What the King County Fair Is
The King County Fair in Enumclaw is a four-day county fair built around two things: youth 4-H exhibits and a full midway-and-stage fair for the public. Kids bring beef, goats, horses, llamas and alpacas, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, cavies, cats and dogs, plus shooting sports, fleece and fiber arts, still life, clothing and food projects. Visitors get livestock barns, a rough stock rodeo, Mutton Bustin', Reptile Isle and other ground acts. The most recent edition ran July 16-19, 2026, at the Enumclaw Expo Center, 45224 284th Ave SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022.
Who Can Enter and Rules
4-H exhibits require enrollment in 4-H Online and in the project itself; projects had to be enrolled by May 15. Age divisions are set by age on October 1:
| Division | Age |
|---|---|
| Cloverbuds | 5-7 (ribbons only, non-competitive) |
| Juniors | 8-10 |
| Intermediates | 11-13 |
| Seniors | 14 to under 19 |
Beef, goat, horse and llama/alpaca exhibitors must be at least 8 by October 1. Animals must be in the member's care for a set period, for example 45 days for cavies and rabbits and 60 days for cats, dogs and horses. Exhibitors follow the Expo Center code of conduct. No smoking or vaping in or around barns, no open-toed shoes in barns or during shows, and no eating in animal barns or while showing. Herdsmanship (daily chores and barn care) is required in animal departments, and animals cannot be released early; livestock may not leave before 6:00 PM Sunday. Firearms, weapons and unregistered pets are not allowed on the grounds.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- April 1: horse certificates due
- May 15: animals and projects entered in 4-H Online
- June 1: entries due for general activities, livestock and small animals, and shooting sports; poultry online registration closes at 9:59 PM the same day; posters and educational displays are dropped off at the extension office that day, 10 AM to 4 PM
- June 26: Critter Crowning applications due
- July 3: still life entries due
- July 12: 4-H ticket pre-orders due
- July 14: horse haul-in and vet check
- July 15: vet check and load-in for most animals (cats and dogs excepted)
- July 16: cats and dogs load in, with dog vet check beginning at 9:00 AM; poultry exhibitors attend a mandatory meeting at 8:30 AM
Fair gates were open Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Barns ran 10 AM to 9 PM Thursday through Saturday and 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday.
Fees, Awards and What You Get
- Bedding per stall or pen: horse $15; cattle $10; goats, hogs, sheep, alpacas and llamas $7; poultry, rabbits and cavies $3
- Pen, tie or stall cleaning charge if bedding is not removed: $50
- Replacement premium check: $35
Placings are Blue, Red and White, with ribbons and rosettes for champions and reserves, and premium points for each. Premium checks are typically available around October 1 and must be cashed by December 31; a W-9 is required for premiums over $600. Blue-ribbon exhibits may qualify for the State Fair. Large livestock sold at the fair's sale leave the grounds by truck, and transporters get priority at Gate 1. Dairy cattle go through the King County Dairy Show.
Admission and Parking
General admission was $15 for ages 13 and up, $10 for children 5-12 and $8 for seniors 60 and over, with tickets sold through the fair's website. The rough stock rodeo costs extra. Parking is free, but each permit covers one vehicle, and exhibitor entry passes are mandatory for all exhibitors, volunteers and supporters.
Questions
Can my 7-year-old show an animal?
A 7-year-old can enter as a Cloverbud for ribbons only. Beef, goat, horse and llama/alpaca projects require the exhibitor to be 8 or older by October 1.
Do I need to be in 4-H?
Yes for the 4-H departments: you need a 4-H Online enrollment and an enrolled project.
When do I get my premium money?
Premium checks are typically available around October 1 and must be cashed by December 31.
Can I take my animal home early?
No. Livestock may not leave before 6:00 PM Sunday.
Official Links
Washington County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Washington's fair season runs from spring youth fairs to the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima, September 25 to October 4 in 2026, per a fair calendar. The Washington State Fair in Puyallup ran September 4 to 27.
Who can show
The state 4-H handbook requires members to be eight by October 1 to compete in livestock shows or sales. Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7, cannot compete.
Rules to know
Animals sold at a junior livestock auction cannot be leased. Market steers must be polled or dehorned. Washington 4-H recommends YQCA training. Ownership dates vary: San Juan County's 2026 auction guide lists beef by April 15 and swine, lamb and goat by June 14.
Next steps
Ask your county WSU Extension office for your fair book. Dates, weights and sale rules change, so confirm with the organizer.
Read the full guide: Washington County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Washington Cattlemen and Cattlewomen Annual Convention and Tradeshow
Held each year; the most recent dates verified were November 12-14, 2025, the 100th convention, at the Wenatchee Convention Center.
Wenatchee, WA | Organizer: Washington Cattlemen's Association Official event details - Kittitas Beef Pre-Show, Weigh-In and Judging Contest
Spring day where 4-H, FFA and Grange members weigh and tag fair steers (1,150 lb minimum), compete in a beef judging contest and show heifers. Most recent date: March 21, 2026.
Ellensburg, WA | Organizer: Kittitas County 4-H Official event details - Washington State Spring Fair
Held each year in Puyallup over two spring weekends; the most recent dates were April 9-12 and April 16-19, 2026.
Puyallup, WA Official event details - Whatcom County Youth Fair
Held each year in Lynden on the Northwest Washington Fair grounds; the most recent dates were April 10-11, 2026.
Lynden, WA Official event details - Lincoln County Spring Showcase
Youth livestock show for ages 8 to 19 run by WSU Extension and 4-H volunteers, a warm-up for jackpot shows and county fairs. Held each year; the most recent date was April 11, 2026.
1601 Morgan St, Davenport, WA | Organizer: WSU Extension Lincoln-Adams 4-H Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.