In 2013, what was once called the Puyallup Fair will officially become the Washington State Fair! The name is fitting, reflecting that this is indeed the largest fair in Washington with more than 1 million attendees over the course of about two weeks. However, longtime fair fans might just miss tripping up their visiting friends or new residents with the word Puyallup, but the fun couldn't last forever. Fair fans also don't have to worry about too many other changes. The fair is the same fair it has always been.
This year's Washington State Fair dates are: September 6-22, 2013.
2013 Fair Concerts and Shows: The fair always brings with it a great concert lineup, rodeo shows and smaller free performances. Headliners this year include Carrie Underwood, CeeLo Green, Kid Rock and Larry the Cable Guy.
Fair Discounts and Coupons: The fair can get expensive, but there are many ways to save money on admission, food, rides and more.
Things You Must Do at The Fair: There's a lot to do at the fair, but some are quintessential fair experiences that should not be missed.
Rides: Learn all about what kinds of rides are at the fair, which are best for small children, which you can ride with general ride coupons, and which require special tickets.
Photo copyright: Jennifer Graevell
Memorial Day means different things to different people. To many, it's a day of retail sales and the official start of summer. To others, it's an important day to remember veterans and active service members. Whether you plan to have a barbecue with family and friends or visit a memorial, check out this list of the many ways to spend your Memorial Day in the Seattle area. Some of the ways might surprise you, including the Blue Star Program at area museums, which gets active military and their families free and discounted museum admission. Woo!
There are many memorials to wars, vets and active service members in all branches. The Capitol Campus in Olympia has the best-known collection of memorials and monuments, but is far from the only location to gather for Memorial Day. Other spots like War Memorial Park in Tacoma are quieter and more tucked away.
This week, don't miss the Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center! This is one of my favorite Seattle events by far. It's a great place to find some tasty food, some quirky entertainment and just enough weirdness to make the festival great. Each year, the festival takes on a focus, sometimes a world culture and sometimes not. For 2013, the festival takes the theme of Washington Works, exploring the many ways Washington residents make a living.
For full event details, see the May 2013 Seattle and Tacoma events calendars.
May 18-19:
- University District Street Fair on University Way NE in the U-District
May 19:
- 5th Annual Same Love, Same Rights, Seattle Gay and Lesbian Wedding Expo from 1-4 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Hotel Seattle
May 20:
- Fleetwood Mac Live 2013 at 8 p.m. at Tacoma Dome
May 23-24:
- The Piano Guys at Neptune Theatre
May 24:
- Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners at 7:10 p.m. at Safeco Field
May 24-27:
- Northwest Folklife Festival at Seattle Center
May 25:
- Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners at 7:10 p.m. at Safeco Field
May 26:
- Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners at 1:10 p.m. at Safeco Field
- Good Karma 5K Run at 9 a.m. at Seward Park
As usual, there's plenty to do in Seattle and Tacoma this week!
May 12:
- Seattle Rock Orchestra does The Beatles at Moore Theatre
- Oakland Athletics at Seattle Mariners at 1:10 p.m. at Safeco Field
- Sesame Street Live - Can't Stop Singing at the Tacoma Dome
May 13:
- The Black Angels at 8 p.m. at Neptune Theatre
May 14:
- Of Monsters and Men at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theatre
May 15:
- Jay & Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie (with Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes) at 7:30 p.m. at Moore Theatre
- Little Big Show with Jim James at 8 p.m. at Neptune Theatre
May 16:
- Cold War Kids at 8 p.m. at Neptune Theatre
May 17:
- Yo La Tengo at 9 p.m. at Showbox at the Market
- Paul Reiser at 7:30 p.m. at Pantages Theatre
- 9 to 5: The Musical, opening May 17 and running until June 9 at Tacoma Musical Playhouse
- Tesla at 8:30 p.m. at Emerald Queen Casino
May 18:
- FC Dallas at Seattle Sounders FC at 7 p.m. at CenturyLink Field
- Seattle Mom Prom from 8 p.m. to midnight at Fremont Abbey Arts Center
- University District Street Fair on University Way NE in the U-District (also May 19)
May 19:
- 5th Annual Same Love, Same Rights, Seattle Gay and Lesbian Wedding Expo from 1 to 4 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Hotel Seattle
