton busting, and more August 17-22 at 12:30 PM.

The Fair wouldn’t be complete without adorable farm animals. The Barnyard gives fairgoers the opportunity to see these farm friends up close. Presented by Everson Farm & Hardware. Discover The Minis, an exhibit featuring baby farm animals, presented by EPL Feed. Then gather around for story time at 2:30 PM every day featuring readings from surprise guests. Stick around for the fan-favorite All Creatures Barnyard Races, where delightful farm animals race against each other to the finish line.

Stroll the barns and discover animals from local 4-H, FFA, and Open Class exhibitors, part of the EPL Livestock Exhibit, and discover the creativity of individuals in the community with still life exhibits like quilts, Legos, photography, and more. FFA Competitive Exhibits and Shows are sponsored by EPL Feed. 4-H Competitive Exhibits and Shows are sponsored by Scholten’s Equipment. Open Class Competitive Exhibits and Shows are sponsored by Exact Scientific Services.

For those looking to save on delicious Fair food, the Fair Food Value Menu returns for its second year. Discover select meals and food items from participating vendors that are only $10 or less. Visit nwwafair.com/fairfoodvaluemenu to discover the menu or look for the Fair Food Value Menu signs at participating vendors.

Summer nights are better at The Fair. Don’t miss this 5-star lineup for the Bank of the Pacific Grandstand Entertainment Series:

• August 13 and 14 – Demolition Derby in the Scholten’s Equipment Arena. Presented by Manna Insurance Group. Friday’s show is SOLD OUT.

• August 15 – Stone Temple Pilots presented by The Inn at Lynden and Rübus Events + Gatherings.

• August 16 – Maoli presented by Mokuʻāina A Wakinekona Hawaiian Civic Club.

• August 17 and 18 – Lynden PRCA Rodeo in the Scholten’s Equipment Arena. Presented by Northwest Ford Dealers.

• August 19 – TobyMac presented by Manna Insurance Group.

• August 20 – Ja Rule & Fat Joe presented by Rhema Electric.

• August 21 – Brantley Gilbert presented by Manna Insurance Group.

• August 22 – Hell’s Belles & Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience presented by Chad Chambers Auto Sales and HomeSmart One Realty.

Tickets are on sale now at nwwafair.com/tickets

Fair Hours:

• Fair Gate Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Carnival Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Vendor Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Ticket Prices:

• General admission (ages 13-61): $15

• Senior admission (ages 62+): $13

• Youth admission (ages 6-12): $10

• Children 5 and under are FREE!

• Ten-Day Gate Admission Passes: $45

• Purchase Unlimited Carnival Wristbands on the Fair website for $42 through August 12. August 13-22, Unlimited Carnival Wristbands will only be available onsite at Funtastic ticket booths for $55.

Questions? Call the Fair Office at 360-354-4111. Fair Office hours are 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM before the event. During the Fair, Office Hours are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Know Before You Go: New This Year – As part of its ongoing efforts to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, the Northwest Washington Fair is introducing a new bag-check procedure for the 2026 Fair. Beginning August 13, all bags entering the Fairgrounds will be inspected by security personnel at each Fair entry gate throughout the 10-day Fair. To help keep entry lines moving efficiently, guests are encouraged to have their bags open and ready for inspection as they approach the gates. Outside food, snacks, and beverages are still welcome; this policy has not changed. Guests are also encouraged to review the Guest Code of Conduct before arriving, which includes a list of prohibited items, along with other important information to help guests plan an enjoyable Fair experience. It can be found at nwwafair.com/guestcodeofconduct. Questions can be directed to the Fair Office at 360-354-4111.

Don’t miss the biggest 10 days of fun right here in Whatcom County at the Northwest Washington Fair, August 13-22, 2026. Discover even more Fair fun and buy tickets at nwwafair.com.