Expect Olympia street closures for Capital Lakefair. Here’s the schedule
Olympia’s Capital Lakefair festival will return to Heritage Park this week, bringing five days of carnival games, vendors and performances to the waterfront. There is no entrance fee, though some activities inside have an associated cost.
The fair is expected to bring 17,000 visitors, according to the Washington state Department of Enterprise Services. Fair attendees are encouraged to park outside of downtown and access the festival using public transit. Those hoping to avoid traffic should be wary of road closures in the area around the west Capitol Campus and Capitol Lake.
The Capital Lakefair organization puts on the annual event, and for vice president Debbi Boyd, the festival is centered on Thurston County businesses. Boyd is a second generation “Capitalarian,” the title used for the 20-person volunteer base that operates the organization behind the summer tradition.
“I grew up with Lake Fair always being there,” Boyd said. “It was something my parents always took me to. And then, when it was time for me to start looking at other ways to give back to my community, Lakefair was one of those.”
According to Boyd, the founders of Capital Lakefair created the festival to draw the community to downtown storefronts. Now in its 69th year, the organization still brings crowds downtown.
What to know before attending the fair
The festival takes place from Wednesday, July 15 to Sunday, July 19, with gates open daily from noon to 11 p.m.
The fair takes over the area surrounding the west Capitol Campus and Capitol Lake. Key events take place at Marathon Park, Deschutes Parkway and Heritage Park. Boyd recommended that attendees enter the fair from Legion Way and Water Street, or from Fifth Avenue and Water Street.
Carnival rides and games will operate each day of the festival, but visitors must purchase tickets, which are sold on-site.
Food concessionaires will line Water Street every day. Outside food and drink are permitted within the festival, though alcohol is not allowed inside.
Free, live performances will take to the main stage each day, and local artisans will also be stationed at vendor booths throughout the fair.
Boyd encouraged visitors to look out for the following special events this week:
- Thursday, July 16: Discounted carnival tickets — Patrons can purchase discounted ride and game tickets for the carnival all day, where five rides cost $25.
- Friday, July 17: Senior’s day — The festival gates open early for those 50 and older to enjoy live entertainment and activities from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Friday, July 17: Car show — Vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles will line Deschutes Parkway on July 17 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the car show. The display extends from Marathon Park to Heritage Park and is free to attend, though only accessible by foot. Vehicle access to Deschutes Parkway will be blocked at Fifth Avenue, and only show cars will be permitted to enter through the south entrance.
- Saturday, July 18: Parade — The Lakefair Grand Parade will take place at 5 p.m. The route begins at 20th Avenue and Capitol Way South, moves north on Capitol Way until Fifth Avenue, and finishes near the bridge.
- Sunday, July 19: Fireworks display — The fireworks show will celebrate the end of the festival at 10:15 p.m. The display takes place over Capitol Lake, and can be seen from anywhere with a view of the water, including Heritage Park, Deshcutes Parkway, or the Capitol Campus.
How to navigate parking, traffic and road closures
Boyd encouraged those attending the fair to use Intercity Transit to access downtown Olympia, as parking in the area will be extremely limited. The Heritage Park parking lot has already closed for the event and won’t reopen until after the festival. Boyd said those driving will need to rely on street or local business parking.
Roads surrounding Heritage Park will also be closed until July 20. The stretch of Deschutes Parkway from Fifth Avenue to Lakeridge Drive will be closed July 17 from noon to 10 p.m. for the car show, and July 18 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the parade. A portion of Capitol Way will be closed July 18 for the parade.
While the fireworks display will be visible from the Capitol Campus on Sunday, parking west of Cherry Lane will be closed July 19 for the display.
The full Capital Lakefair event itinerary is available on the organization’s website.