Every year Capital Lakefair features a wide array of activities that appeal to visitors of all ages. Below is a list of some of the many great activities that are available. Entry to the park is always free, as are many of the events listed.
Carnival: July 16–17, 2025 (noon–10 p.m.), July 18–19 (noon–11 p.m.) and July 20 (noon–midnight)
Experience the thrill and excitement of the Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival! There is a wide array of rides and games for all age groups. There will be no wristbands available this year, either by online pre-sale or during the event in July. Tickets are available on-site only.
Parade: July 19, 2025, 5 p.m.
The Lakefair Grand Parade is one of the largest in the region, and features entries of all kinds. The event kicks off with pre-parade festivities at 4:45 p.m. to get the crowd warmed up, and leads into the main event at 5 p.m. The parade route begins along Capitol Way at 20th and continues down to 5th Avenue, ending near the bridge.
Fireworks: July 20, 2025, 10 p.m.
Come enjoy this community favorite on the last day of Lakefair Week! The Grand Finale Fireworks display takes place over Capitol Lake in Olympia, and can be viewed from Heritage Park, Deschutes Parkway, Capitol Campus or anywhere with a view of the lake.
Food concessions: July 16–20, 2025, noon–11 p.m.
Every year over a dozen concessionaires line Water Street with a variety of dining options as part of Lakefair Week. These groups are primarily local nonprofit organizations, who use sales from the festival as a major source of funding for their annual operations. Eat up, and stay posted for a list of vendors at this year's event!
Craft vendor booths: July 16–20, 2025, noon–9 p.m.
The vendor booths at Lakefair feature a blend of unique and interesting items created by local artists and craftspeople, as well as a variety of popular commercial items.
Car show: Friday, July 18, 2025, 5–8:30 p.m.
Join this annual favorite along Capitol Lake on Friday, July 18, 2025! Rides of all kinds are represented with categories recognizing custom and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Main Stage Entertainment, July 16–20, 2025, noon–10 p.m.
The main stage at Lakefair runs all week with admission-free live performances from a variety of local, regional and national groups.
The show begins at Marathon Park and continues north along Deschutes Parkway toward Heritage Park. Foot traffic is open for the event and free to attend, vehicle access is blocked at 5th Ave and restricted to show vehicles only from the south. Note that there is no provision for parking additional vehicles within the restricted section of Deschutes Parkway. Street parking is available in the surrounding areas.
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