Washington State Spring Fair: One of the Best Things to Do Near Seattle This April
Welcome Back, Spring: The Washington State Spring Fair Returns!
Looking for things to do in the Puget Sound region next month? The Washington State Spring Fair in Puyallup brings carnival rides, monster trucks, BBQ competitions, car shows, fair food and family entertainment to the Washington State Fair Event Center April 10–12 and April 17–19.
There’s a very specific moment every year when Washington decides we’re done with winter.
It’s not on the calendar. It’s not when the apple blossoms, tulips or daffodils bloom — though we love seeing those, too!
It’s when Washingtonians decide it’s time to leave the comfort of home, shed our heavy coats and greet the return of spring together.
That’s when the Washington State Spring Fair in Puyallup opens its gates.
And if you haven’t looked closely at what’s happening at the Spring Fair this year, you might be missing out. Read on to learn why.
Interested in bringing a group to the Spring Fair? Check out our Group Ticket options!
The Spring Fair isn’t just a scaled-down version of the Washington State Fair in September.
It’s six days celebrating the return of longer, brighter days — springtime in Washington isn’t just green, it’s Washington green.
It’s one of the largest spring events in Washington State and one of the most popular events in the region every April. It’s also one of the best-value weekends you’ll find anywhere in the South Sound.
So, how do you get in on the action?
We’re ready to share our favorite things about the Spring Fair — and why 2026 is a year you can’t miss.
Why the Washington State Spring Fair Is One of the Best Things to Do Near Seattle This April
If you're looking for things to do near Seattle, or anywhere in the Puget Sound this April, the Spring Fair is hard to beat.
Let’s start with the thing that surprises most people: There are so many ways to get a good deal at the Spring Fair.
Ways to Save at the Spring Fair:
- Kids 5 and under? Always free.
- Ride & Admission Bundle: Two Fair admission tickets plus six rides for just $55 — about 30% savings on a perfect spring day.
- Simpler carnival rides: Instead of rides taking 9–14 tickets, they’re now just 5–8 tickets per ride.
- Bulk ticket savings: Save up to 15% when you buy 32, 54 or 95 ride tickets at once. That’s the kind of detail you don’t think about until you’re doing Midway math while someone’s already buckled into a ride.
Interested in bringing a group to the Spring Fair? Check out our Group Ticket options!
Why Fridays Are the Insider Move
- Opening Day (April 10): Four full hours of FREE gate admission with a suggested food donation
- Military Appreciation Days (April 10 & 17): Free admission for active duty, retired and disabled military personnel and their families
- Parking savings: Discounted Fair parking vouchers at O’Reilly Auto Parts locations save you $3
Fair Food, New Flavors and Big Debuts
Next, let’s talk about Fair food.
If you’re someone who plans your Fair route around food, this is your year.
The Fair Value Menu is back with $8 Deals and $12 Meals — a longtime Fair insider favorite that lets you bounce from sweet to savory to “okay, we have to try that” without overthinking it.
With even more vendors joining this year, it’s one of the easiest ways to try multiple Fair foods in one visit. The Spring Fair is like the ultimate farmer's market and spring food festival rolled up into one.
New Spaces to Explore at the Spring Fair
Last April we were busy preparing for the 125th Washington State Fair, which meant a few construction walls and “Coming Soon” signs around the grounds.
This year, those upgrades make their big debut at the Spring Fair.
New at the Spring Fair this year
- 1900 Food Hall and Rooftop Bar: Six restaurants, plenty of seating and a stunning bird’s-eye view overlooking the Midway.
- Fair Park Stage: Free entertainment, spacious outdoor seating and a bar where adults can relax while enjoying live performances.
Things You Can Only See at the Washington State Spring Fair
FACT: There are things you can only find at the Washington State Spring Fair.
We mean it when we say: the Spring Fair and the Washington State Fair in September are not the same Fair.
One major difference? These adorable animal traditions you can only catch once a year.
DockDogs
Catch the action as these daring dogs defy gravity.
Watch these pups sprint down a 40-foot runway before launching into a 27,000-gallon pool. Every jump is bigger than the last — and the crowd always erupts when a new distance record is set.
Who will jump the farthest this year?
Racing Pigs
These little legends are the highlight of spring.
Watch the All-Alaskan Piglets race around the track with surprising speed and plenty of personality. It’s one of the most beloved traditions of the Spring Fair — and it only happens once a year.
Pro Tip
Swing by Lulu’s Dairy Bar and grab an ice cream to enjoy while you watch these free live events!
Which Weekend Should You Visit the Spring Fair?
Here’s where things get interesting.
Both weekends bring the same full Fair experience — carnival rides, animals, fair food, shopping, live entertainment and family activities — but each one has its own personality.
First Weekend
Smells like smoky springtime.
Slamfest Demolition Derby rolls into town with a new lineup of exciting, non-stop, smashing action.
The BBQ Competition. Pitmasters locked in. Crowds gathering. Statewide pride is represented through dripping, crispy, culinary delights - and you can try them all!
It’s first-of-the-season energy.
First bites of fair food.
First stroll past the barns.
First sunset over the Midway.
That electric “we’re so back” feeling.
Final Weekend
Chrome meets cotton candy.
The 1st Annual Cruise into Spring Car Show rolls in with polished classics and custom builds lined up in the sun at this free car show.
Then the Crush Zone Monster Trucks take over in one of the most exciting motorsports events in the South Sound.
Engines roaring.
Dirt flying.
The kind of rumble you feel in your chest before you even see them.
And because it’s the last weekend, there’s a different kind of buzz — something charged in the air.
But the value is only part of it.
Because once you're through the gates, you feel it.
The feeling of springtime returning.
The joy of enjoying live events with friends and family.
Time with our community.
A way to celebrate making it through another Washington winter.
Spring is in the Fair.
Spring Fair FAQs
- When is the Washington State Spring Fair?
The Washington State Spring Fair takes place April 10–12 and April 17–19 at the Washington State Fair Event Center in Puyallup, Washington.
- Where is the Spring Fair located?
The Spring Fair is held at the Washington State Fair Event Center in Puyallup, about 35 minutes from Seattle and Tacoma, making it an easy day trip for visitors from King County and Pierce County.
- Is the Spring Fair good for families?
Yes. The Spring Fair is a favorite spring outing for families across the Seattle area, featuring carnival rides, animal exhibits, DockDogs, racing pigs, fair food and live entertainment.
- Are there affordable ticket options?
Yes. Kids 5 and under are always free, and the Ride & Admission Bundle offers two admission tickets plus six rides for $55 — about a 30% savings.
- What special events happen during Spring Fair?
Highlights include Motorsport Mayhem, the BBQ Competition, classic car shows, monster truck rides, DockDogs competitions and live entertainment across multiple stages.