Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair Event Center is a private nonprofit operating a 165-acre venue in Puyallup, WA, hosting five signature annual fairs plus 125+ rental events, serving families, corporate sponsors, vendors, and event promoters across the Pacific Northwest.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1900
- HeadquartersPuyallup, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Washington State Fair does
Washington State Fair Event Center is a private nonprofit organization founded in 1900 and headquartered in Puyallup, Washington. It operates a 165-acre campus that hosts five signature annual events — the 20-day Washington State Fair in September (1M+ guests), the 8-day Spring Fair in April, The Taste Northwest food festival in June, Oktoberfest Northwest in October, and Holiday Magic in December — alongside more than 125 third-party rental events per year including car shows, dog shows, trade shows, monster truck events, sports tournaments, and corporate functions. The venue infrastructure comprises the 122,000-square-foot Mattress Firm ShowPlex, the Columbia Bank Grandstand, Fair Park & Stage, and The 1900 Food Hall & Rooftop Bar, supported by a mobile app with interactive mapping and the accesso ShoWare digital ticketing platform.
The business model combines five revenue streams: (1) consumer ticket sales for signature events and grandstand concerts, (2) corporate sponsorship and venue naming rights (anchor partners include Columbia Bank, Mattress Firm, MultiCare, Toyota, Coors Light, and Swire Coca-Cola), (3) facility and venue rental income from 125+ third-party events, (4) vendor and exhibitor fees from 150+ local vendors, and (5) parking revenue across the campus. Distribution occurs through owned e-commerce (thefair.com), physical box office, a call center, group sales, and authorized ticket partners. Customer segments span general public families, corporate sponsors, vendors and exhibitors, event promoters and facility renters, schools and educational institutions, and community nonprofits.
The organization is led by CEO Renee McClain and reinvests all net earnings into venue improvements and community programs, including $9.2M+ in free admission tickets distributed to students and community organizations. Recent capital investments include the Gold Gate entrance renovation, the 1900 Food Hall launch, Fair Park & Stage, and a partnership with the City of Puyallup on the 9th Avenue Festival Street Project.
Washington State Fair firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Washington State Fair
- Legal name
- Washington State Fair
- Website
- https://thefair.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1900
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- The Washington State Fair Event Center is a private nonprofit operating a 165-acre venue in Puyallup, WA, hosting five signature annual fairs plus 125+ rental events, serving families, corporate sponsors, vendors, and event promoters across the Pacific Northwest.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Washington State Fair industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Event Venue and Fair Entertainment Services
- NAICS
- Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)
Keywords
Where Washington State Fair is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Puyallup
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Washington State Fair business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Ticket Sales: Revenue from admission tickets to signature events including the Washington State Fair, Spring Fair, concerts, monster truck shows, rodeo events, and other entertainment. Tickets are sold online, at box office, and through call center.
- Sponsorship and Advertising: Corporate sponsorship of events, venues, exhibits, and marketing assets. Sponsors include Columbia Bank (concert series), Mattress Firm (ShowPlex naming rights), Toyota, and numerous others.
- Facility and Venue Rental: Rental income from hosting third-party events including trade shows, conventions, corporate events, sports tournaments, and private functions throughout the year.
- Vendor and Exhibitor Fees: Fees collected from vendors, exhibitors, and concessionaires participating in fair events and facility rentals.
- Parking and Transportation: Revenue from parking facilities across the 165-acre campus.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Goodguys Event General Admission |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | PNW Reptile & Exotic Animal Show |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Crush Zone Monster Trucks |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Washington State Fair Admission |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Washington State Spring Fair |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | The Taste NW Festival |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
Washington State Fair product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Washington State Fair Event Center operates a 165-acre multi-venue event complex in Puyallup, Washington, producing five signature events annually (Washington State Fair, Spring Fair, The Taste Northwest, Oktoberfest Northwest, and Holiday Magic) along with concerts, monster truck shows, rodeos, car shows, sporting tournaments, and educational exhibits. Beyond hosting its own events, the venue rents buildings and grounds year-round to third-party event promoters, corporations, and community organizations for 125+ additional events per year.
Product overview
The Washington State Fair Event Center operates as a multi-venue event complex offering five signature events annually: the 20-day Washington State Fair (September), 8-day Spring Fair (April), The Taste Northwest food festival (June), Oktoberfest Northwest (October), and Holiday Magic winter celebration (December). The venue encompasses major facilities including Columbia Bank Grandstand, Mattress Firm ShowPlex (122,000 sq ft), Fair Park & Stage entertainment hub, and The 1900 Food Hall & Rooftop Bar. Beyond signature events, the center hosts 125+ annual rental events including concerts, car shows, dog shows, monster truck events, pickleball tournaments, and the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Nationals. Educational attractions include The Farm at SillyVille agricultural exhibit and the JACL Remembrance Gallery historical exhibit. The venue operates on a 165-acre campus in Puyallup, WA as a private nonprofit organization.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Washington State Fair The flagship 20-day annual fair held each September, featuring concerts, animals, agriculture exhibits, food, rides, and entertainment. One of the largest state fairs in the nation, celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025.
- Washington State Spring Fair An 8-day spring celebration held each April featuring animals, agriculture, carnival rides, free entertainment, food, and family activities. The sixth largest attended event in Washington State.
- The Taste Northwest
Quantifiable outcome
- More than $9.2 million in free admission tickets distributed to students, educators, and local community organizations
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Washington State Fair
Customer profileNamed customers16 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Washington State Fair technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Washington State Fair partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Mattress FirmflagshipExclusive mattress sponsor and presenting sponsor of the Mattress Firm ShowPlex (122,000 sq ft venue). Partner since 2012 (previously Sleep Country). Expanded to exclusive mattress sponsorship in 2013 and became ShowPlex presenting sponsor. Currently donating 125 mattresses to local shelters in partnership with National Women's Shelter Network.
- Columbia BankflagshipPresenting sponsor of the Columbia Bank Concert Series (Columbia Bank Mainstage) and naming sponsor of Columbia Bank Grandstand. Major entertainment partner providing significant visibility across concert and event programming.
- O'Reilly Auto PartscoreSponsor of Goodguys events and automotive-related programming at the venue.
- Coors LightcoreBeverage sponsor at events.
- Swire Coca-ColacoreBeverage sponsor providing Coca-Cola products at events.
- Emerald Queen CasinominorEntertainment sponsor.
- Central Pierce Fire RescueminorCommunity sponsor and partner.
- ToyotacorePresenting sponsor of Columbia Bank Mainstage at The Taste NW, providing brand visibility at major entertainment events.
- Tractor SupplycoreSponsor of Ag Education Video Series allowing children to learn about farm animals at home. Also sponsors the Fair Farm and other agricultural activities. Dedication to agriculture as part of their mission of supporting communities.
- MultiCarecorePresenting sponsor of The Farm at SillyVille, the hands-on agricultural education exhibit teaching Washington's food and farming story. Healthcare sponsor supporting community wellness programs.
- Funtastic Traveling ShowsflagshipCarnival partner for over 50 years. Founded 1972 by Ron and Beverly Burback in partnership with the Bollinger family. Brings 100+ rides and games to State and Spring Fairs. Helped create SillyVille's whimsical train ride and restored Classic Coaster in 2009. Ron Burback still leads the family-run company alongside his children.
- Goodguys Rod & Custom AssociationflagshipProduces the annual Griot's Garage Pacific Northwest Nationals car show. Partnership spans 37 years. Part of 15-event national circuit drawing 3,500-6,500 cars and up to 100,000 spectators per event.
- Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA)coreNonprofit partner for the Puyallup Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament at The Taste NW. SMPA is known for growing the game across the Puget Sound region and building a vibrant, inclusive pickleball community.
- James Beard-nominated Chef Mitch MayersflagshipCurating six unique restaurant concepts for The 1900 Food Hall & Rooftop Bar including Benji's Diner, Big Mouth Sandos, Upper Crust, Fat Panda, The Pier, and DOH! Sweets & Treats.
- Blue Moon Brewing CompanycorePresenting sponsor of Brew Park Stage at The Taste NW.
- DaiwaminorPresenting sponsor of Comedy Stage at The Taste NW.
- Tacoma Comedy ClubcorePartner in presenting Comedy Stage at The Taste NW featuring 20+ free shows with PNW comedians.
- Washington State Fair FoundationflagshipNonprofit foundation supporting the Event Center's mission. Awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Washington students annually. Sustains attractions like The Traveling Farm and Farm at SillyVille. Executive Director: Holly Ball.
- O'Loughlin Trade ShowscoreProduces the Washington Sportsmen's Show, a more than three-decade tradition at the venue. One of the top trade show producers in the country.
- Steve James EventscoreEvent promoter bringing fan-focused events including Washington State Horror Con, North Pole at the Fair, and Rewind Washington (2026). Provides flexibility to bring special events throughout the year to Puget Sound region.
- Alzheimer's AssociationminorPartner for Corgi Races at The Taste NW to raise funds for Race to End Alzheimer's.
- Puyallup Valley Chapter JACLcorePartnership to create the JACL Remembrance Gallery honoring the history of the Puyallup Assembly Center where 7,500+ Japanese Americans were incarcerated during WWII. Provides educational experiences ensuring this history is remembered.
- Fred MeyercorePresenting sponsor of Puyallup Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament.
- Rally Pickleball ClubminorEvent partner for pickleball tournament.
- Pendleton WhiskycorePresenting sponsor of Fair Park & Stage, the new multi-acre entertainment hub with largest free entertainment stage.
- Puyallup Valley Dog Fanciers (PVDF)coreOrganizer of Western Washington Summer Dog Show Cluster featuring conformation, scent work, Fast Cat, ATT, Trick Dog and CGC events.
- National Women's Shelter NetworkminorPartner with Mattress Firm to donate 125 mattresses and platform frames to four local shelters.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Washington State Fair competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Minnesota State Fair: One of the largest state fairs in the U.S., drawing ~2M visitors annually over a 12-day run. Highly comparable in nonprofit structure, diversified year-round campus, signature concert series, and deep sponsor relationships.
- State Fair of Texas: Operates the 24-day State Fair of Texas at Fair Park in Dallas, one of the largest fairs in the nation. Comparable scale, multi-venue campus, and reliance on a single dominant annual fair plus year-round rentals.
- Iowa State Fair: Iconic 11-day Iowa State Fair on a multi-building campus in Des Moines, drawing ~1M attendees. Comparable signature-fair-driven nonprofit model with livestock/agriculture programming and concert series.
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Major annual livestock show and rodeo on a large owned campus (NRG Park) with concerts, food, and sponsor-driven revenue. Closely comparable in combining agriculture education, ticketed entertainment, and large-scale sponsorship.
- California State Fair: Large state fair and Cal Expo event campus in Sacramento. Comparable nonprofit/event-center structure with year-round venue rentals and signature summer fair.
- National Western Stock Show: Annual 16-day livestock show and rodeo held at the National Western Complex in Denver. Comparable blend of agriculture heritage, concert series, and large multi-building owned campus.
- Del Mar Fairgrounds (22nd District Agricultural Association): California fairgrounds hosting the San Diego County Fair and year-round events including horse racing, concerts, and expos. Comparable in owned-campus model, signature fair anchor, and diversified rentals.
Regional players
- Oregon State Fair: Annual state fair and multi-event campus in Salem, OR. Direct regional competitor in the Pacific Northwest for sponsors, attendees, and seasonal event programming.
Broad incumbents
- ASM Global: Largest global venue management and live-events company, operating hundreds of convention centers, arenas, and stadiums. Comparable in providing facility operations and event services at scale, though as a broad incumbent rather than a regional specialist.
- Oak View Group: Global venue development and operating company focused on arenas and live entertainment. Comparable as a competing operator that could pursue promoter contracts and event programming the Fair currently books.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Washington State Fair social profiles
Digital presenceWashington State Fair financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Washington State Fair leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Washington State Fair funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Washington State Fair M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Washington State Fair
What does Washington State Fair do?
The Washington State Fair Event Center operates a 165-acre multi-venue event complex in Puyallup, Washington, producing five signature events annually (Washington State Fair, Spring Fair, The Taste Northwest, Oktoberfest Northwest, and Holiday Magic) along with concerts, monster truck shows, rodeos, car shows, sporting tournaments, and educational exhibits. Beyond hosting its own events, the venue rents buildings and grounds year-round to third-party event promoters, corporations, and community organizations for 125+ additional events per year.
Is Washington State Fair a public or private company?
Washington State Fair is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Washington State Fair founded?
Washington State Fair was founded in 1900. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Washington State Fair based?
Washington State Fair is headquartered in Puyallup, United States, in the North America region.
How does Washington State Fair make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are sponsorship and Advertising, facility and Venue Rental, vendor and Exhibitor Fees and parking and Transportation.
Who are Washington State Fair's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Minnesota State Fair, State Fair of Texas, Iowa State Fair, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, California State Fair, National Western Stock Show and Del Mar Fairgrounds (22nd District Agricultural Association). Oregon State Fair is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are ASM Global and Oak View Group.
Does Washington State Fair have an API?
No public API is recorded for Washington State Fair.
What industry is Washington State Fair in?
Washington State Fair's product category is Event Venue and Fair Entertainment Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHAAAH, Fairgrounds & Expo Parks. Its NAICS code is 713 and its SIC code is 7900.