Celebrate Fun at the Wisconsin State Fair
Photo Credit: Wisconsin State Fair
Get the ultimate summer experience at the Wisconsin State Fair as you sink your teeth into innovative culinary creations on a stick, see unforgettable live music, visit animals and exhibits, go on thrilling rides and more.
One of the most popular family-friendly events in the state, it runs from August 3-13 at State Fair Park in West Allis. For an affordable, picture-perfect day with those who matter most, the State Fair has it all.
Fair foods
This is your chance to experience unique foods, oftentimes only available at the fair. Stop over at the Original Cream Puff Pavilion for a sweet, fluffy, and iconic treat that will make your taste buds dance. Try a single, 3- or 6- pack of cream puffs — a state fair staple that’s been created on-site at the fair for almost 100 years! Fun fact: An average of 400,000 cream puffs are sold each year, and you can’t get them anywhere else. Gotta love #WisconsinDairy!
Even if you’re not up for sweets, no worries, because there’s more than 800 food-and-beverage options with over 150 locations.
Live entertainment
The best complement to your mouth-watering fair food is the live music and entertainment that goes along with it. You can bring your family and friends to see music, jugglers, comedians, hypnotists and more across 30 stages among the fairgrounds. Best of all, the Wisconsin State Fair features national headliners each year at the Main Stage presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. Headliners for the 2023 State Fair include ALABAMA, Jeff Dunham and REO Speedwagon.
Rides and amusement area
Remember that time you dared to go on all rides at SpinCity?! You sure will after exploring the fair’s (aptly named) amusement ride-and-game area. It features nearly 50 thrilling rides and over 25 games to try your luck at while your family cheers you on. Don’t forget to see a view of the entire fair and surrounding cities by going on the Ferris Wheel or experience every kid’s dream by coasting down the 200-foot slide.
Agriculture and exhibits
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. Tour the barns, watch the shows and competitions and get into the excitement of the auctions.
But animals aren’t the only part of the agriculture you’ll learn about at the State Fair. Have you ever wanted to bask in a field of flowers? That's what it feels like when stopping by Horticulture, Craft & Culinary Pavilion and strolling through beautifully arranged bonsais, orchids, dahlias, gladiolus, and colorful cut flowers, too.
The memory-making opportunities don’t end here, be sure to check out all of the stellar festivals and fairs in Wisconsin! Here are five more that are perfect for the whole family.