Summer is heating up in Puyallup as the Washington State Fairgrounds prepares to host the fourth annual Taste NW event from June 27-29. This popular food and entertainment festival offers residents a chance to experience a diverse array of culinary experiences and activities right in their own backyard. The fairgrounds will be transformed into a lively space of flavor, music, and fun for three days, welcoming community members of all ages to enjoy the best of local food and entertainment.

The Taste NW has an interesting history, having evolved from its origins as the “Taste of Tacoma,” which began in 1986. In 2022, the Washington State Fair took over management of the event, relocating it to the Puyallup fairgrounds where it has continued to grow. Hours for this year’s festivities are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. According to fair spokesperson Stacy Van Horne, admission to the event is completely free, making it an accessible weekend option for families throughout the area.

Food lovers will find themselves in paradise at Taste NW, with 65 diverse food vendors offering everything from classic fair favorites to international cuisines. Attendees can sample barbecue, ice cream, cotton candy, corn dogs, and burgers alongside more adventurous options including sushi, Korean specialties, Mexican dishes, and even Kenyan food. The event stays true to its name by ensuring that every single vendor offers a $5 “taste” option, which Van Horne notes are “actually very large size portions,” allowing visitors to sample multiple offerings without breaking the bank.

Community spirit is also on the menu at Taste NW, with organizers hosting a special food drive on opening day. Visitors who donate food items between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday will receive a coupon for a free $5 taste from any vendor. This initiative highlights the event’s commitment to giving back to the community while celebrating local cuisine. For those looking to quench their thirst, beverage options abound – from coffee to craft beer and margaritas – ensuring there’s something for everyone at this culinary celebration. A complete list of participating vendors is available on the official website at thefair.com/the-taste-nw/.

While food may be the primary attraction, Taste NW offers plenty of entertainment options to keep visitors engaged between bites. New this year is the inaugural “Puyallup Paddle Battle,” a pickleball tournament housed inside the Showplex. Though registration for participation has closed, spectators are welcome to watch the action. Van Horne explains the unique appeal: “Pickleball is a sport where people don’t [generally] watch because it takes forever. But here, they can bring their friends and family to watch because they can watch, go off and eat, come back and watch.”

Returning favorites include family-friendly activities like miniature golf, axe throwing, painting stations, and inflatable play areas. Live music will fill the air throughout the weekend, and comedy fans can enjoy performances at a dedicated stage sponsored by the Tacoma Comedy Club. For those concerned about parking amid ongoing construction for the fair’s Ninth Avenue Southwest Festival Street, Van Horne recommends using either the Gold or Blue lots, with the Blue lot being ideal for those requiring ADA access. General parking costs $20 per day, though savvy visitors can pick up a $3 discount coupon at any local O’Reilly Auto Parts store before heading to the event.