Ten days of carnival rides, live music, and livestock shows are headed to Hillsboro later this month, and families won't pay a dime to walk through the gates.

The Washington County Fair opens July 24 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 2, at Westside Commons, 801 N.E. 34th Ave., Hillsboro. Admission is free all 10 days, according to the Beaverton Valley Times. The fairgrounds open at 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends, staying open until midnight each night.

32 rides and attractions, from Ferris wheels to the Zillerator

Butler Amusements is bringing 32 rides and attractions, including the Zillerator Giant Coaster, Zipper, Tilt-A-Whirl, Area 51, and a carousel. A one-day unlimited ride wristband costs $36 on weekdays and $41 on weekends, with individual tickets also available at self-serve kiosks on the midway.

Nightly concerts on the Main Stage

The concert lineup kicks off opening night with country act Sawyer Brown at 8 p.m. Friday, July 24. Other headliners include Band After Midnight, an ABBA tribute, at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30; Queen Nation at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1; Earth to Mars (a Bruno Mars experience) on Wednesday, July 29; and electronic artist Maddy O'Neal on Friday, July 31.

The fair closes Sunday, Aug. 2, with A Cara O Cruz at 7:30 p.m.

A second stage, the Oasis Stage, features local and regional acts spanning country, folk, blues, and instrumentals throughout the run.

Movie nights with a Beaverton connection

Monday and Tuesday evenings swap concerts for outdoor films. Disney's "Tangled" screens at 8 p.m. Monday, July 27, followed by the new Pixar film "Hoppers" at 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 28. "Hoppers" is set in a fictional town called Beaverton, giving local families a reason to claim bragging rights.

Livestock, stunt dogs, and axe throwing

Washington County 4-H, FFA, and open class livestock shows run Friday, July 24, through Saturday, July 26, with awards presented on closing day, Sunday, Aug. 2. New this year: All-Star Stunt Dogs, making their fair debut alongside returning favorites The Flying Royals trapeze show, Brad's World Reptiles, and Nomad Axe Throwing.

For younger fairgoers, the Grove Stage hosts Molly's Musical Adventure and Hillia Queen of the Rings daily.

Getting there

Westside Commons is a short drive or MAX Blue Line ride from Beaverton. Parking is free Monday through Thursday (July 27–30). On Fridays and weekends, parking costs $10 per vehicle ($15 for oversized), cash only. Fair organizers encourage TriMet MAX, carpooling, or ride-share.

More information is available at bigfairfun.com or by calling (503) 648-1416.

Upcoming community events

  • Friday, July 24 – Sunday, Aug. 2: Washington County Fair, Westside Commons, Hillsboro. Free admission.
  • Tuesday, July 28: Free screening of Pixar's "Hoppers" at the fair, 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 1: Queen Nation concert at the fair, 8 p.m.