The 2026 Garlic Fest will keep the summer spirit alive by picking up the weekend after the Southwest Washington Fair with a celebration of garlic-themed cuisine, artisan and craft vendors, live music, and local garlic farms.
Garlic Fest will be held from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21; then from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; and finally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.
As is the tradition, the 2026 Garlic Fest will feature many artisan crafters selling their wares. Items that will be available include pickled garlic; salad dressings; hot sauces; gourmet chocolate; art and woodworking; handcrafted jerky; handcrafted infused olive oils and balsamic vinegar; tie-dye clothing; handcrafted solid cedar wood puzzles; bird houses and bird feeders; handmade jewelry; drinkware; and custom cheese boards.
In addition to the local vendors, the Garlic Fest will hold several workshops, presentations and contests over the weekend, listed below:
• Two garlic braiding workshops will be held on both Friday and Sunday, and will teach residents how to create decorative garlic braids while learning about growing, harvesting and preserving garlic. The Friday class will be held from 4 to 5 p.m., and the Sunday class will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., both at the Flat Tack Farm Booth. Admission to the workshops is $65 per person and includes admission to Garlic Fest the day of the workshop.
• A country line dancing class, taught by Melanie Smythe, will be taught from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, on the Saloon Stage. The class is free with Garlic Fest admission.
• “The Enchanting World of Garlic,” a presentation by Jeannette Lawson, will be shown from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Lucky Eagle building. Attendance is free with paid Garlic Fest admission. Certified WSU Master Gardener Jeannette Lawson will teach residents about garlic’s history and colorful folklore, explore the chemical secrets behind garlic’s aroma and complex flavors, and learn why the difference between hardneck and softneck varieties matters, according to Garlic Fest’s website. It will also cover techniques for planting, fertilizing, and maintaining soil health.
• Petsense by Tractor Supply Dog Contests will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, on the Saloon Stage. Attendees can register their canine companions for a chance to win a prize in one of the following categories: Most Rolls, Best Bark, Best Trick, Look Alike, Shiniest Coat, or Best Costume. Garlic Fest admission is not included in the dog contests application.
• Candle Making Classes with Fancy Fiddles will be held on several days of Garlic Fest: 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. as well as 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, in the Lucky Eagle building. Attendance is $45 per person and includes an admission ticket to Garlic Fest for the day of the class. Residents can experience a hands-on candle-making lesson where they will learn how to create unique, scented candles with Fancy Fiddles. Attendees will create their own 8-ounce candle and bring it home with them.
To get tickets, apply for a contest or to learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/3rj3n65x.
Tickets are $7 from ages 13 to 59, with kids 12 and under getting in for free. Seniors 60 and over get discounted admission at $5 each.
Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/mrss8c6a.
Event organizers have stated they are still accepting applications for vendors and garlic growers. Local garlic farmers and artisan vendors can sign up for booths at Garlic Fest by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yh56hdht.
For more information on Garlic Fest, visit https://wastategarlicfest.com/.
