How long does it take to get there from Tacoma?

Roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car outside event traffic, using SR 512 and SR 161. Allow much longer during the September fair.

Can I get there without a car?

Sounder commuter rail stops at Puyallup station, a short walk from the grounds, but off-peak and weekend service is limited, so check the current timetable for your return.

Is Tacoma Trekker connected to the Washington State Fair?

No. Tacoma Trekker is an independent Tacoma visitor guide with no affiliation, sponsorship or partnership with the Washington State Fair or its event center.

Puyallup, WA · near Tacoma

Washington State Fair Event Center from Tacoma: Visitor Guide

The Washington State Fair Event Center is in Puyallup, not in Tacoma, and it is an easy trip from a Tacoma base. This page covers the drive, transit, what happens there through the year, and where to eat and stay in Tacoma around your visit.

Washington State Fair Event Center is in Puyallup, WA — not in Tacoma. This page plans the trip from Tacoma.

Address: 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA 98371
From Tacoma: About 12 miles southeast of downtown Tacoma.
Driving: From Tacoma the usual route is SR 512 east to SR 161 into Puyallup, roughly 30 to 45 minutes without event traffic. During the Washington State Fair in September, allow considerably longer and expect queues on approach roads.
Transit: Sound Transit Sounder commuter rail serves Puyallup station, a short walk from the fairgrounds, but weekend and off-peak service is limited. Check the current timetable before planning a return trip.

Official site Official event calendar & tickets Driving directions

Events at this venue

No events for this venue are in our calendar right now. The venue's own calendar is the complete list — use the official link above.

Events shown here come from Tacoma Trekker's calendar and disappear automatically once they end. Dates, times and ticket prices are always confirmed on the venue's official pages.

All Tacoma events

Getting there from Tacoma

Downtown Tacoma → Washington State Fair Event Center

Map data © Mapbox and OpenStreetMap. Check live conditions before you leave — Traveler Info.

What to know before you go

Where it is

The Washington State Fair Event Center is at 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA 98371. That is in Puyallup, about 12 miles southeast of downtown Tacoma — a separate city, so plan the trip as a short drive or train ride rather than something walkable from Tacoma.

Source: Washington State Fair official site · Checked 2026-02-19

What happens there

The grounds host the Washington State Fair in September, a spring fair, and a year-round schedule of other events in the halls and arenas. The official events calendar lists what is currently scheduled.

This changes by event — confirm on the official site.

Source: Washington State Fair events calendar · Checked 2026-02-19

Tickets, admission and parking

Admission prices, concert tickets, ride wristbands and parking are sold and priced by the Fair and change each season. We do not restate prices here — use the official pages for the event on your date.

This changes by event — confirm on the official site.

Source: Washington State Fair tickets · Checked 2026-02-19

Getting there from Tacoma

Driving is the most flexible option outside fair season.

Drive: SR 512 east from Tacoma, then SR 161 into Puyallup.
Train: Sounder commuter rail stops at Puyallup station, a short walk from the grounds, with limited off-peak service.
Fair season: expect heavier traffic and longer parking queues, especially on September weekends.

This changes by event — confirm on the official site.

Source: Washington State Fair official site · Checked 2026-02-19

Staying in Tacoma

Tacoma works well as a base: you get downtown restaurants, the waterfront and museums, with the fairgrounds a short trip away. Tacoma Trekker's own hotel and restaurant listings appear further down this page, and our Treks give you something to do on the same trip.

Plan the rest of your visit

Tacoma restaurants, bars and coffee closest to the venue.

Hot Teriyaki5.4 mi
Neighborhood teriyaki restaurant in Tacoma. Call ahead or check the restaurant directly for current hours and menu.
Red Dragon Teriyaki6.5 mi
Neighborhood teriyaki restaurant in Tacoma. Call ahead or check the restaurant directly for current hours and menu.
Metronome Coffee6.7 mi
Neighborhood coffee bar on the McKinley Hill business strip.
Dusty’s HideawayMcKinley Hill6.7 mi
A laid-back McKinley Hill neighborhood bar and restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches and drinks from a converted Craftsman house.
TeriyakiWokLincoln District6.9 mi
Neighborhood teriyaki restaurant in Tacoma. Call ahead or check the restaurant directly for current hours and menu.
Mama's TeriyakiLincoln District7 mi
Neighborhood teriyaki restaurant in Tacoma. Call ahead or check the restaurant directly for current hours and menu.
Nana Rhai & TeriyakiDome District7.2 mi
Neighborhood teriyaki restaurant in Tacoma. Call ahead or check the restaurant directly for current hours and menu.
Freighthouse Square7.3 mi
Historic freight depot with small shops and food vendors next to the Dome.
Wingman Brewers7.3 mi
Aviation-themed Tacoma brewery near the Dome District.
Happy Teriyaki (Downtown Tacoma)Dome District7.6 mi
Neighborhood teriyaki restaurant in Tacoma. Call ahead or check the restaurant directly for current hours and menu.
Kyoto Stop TeriyakiLincoln District7.7 mi
Neighborhood teriyaki restaurant in Tacoma. Call ahead or check the restaurant directly for current hours and menu.
E9 Brewing Co.7.7 mi
Tacoma brewery and taproom south of downtown.

All Eat & Drink All Things to Do All Places

Common questions

Is the Washington State Fair in Tacoma?: No. The Washington State Fair Event Center is in Puyallup, about 12 miles southeast of downtown Tacoma. Tacoma is a comfortable base for the trip.
How long does it take to get there from Tacoma?: Roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car outside event traffic, using SR 512 and SR 161. Allow much longer during the September fair.
Can I get there without a car?: Sounder commuter rail stops at Puyallup station, a short walk from the grounds, but off-peak and weekend service is limited, so check the current timetable for your return.
Is Tacoma Trekker connected to the Washington State Fair?: No. Tacoma Trekker is an independent Tacoma visitor guide with no affiliation, sponsorship or partnership with the Washington State Fair or its event center.

Tacoma Trekker is an independent Tacoma visitor guide. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, partnered with or operated by the Washington State Fair or the Washington State Fair Event Center. Dates, admission prices, parking and policies change every season — always confirm on the official site before you travel. Details were checked on 2026-02-19 against the venue's official pages and can change without notice; the official site is always the final word.