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- 🎡 The Thurston County Fair Is Back!
🎡 The Thurston County Fair Is Back!
And It’s a Must-Do Summer Tradition

Carnival rides, funnel cakes, farm animals, and classic small-town charm — here’s everything you need to know

If you live in Thurston County, here’s your official heads-up: one of the summer’s most beloved local events is almost here.
The Thurston County Fair returns July 31 through August 3, bringing four days of food, rides, animals, and live entertainment to the South Sound. Whether you’re in it for the nostalgia or just looking for an easy family outing, this event delivers classic fair vibes — and it’s only around for a few days.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
🗓️ Dates: Wednesday, July 31 – Saturday, August 3, 2025
📍 Location: Thurston County Fairgrounds – 3054 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey, WA
🎟️ Get Tickets Online Here
🎠 What to Expect at the Fair
This year’s fair promises all the staples we’ve come to love — and a few fun extras:

🎢 Carnival rides & games for all ages
🐄 4-H livestock shows and animal exhibits
🎨 Local crafts, quilts, and art displays
🍰 Pie-eating contests, classic fair treats, and food trucks
🎶 Live music and entertainment throughout the grounds
🧁 Funnel cakes, corn dogs, and elephant ears (obviously)
From toddlers discovering goats for the first time to teens riding the zipper and grandparents judging canned jams — the fair hits that rare sweet spot of truly multigenerational fun.
🎡 Why It’s Worth Going
It’s local: This is your fair, for your community
It’s affordable: Family day passes and free parking options available
It’s seasonal: It only comes once a year — blink and you’ll miss it
It’s real fun: No algorithms, no screens — just old-school joy
🧭 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to soak up everything that makes a Pacific Northwest summer feel like summer, the Thurston County Fair is it. From the smell of kettle corn to the sound of livestock barn bells and the flash of carnival lights at dusk, this is the kind of event that sticks with you.
Whether you go for a full day or just drop in for dessert and a spin on the Ferris wheel, don’t miss your shot to be part of this year’s fair.
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🔗 For more can’t-miss events, hidden gems, and South Sound community coverage, follow @aaronthomaspnw and subscribe to the weekly newsletter at southsoundreport.com. We help you stay in the know — without having to try to stay in the know.
