The 2026 Southwest Washington Fair invites residents to “Ride Into History” and celebrate the 250th anniversary of America with contests, concerts, vendors and more planned for all in attendance to enjoy beginning Tuesday.
The fair will officially begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, and will run until Aug. 16. The fairgrounds are located at 1909 S. Gold St., Centralia.
In keeping with traditions set last year, this year’s fair will also feature two nights of the Lewis County Rodeo on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13. That will include the celebration of the new Lewis County Rodeo Royalty Court, mutton-busting and more.
Additionally, the first day of the fair, Aug. 11, will hold the caping ceremony for Little Miss Friendly. Little Miss Friendly is considered the “living logo” of the fair, and finalists were selected by a committee of judges chosen by the Centralia-Chehalis Kiwanis Club. The tradition has been held each year at the fair since 1968.
This year’s finalists are:
• Blakely Becker, 10, of Napavine
• Avery Butler, 10, of Chehalis
• Reagan Juarez, 8, of Oakville
• Aspyn Kerlee, 8, of Adna
• Lux Longabaugh, 8, of Centralia
One of these five finalists will receive the title of 2026-2027 Little Miss Friendly at the caping ceremony, which will take place at 6 p.m. at the Saloon Stage.
Last year’s Little Miss Friendly was Kimber Serl.
A new event planned for this year is “FMX Ramp-Age” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Separate admission is required. It will be held at the Grandstands.
Adam Jones, renowned freestyle motocross champion, will team up with FMX Ramp-Age to deliver jaw-dropping stunts, breathtaking aerial maneuvers and mind-blowing tricks performed by some of the world's most talented FMX riders, according to the Southwest Washington Fair website.
Most days of the fair have a themed discount on tickets.
Tuesday is “Trailblazer Tuesday,” and all kids’ tickets will be half-priced.
Wednesday is “Senior Day,” with tickets half-priced for residents 65 and up.
“Timberland Bank Day” is Thursday’s theme, and Grange members can get tickets for half off.
“Military Day” is celebrated on Friday, with tickets being half price. Saturday has no special theme.
Sunday is Family Day hosted by KACS, and all tickets will be half off.
Visit https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/ for more information about the fair or to purchase tickets.
