State Fair Park - Home of the Yakima Valley SunDome & Central Washington State Fair

In the heart of a fertile valley lies the State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome—a sprawling 120-acre complex that has become the epicenter of cultural life in the city of Yakima. This location in the USA is best known as the permanent home of the Central Washington State Fair, which draws thousands of visitors from across the region every year.

The complex's main architectural landmark is the Yakima Valley SunDome—an impressive multipurpose arena with a seating capacity of 6,195. Opened in 1990, it serves as a venue for major events ranging from thrilling rodeos and basketball games to performances by popular musical artists.

Beyond the modern arena, the park takes pride in its historic buildings, which give the grounds a special sense of comfort and charm. These pavilions, steeped in the atmosphere of years past, are actively used for wedding ceremonies, business conferences, and local festivals, making the park a vibrant and popular space in every season.

For information regarding upcoming events, pavilion rentals, or ticket purchases, you can use the official communication channels. Below are the current contact details for the complex:

The main draw for visitors remains the Central Washington State Fair, which takes place in September and lasts for ten days. During this time, you can experience the full diversity of rural life: livestock exhibitions, gardening competitions, and large-scale agricultural displays. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the amusement area, while music lovers can look forward to open-air concerts.

Throughout the year, it is worth keeping an eye on the Yakima Valley SunDome schedule. Under its dome, you'll find professional sports matches, spectacular rodeos, and show programs. The arena offers excellent acoustics and sightlines, making any event here memorable.

For those looking for a venue for a special occasion, the park offers rentals of its historic pavilions. This is a wonderful opportunity to host a celebration in a unique setting. If you are simply strolling through the city, stop by to enjoy the open space and see how modern technology sits alongside the carefully preserved heritage of the region.

Finding this multifunctional complex is easy, as it is conveniently located in the southern part of the city. For travelers by car, it is best to use highway I-82: take the exits for Yakima Ave or Nob Hill Blvd. Extensive parking is available on-site, which is particularly convenient during major festivals.

For those who prefer public transportation, Yakima Transit buses are available. Routes pass through the city center and stop in the immediate vicinity of Fair Ave. Additionally, a taxi ride from central neighborhoods takes no more than 5–10 minutes, making the park accessible to all visitors.

The history of this iconic site began in 1892. Interestingly, Yakima earned the right to host the state's main fair as a result of a political compromise: the city of Olympia became the capital, while Yakima was granted the status of the region's agricultural center.

By 1894, an impressive infrastructure had been established: a one-mile racetrack, grandstands for two thousand spectators, and spacious exhibition halls. On September 24 of that year, the first official fair was opened personally by the governor, beginning a tradition that has only been interrupted in exceptional circumstances.

The modern appearance of the complex was largely defined by the construction of the Yakima Valley SunDome arena in 1990. This structure, with its distinctive domed roof, transformed the site from a seasonal fairground into a year-round entertainment center capable of hosting world-class events while maintaining the spirit of a good old-fashioned agricultural exhibition.

The amount of time you should set aside for a visit depends heavily on the event calendar. On ordinary days when no major events are taking place, 1–2 hours is enough to view the architecture of the historic pavilions and appreciate the scale of the grounds.

If your goal is a concert or a sporting event at the SunDome, plan for 3–4 hours. The most "time-consuming" period is September: during the annual fair, you can easily spend the entire day here, moving from the carnival rides to food tastings and evening shows.

The standard office hours for the complex administration are weekdays: Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is typically closed on Saturday and Sunday, though this does not apply to days when scheduled events are taking place.

Please note that during fairs, concerts, or sporting matches at the SunDome, the hours for the grounds and the arena are extended according to the event schedule. It is recommended to check the start times for specific shows on the official website before your visit.

After visiting the park, it is worth exploring other interesting spots in the vicinity. A stroll through the surrounding blocks will allow you to better appreciate the city's architectural heritage and find cozy places to relax.