New 2025 venue rental rates released for hosting celebrations in Thurston County

Thurston County rolled out its official 2025 rental rates for the Fairgrounds and Event Center, giving organizers the full picture on how much it costs to hold any type of celebration, meeting or commercial event on-site. 

The updated schedule applies to multiple indoor halls and outdoor spaces at Thurston County Fairgrounds. 

However, the county blocks off July 1 to Aug. 15 for fair-related use only, and no outside events are allowed during that period of time. 

Indoor venues and rental prices 

The Thurston Expo Center, one of the county’s largest enclosed event spaces, lists a weekday all-day rate of $650. On weekends and holidays, the rate climbs to $1,100, and renters must book at least eight hours. 

Hour-by-hour use is billed at $120, and extra hours must be tacked on to the original time and cost $55 each. The expo center has a “capacity of 288 people and can be divided into 2 or 4 rooms with a capacity for 140 or 70 people each.” 

Renters are also charged a $100 reservation fee. For damage deposits, renters must pay either $250 or $550, based on whether alcohol is part of the event. 

The Historic Heritage Hall, another indoor facility with a capacity of 250 people, is priced at $475 on weekdays and $825 for weekend or holiday events. The hourly rate is $85, and extra hours cost $45 as long as the original booking is followed. The reservation fee and damage deposit follow the same rule as the Expo Center. 

Sokolik Building rentals costs $250 for weekday use and $350 on weekends and holidays, with a steady hourly rate of $35. It also has plenty of “on-site parking to accommodate” the needs of renters. 

Barn rentals follow the same hourly rate of $35, but the daily fees are $150 on weekdays and $250 on weekends. 

Outdoor spaces and facility options 

Outdoor spaces are also available for booking.  

The full grounds run at $5,000 with $2,000 due to reserve and a $1,000 deposit. The upper grounds are $3,000 with the same reservation fee and a $750 deposit, while the lower lot is available at $825. 

The horse arena rents for $275, and the west restroom can be booked for $150. Not all of these spaces require a deposit. 

All renters are required to take care of setup, cleanup and takedown. If help is needed, setup assistance is available during the week for $225. 

Rental rules 

“Rental and deposit payment must be paid in full 90 days before the rental date,” the guideline states.  

According to the county, if a rental is made less than 90 days before the event, full payment is required at the time of signing. Canceling after that means losing all fees paid, with only the damage deposit refunded. Agencies canceling within 14 days are still billed for the full rental. 

“Reduced rate at 60% of rental price available for: County offices/departments or County partner organization (cash or in-kind, with approval from Fairgrounds and Event Center Manager). Community nonprofits or youth organizations not charging admission or soliciting funds at event,” the guidelines also note. 

The county allows events to run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, use is permitted from 8 a.m. until 1 a.m. 

Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility is also in place across the entire site. Guests with mobility needs can access entrances, restrooms and public areas without barriers. 

The county makes it clear that smoking is not allowed inside any building at the fairgrounds. The ban also applies to the gazebo, all patios and any area within 25 feet of doors or windows. 

To book a venue at the fairgrounds, renters can reach out by phone at 360-786-5453, send an email to kari.bodnar@co.thurston.wa.us, or visit the Fair Office in person at 3054 Carpenter Road SE, inside Heritage Hall.