Northwest Washington Fair

Nestled in the heart of Lynden, Washington, the Northwest Washington Fair, and Event Center is a staple in the community and has been for more than 100 years. The mission of the Northwest Washington Fair is to provide: education regarding agriculture, experiences with positive competition, and enjoyment of wholesome entertainment, social interactions, and lasting memories. It achieves its mission year-round by hosting many events, most open to the public. From dog shows to RV rallies to craft shows, the fair is always bustling.

Throughout the year, the NWWF is host to shows of all kinds.

Horse shows and dog shows take place year-round at the Equine Events Center.
Walton Beverage Warm-Up Arena,
Washington Tractor Arena.
Competitors and spectators have plenty of room to enjoy all events in these facilities, all networked together. But it’s not all about the animals – the NWWF.
Lynden Craft and Antique Show and gun and knife shows, swap meets, and more.

The biggest event of the year hosted at the Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center is the Northwest Washington Fair, held in August. With grandstand events, arts and crafts exhibits, fair food, carnival rides, and so much more, it is fair the entire family can enjoy. A special part of the fair is the focus on Whatcom County’s agricultural industry – exhibits featuring canned goods, flowers, fresh produce, and more are on display, and members of 4H, FFA, and open class exhibitors show livestock like dairy and beef cattle, horses and pigs, to name a few. Guests of the fair and the area get a special, educational experience of how important agriculture is to the surrounding community.

The NWWF is also home to the Lynden PRCA Rodeo, which takes place as the main grandstand event over two nights during fair week. Professional cowboys compete in bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and barrel racing.

If you are looking for the perfect place to host a gathering, the NWWF has plenty of available facilities to rent throughout the year. The Haggen Expo Building, Mt Baker Rotary Building, and BP Place can host receptions, meetings, banquets, and more. Facilities suited for animals include the Equine Events Center (which includes the Walton Beverage Warm Up Arena and the Washington Tractor arena), the Henry Jansen Ag Center, and the Phillips 66 Dairy Barn. The NWWF recently cut the ribbon to signify the grand opening of the new agricultural education center. The Farm Pavilion will include space for the year-round display of the award-winning “Farming for Life Experience.”

If you are coming to visit Lynden, be sure to check out NWWF’s event calendar to see if anything is going on, chances are you will catch something – or make a special trip to visit in August for the full fair experience!

Directions to the Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center

From I-5 North: Take exit 256A-256B toward SR-539 Guide Meridian/Lynden. Merge onto SR-539 Guide Meridian and continue north for approximately 11 miles (20 minutes). Take a right headed east on Front Street, and in approximately half a mile, the destination will be on your right.

From I-5 South: Take exit 270 toward Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Travel east approximately 8 miles until you reach the intersection of Birch Bay-Lynden Road and SR-539 Guide Meridian. At the intersection, turn left and head north on Guide Meridian. Continue for about a quarter of a mile, then take a right headed east on Front Street. In approximately half a mile, the destination will be on your right

For more information on Bellingham, check out our Local Guide, and be sure to enjoy your day before you head back north to your cozy getaway at the Oostema Farmstead. We will keep the light on for you.