Washington State Fair

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.

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

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

• Event venue management
• Fair and festival organization
• Live entertainment events
• Agricultural education exhibits
• Facility rental services

Headquarters

HQ city

Puyallup

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Vendor and Exhibitor Fees: Fees collected from vendors, exhibitors, and concessionaires participating in fair events and facility rentals.
5. Parking and Transportation: Revenue from parking facilities across the 165-acre campus.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core 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

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Mattress FirmflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2013Exclusive 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 BankflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting 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 PartscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Goodguys events and automotive-related programming at the venue.
• Coors LightcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor at events.
• Swire Coca-ColacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage sponsor providing Coca-Cola products at events.
• Emerald Queen CasinominorGTM or Marketing PartnerEntertainment sponsor.
• Central Pierce Fire RescueminorOthersCommunity sponsor and partner.
• ToyotacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Columbia Bank Mainstage at The Taste NW, providing brand visibility at major entertainment events.
• Tractor SupplycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor 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.
• MultiCarecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting 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 ShowsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarnival 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 AssociationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduces 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit 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 MayersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurating 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 CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Brew Park Stage at The Taste NW.
• DaiwaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Comedy Stage at The Taste NW.
• Tacoma Comedy ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in presenting Comedy Stage at The Taste NW featuring 20+ free shows with PNW comedians.
• Washington State Fair FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit 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 ShowscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduces 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 EventscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEvent 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 AssociationminorOthersPartner for Corgi Races at The Taste NW to raise funds for Race to End Alzheimer's.
• Puyallup Valley Chapter JACLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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 MeyercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Puyallup Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament.
• Rally Pickleball ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner for pickleball tournament.
• Pendleton WhiskycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Fair Park & Stage, the new multi-acre entertainment hub with largest free entertainment stage.
• Puyallup Valley Dog Fanciers (PVDF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizer of Western Washington Summer Dog Show Cluster featuring conformation, scent work, Fast Cat, ATT, Trick Dog and CGC events.
• National Women's Shelter NetworkminorOthersPartner with Mattress Firm to donate 125 mattresses and platform frames to four local shelters.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct 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

• Xx.com/WAStateFair
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5BrKlttTr6mtatDT0gydqA
• Facebookfacebook.com/WashingtonStateFairEventCenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/washington-state-fair-events-center
• Instagraminstagram.com/wastatefairec
• TikToktiktok.com/@wastatefairec?

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Washington State Fair