Plan your visit
Puyallup from Tacoma
Puyallup is its own city east of Tacoma, best known for the Washington State Fair Event Center. Here's what's on there, what else is worth a look nearby, and how to make the trip from Tacoma.
Tacoma Trekker is an independent guide. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by or operated by the Washington State Fair, the Washington State Fair Event Center, the Puyallup Tribe or the City of Puyallup. Dates, hours, prices and parking are set by each venue and organiser — confirm them on the official pages we link to.
Events at the Washington State Fair Event Center
Published events at 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, from our events listings. Times and tickets come from the organiser.
We have no published fairgrounds events right now. Check thefair.com for the venue's own calendar.
Around Puyallup
A short, factual list. Each one links to an official source for hours, seasons and admission.
Washington State Fair Event Center
The fairgrounds at 110 9th Ave SW host the Washington State Fair each September plus shows, markets and festivals through the year. Gate hours, tickets and parking vary by event.
Washington State Fair (official)Meeker Mansion
The 1890 home of Puyallup founder Ezra Meeker, a short drive from the fairgrounds, is a museum run by the Puyallup Historical Society. Opening days are limited — check before you go.
Meeker Mansion (official)Pioneer Park & Pavilion
Downtown Puyallup's central park, next to the shops and restaurants on Meridian, with an Ezra Meeker statue and an indoor pavilion used for community events.
City of Puyallup parksBradley Lake Park
A city park south of downtown with a lake loop path, boardwalk sections and playfields — an easy stretch of legs before or after an event.
City of Puyallup parksPuyallup Riverwalk Trail
A paved trail along the Puyallup River levee, flat and open, popular for walking and cycling.
City of Puyallup parksDowntown Puyallup & the farmers market
Independent shops, cafés and restaurants around Meridian and Pioneer, plus a seasonal Saturday farmers market run by Puyallup Main Street.
Puyallup Main Street AssociationGetting there from Tacoma
Driving from Tacoma
Puyallup sits roughly 12 to 15 miles east of downtown Tacoma. The usual route is I-5 south to SR 512 east, then the Meridian or 512/Pioneer exits for the fairgrounds. Allow well over the usual 25 to 30 minutes during Fair season, weekday commutes and big-event evenings.
Check traffic before you leave
SR 512 and SR 167 both back up around events and rush hour. Our Traffic & Road Conditions pages show live Washington State Department of Transportation alerts, cameras and travel times for the Tacoma area.
Train and bus
Sound Transit's Sounder S Line and buses serve Puyallup Station near downtown, but Sounder service is limited and mostly weekday. Extra service is sometimes added for large events. Confirm timetables with Sound Transit and Pierce Transit before relying on them.
Parking at events
The fairgrounds run paid lots and nearby streets fill early during the Fair and big shows. Parking rules, prices and shuttles are set by the venue and change per event — check the official event page the week you go.
Stay in Tacoma, visit Puyallup
Many visitors base themselves in Tacoma for hotels, restaurants and the waterfront and drive out for the event. Build My Trek can lay that day out for you around a specific fairgrounds event.