Seven Days of Free and Reduced Gate Admission Announced for 2026 Northwest Washington Fair
The Northwest Washington Fair is pleased to announce that it will offer seven different days of free and reduced gate admission during its 10-day event, made possible by various community partners. Guests must use Gates 1 or 5 to take advantage of the following offers.
Thursday, August 13 - Community Education Day
Supporting local students, educators, and classrooms across Whatcom County. There are two ways Fair guests can receive complimentary gate admission:
1. Complimentary Admission for School Staff: Whatcom County public, private, and tribal school employees receive complimentary gate admission with valid school credentials at Gates 1 or 5 all day.
2. Donate Back-to-School Essentials and Receive Free Admission: Members of the public can get free admission by donating four 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 to students in Whatcom County. Made possible by Trucordia.
Friday, 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.
Sunday, August 16 - Free Morning Admission & Worship at the Fair
All guests will receive free gate admission at Gates 1 or 5 between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Made possible by Peoples Bank.
Guests are invited to attend Worship at the Fair, a community worship service held at 10:00 AM at the Bank of the Pacific Grandstands. The service is free and open to all.
Attendance at the worship service is not required to take advantage of the free morning admission. Please note that the carnival and most vendors open at 11:00 AM, though select vendors may open earlier.
Monday, 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 receive complimentary gate admission for themselves, along with their spouse and children. Must enter through Gate 1 or 5. Made possible by Puget Sound Energy.
Tuesday, 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. Must enter through Gate 1 or 5. Made possible by Victory Legal Services PLLC.
Wednesday, August 19 - Kids Day
All children 12 and under receive complimentary gate admission at Gates 1 or 5. Made possible by WRS.
Thursday, August 20 - Western Washington University Day
All Western Washington University students, alumni, faculty, and staff with a valid ID receive $2 off gate admission. 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.
The Northwest Washington Fair extends its thanks to the community partners who have helped make these free and reduced gate admission days possible for the public to enjoy.
The 2026 Northwest Washington Fair will take place August 13–22. For the entertainment lineup, ticket information, and more details about this year’s Fair, visit nwwafair.com .
