Youth, community, county and area fairs celebrate the state’s agricultural heritage and act as our “largest outdoor classroom.” Fairs showcase arts, crafts, food, science, technology, home arts, animals, history, and more. They provide a place where our youth can exhibit their knowledge of and quality care for their animals and livestock. It’s a place where community comes together. 

For many Washingtonians, going to the fair is a tradition for the entire family. If it’s spring, summer or fall in Washington, it’s fairs season. With nearly 70 fairs and shows around the state, you don’t have to travel far to join in the fun.



The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) also loves the state’s fairs. The department administers the Fairs Commission, an eight-member advisory committee reporting to the WSDA director. Commissioners evaluate fairs, help prepare merit rating used to determine fairs allocations, and serve as ambassadors of the department.

It’s estimated more than 3.7 million people visited Washington’s fairs in 2024.

• Over 50,000 people exhibited at fairs, including over 35,000 youth exhibitors;
• Fairgoers got to see 141,555 still-life exhibits and 76,316 animal exhibits; and
• 48,330 people volunteered at fairs.

Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Legislature recognize the importance of Washington’s fairgrounds. Beginning in 2003, the Legislature has helped fairs in their mission by awarding around $2 million each biennium for health and safety improvements to fairgrounds and facilities. We are pleased to announce that with the help of the Washington State Legislature, the Department of Agriculture will be awarding close to $9 million to Washington State fairs for the 2025-2027 biennium.  
 
Fair organizers can submit applications for capital improvement projects equal to or less than $250,000, until 5:00 PM on September 29, 2025.  

The Capital Improvement Grant Application can be found under the Forms tab.

Capital Improvement Grants Presentation