Going to a concert at the WA State Fair? Secrets to beating lines and grabbing best seats
The Washington State Fair opens Sept. 2 and will be full of concerts, carnival rides, exhibits and classic fair food.
This year’s concert series entertainment lineup includes musical artists and performers for everyone, from country music fans to improv enthusiasts.
Tickets are still available for all shows, but are limited and selling fast.
Here is how you can get tickets, beat the crowd and have the best concert experience:
Arrive early and enjoy the fair. As your concert ticket also includes admission into the fair, consider arriving to the fair early to enjoy the food and carnival, and to avoid the rush of concertgoers trying to park and enter the fair in the evening.
Buy concert tickets in advance, instead of waiting in line. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 888-559-FAIR in order to skip lines at the fair. Tickets include general admission to the fair. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the box office located at 110 9th Ave. SW, Puyallup. Ticket prices vary by concert and performer.
Arrive early to the concert to avoid stadium lines. Doors usually open 90 minutes before the concert, so if you have a general admission ticket and want to get a good seat, arrive early to grab a good spot for the show.
The WA State Fair’s entertainment lineup:
▪ Ann Wilson of Heart with Night Ranger at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 2.
▪ Blake Shelton with Wade Hayes at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 3.
▪ Nelly with Breland at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 4.
▪ The Beach Boys at 6 p.m. on Sept. 5.
▪ Josh Turner at 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 8.
▪ Matt Stell at 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 9.
▪ The Cadillac Three at 9:15 p.m. on Sept. 10.
▪ Russell Dickerson with Niko Moon at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12.
▪ Kidz Bop at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 14.
▪ Dierks Bentley at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 15.
▪ Sam Hunt with Travis Denning at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 16.
▪ Lindsey Stirling at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 17.
▪ Fiestas Patrias at 1 p.m. on Sept. 18.
▪ Lecrae with Tauren Wells at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 19.
▪ Maxwell with Joe at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21.
▪ Shaggy and TLC at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22.
▪ The Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 23.
▪ Whose Live Anyway with Drew Carey at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 24.
▪ Lynyrd Skynyrd with Aaron Crawford at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 25.
Consider buying special tickets to make the most of your experience. The Blake Shelton, Sam Hunt, The Doobie Brothers and Lynyrd Skynard also offer pre-show parties before the concerts begin at 5 p.m., which include a meal, private bar and live DJ. Tickets for pre-show parties must be purchased separately from concert tickets.
The Josh Turner, Matt Stell, The Cadillac Three and Russell Dickerson concerts will also include a “Dancin’ in the dirt party,” where ticket holders will get exclusive access to The Chute bar to grab a drink before the concert begins, as well as up close standing room close to the stage.
This story was originally published August 31, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
