Celebrating 159 years of tradition, the Wisconsin State Fair kicks off Thursday, August 5 and runs through Sunday, August 15 at State Fair Park in West Allis. The fair is one of the state’s premiere summer events offering an exciting lineup of fun from agriculture and horticulture to culinary creations and oodles of attractions and entertainment. As always, affordable pricing makes the fair a great family value, with admission set at $9 or less.
Opening Day (Thursday, August 5) is again Hunger Task Force $2 Day! Fairgoers who bring at least two (2) non-perishable food items or make a cash donation between 8am and 5pm at designated locations outside fair admission gates will receive $2 admission to the fair. (The promotion ends promptly at 5pm.) Another great deal is the U.S. Cellular Plaza where fairgoers with nimble thumbs can attempt to out-text the rest and win $10,000 or other great prizes in U.S. Cellular’s Speed Text Tournament (August 5-8 only).
Great entertainment is a longstanding tradition at the fair. The champion of the fair’s many stages is the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage which this year offers top national headliners including Lyle Lovett and his Large Band (Aug 5), Jordin Sparks (Aug 8), the Steve Miller Band (Aug 10), Montgomery Gentry (Aug 11), Three Dog Night (Aug 13), and Bret Michaels (Aug 14). There are also thirty additional stages of free entertainment.
Agriculture is one of Wisconsin’s largest industries and is at the core of the Wisconsin State Fair. With dairy and beef cattle, sheep, poultry, rabbits, goats, swine, horses and more, there are animals galore at the Fair. Whether attendees tour the barns, watch the shows and competitions or enjoy the excitement of the auction, the Wisconsin State Fair is a fantastic place for children and adults to learn about animal agriculture.
Fairgoers can also take-in beautiful, sculptured bonsais, orchids, dahlias, gladiolus, colorful cut flowers and a myriad of vegetables, as well as textiles, canned goods, pies, cakes and more; and this is only a brief sampling of the ribbon-winning items on display. It’s all located in the Horticulture, Craft & Culinary Pavilion.
Of course, the Wisconsin State Fair would not be the same without the delicious fare that everyone looks forward to each year. The iconic Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs have been available since 1924 at - where else - The Original Cream Puff Pavilion. Other tempting treats include lean and tasty Bison burritos, duck fajitas, giant turkey legs, Reuben rolls, enchiladas, roasted chicken, corn-on-the-cob, and Italian sausage. Of course, any favorite food that can come “on-a-stick” can be found among the fair’s 200 vendors.
The fair is loaded with giggles and good times for kids with the Sports Zone, youth exhibits, interactive activities, a children’s play zone with inflatable wonders for kids to bounce on, a spectacular midway, Kiddie Kingdom, racing pigs, a Dog Fair, the Giant Slide, contests and competitions, a daily parade and much more. Consequently, one day at the fair is hardly enough.
Shoppers will find a wide range of bargains with hundreds of vendors located all over the fairgrounds. Be sure you shop the Wisconsin Exposition Center, Cousins Subs® Amphitheater & Bazaar, The Galleria in the Big Backyard, Westside Marketplace, Central Mall, Original Cream Puff Pavilion and the Mile Marketplace. Fairgoers seeking souvenirs will find Official Fair Wear stores located throughout the park.
General admission tickets purchased at the gate are $9 for adults (12 and over), $4 for youth (ages 7 - 11), and children (6 and under) are FREE. Fairgoers with disabilities and senior citizens (60 and older) receive a discounted admission price of $6. For the most up-to-date information fair information, visit
WiStateFair.com.
