'Capital Lakefair' returns with car show, parade and fireworks on July 16-20 

The annual lakeside community event, "Capital Lakefair," will feature carnival rides, vendors, a car show, parade and fireworks from July 16 to July 20. 

For five days, Lakefair will feature free entrance for the main events with optional paid activities for all who attend. 

“Admission is free with purchases for rides, games, and food available on site. Daily entertainment on the main stage, food vendors, arts & crafts, and community programming will be featured throughout the week,” the Olympia Downtown Alliance’s said in announcing the upcoming event.

More details, such as ride tickets, volunteer opportunities and parade participation, will be available at the event's website as the dates approach.  

Activities 

Lakefair will feature a car show on July 18, from 5-8:30 p.m., which will line up all kinds of vehicles represented with categories recognizing custom and vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles. 

The free show begins at Marathon Park. The event is open for foot traffic, but not to vehicle access at 5th Avenue, and it is restricted to show vehicles only from the south.  

Individuals interested in showing their vehicle are advised to visit the applications page to preregister their ride. 

This year’s fair will also hold a Senior’s Day at Heritage Park on July 18 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

The Lakefair Grand Parade on July 19 is “one of the largest in the region, and features entries of all kinds,” the event's website states. 

There are pre-parade festivities at 4:45 p.m. before the main event at 5 p.m. The parade route begins along Capitol Way and continues to 5th Avenue, ending near the bridge. 

Funtastic Traveling Shows Carnival rides and games will be available for the five days, and tickets can only be purchased on-site.  

Carnival activities will operate from noon to 10 p.m. on July 16-17, noon to 11 p.m. on July 18-19, and noon to midnight on July 20. 

Food concessions and craft vendor booths will also be available the whole week.  

The main stage at Lakefair runs all week from noon to 10 p.m., highlighting free live performances of local, regional and national groups. 

​The Grand Finale Fireworks display over the lake will close the event on July 20 at 10 p.m. Vantage points are Heritage Park, Deschutes Pkwy, Capitol Campus or anywhere with a view of the lake.