The Northwest Washington Fair is happening right now in Lynden, and if you have not made it out yet, there are still several days left to enjoy one of the region's most beloved summer traditions. The fair runs through Saturday, August 22, 2026, and this week includes two special admission days that make it easier than ever for families and students to attend.
Discount Days Not to Miss
Wednesday, August 19 is free admission day for children under 12, making it an ideal weekday outing for families looking to squeeze in one more summer adventure before the school year kicks off. That same day, anyone with a valid Western Washington University student ID can save $2 off the standard gate price as part of WWU Day at the fair.
These discounted days are a yearly highlight of the fair's final stretch and tend to draw some of the largest single-day crowds of the week. If you plan to attend on August 19, arriving early in the morning is a smart move to beat the lines at the gate and secure parking near the fairgrounds on Front Street in Lynden.
What the Fair Offers
The Northwest Washington Fair is held each August at the Whatcom County Fairgrounds at 1775 Front Street in Lynden and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year from across Whatcom County and beyond. The fair features carnival rides, live entertainment on multiple stages, livestock competitions, home arts exhibits, agricultural displays, and a midway packed with games and food vendors.
Food is one of the main draws, with options ranging from classic fair staples like corn dogs, elephant ears, and cotton candy to locally sourced dishes from vendors who set up only for the fair season. Many visitors have their go-to stops that they return to year after year, whether it is a particular booth's cinnamon-glazed almonds or a beloved funnel cake stand near the main entrance.
The fair also hosts youth livestock auctions and judging competitions, reflecting the agricultural heritage of Whatcom County. 4-H and FFA participants from across the region bring animals they have raised over the year for evaluation, and the final auction days are a deeply community-oriented tradition for rural Whatcom County families.
Entertainment and Events This Week
The final days of the fair typically feature some of the biggest entertainment draws of the full run. Check the official fair schedule for the full lineup of concerts, demolition derbies, and special events through closing day on August 22.
For Western Washington University students, WWU Day on August 19 is worth keeping in mind. WWU, located in Bellingham just a short drive south on I-5 from Lynden, has long been a community partner of the fair, and the discounted admission day is one of the perks the university offers its students each summer. With fall quarter starting in late September, this is one of the last big group outings of summer for many students still in the area.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
The Whatcom County Fairgrounds are located at 1775 Front Street in Lynden, roughly 15 miles north of Bellingham via Guide Meridian. Parking is available on-site, and the Whatcom Transportation Authority runs bus routes connecting Bellingham and Lynden for those looking to skip the parking scramble.
General gate admission prices vary by age and day; check the fair's website for current pricing and any remaining special event tickets. Bags are subject to inspection at the entrance, a policy implemented in recent years to ensure guest safety at the fairgrounds.
The Northwest Washington Fair has been a fixture in Whatcom County for well over a century. Whether you are a longtime annual visitor or bringing a child for the first time, the final stretch of this year's fair is a chance to take in the sights, smells, and community spirit that make it a defining part of summer in this corner of Washington State. The fair closes its gates for 2026 on Saturday evening, August 22.
For more information, including the full entertainment calendar and current admission prices, visit the Northwest Washington Fair's official website. And for a look at other events happening around Whatcom County this week, check out this week's live music and events roundup.
