Wisconsin State Fair Harvest Fair 2025 Guide

The Wisconsin State Fair Harvest Fair celebrates its 32nd year September 26-28, 2025, offering three days of fall festivities, free entertainment, and seasonal treats at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis.

This autumn tradition transforms the fairgrounds into a harvest wonderland with over 40 food vendors, live music on multiple stages, and family activities that capture the essence of Wisconsin's agricultural heritage. New for 2025 are Racing Animals featuring competitive goats, ducks, and pigs, plus enhanced entertainment options that make this year's event the most exciting yet.

This event draws approximately 80,000 visitors over three days for good reason - it perfectly balances nostalgic fair traditions with modern entertainment and maintains affordability for families.

Quick facts:

Friday, September 26: 5pm – 11pm
Saturday, September 27: 10am – 11pm
Sunday, September 28: 10am – 6pm

Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S 84th Street, West Allis, WI 53214

Tickets
Adults (12+): $5
Children (11 & under): FREE
Payment: Cash or card accepted at gates
Ticket vouchers: $20 a sheet

Parking
Cost: $10 per vehicle
Payment: Credit/debit cards ONLY (no cash)
Gates: 1, 2, 5, and 7 available

✅ All events rain or shine
✅ Metal detectors at all entrances
✅ Bag size limit: 9" x 10" x 12"
✅ Youth 17 & under need adult supervision after 5pm
✅ Activity tickets: $1 each (activities cost 1-15 tickets)
❌ NO onsite mobility equipment rentals in 2025

Looking for more fall festivals? Check out the Elegant Farmer’s Autumn Harvest Festival.

Entertainment lineup

Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show

The Bank Five Nine Amphitheater anchors the entertainment with headliner performances each evening. Friday features 3D – The DeBraal Brothers at 5:00pm followed by Hairbangers Ball at 8:30pm. Saturday showcases V Funk at noon, Steve Beguhn at 4:00pm, and Here Come the Mummies as the 8:30pm headliner. Sunday wraps up with Our House at 11:00am and Brewtown Beat at 2:00pm.

The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show delivers thrilling demonstrations with multiple daily performances. Friday offers one show at 6:00pm, while Saturday and Sunday feature shows at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 6:00pm (Saturday only). These 30-45 minute performances showcase log rolling, speed chopping competitions, crosscut sawing, precision axe throwing, and dragster chainsaw competitions - perfect entertainment for all ages.

Racing Animals debuts as the marquee 2025 attraction, featuring competitive races between goats, ducks, and pigs at Sue Wetley Court. The schedule includes shows Friday at 5:30pm and 7:00pm, Saturday at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:00pm, and Sunday at 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm. Additional entertainment venues throughout the fairgrounds include Blue Moon Tavern, Bud Pavilion, Camp Bar, Leff's Miller Lite Sports Bar & Grill, and others featuring live music all weekend.

Food vendors and State Fair favorites

The Elegant Farmer pies

Over 40 food vendors create a culinary adventure spanning traditional fair favorites to innovative harvest-themed creations. Central Mall hosts major vendors like Brad & Harry's Cheese Curds offering original and dill pickle varieties, Krautland serving bratwurst and German specialties, and Fiesta Grill & Cantina with complete Mexican menus. Harvest-specific innovations include the Thanksgiving Egg Roll by Badger Bites featuring pulled turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry, plus the signature Harvest Sundae with pumpkin swirl custard, cheesecake bites, and graham cracker dust.

The Farmers Market on Grandstand Avenue features artisan vendors including Elegant Farmer Pies ($27 for whole apple pies, $22 for pumpkin), Cream City Caramels & Confections, and Sherwood's Fabulous Fudge with 70+ varieties. Lumpia City introduces unique fusion items like Dirty Chai Cinnamon Lumpia and Wisconsin Cheesy Mac Lumpia. Food prices typically range $6-$15, with specialty items reaching $15-$30.

Harvest Fair Cream Puff Kits offer take-home experiences with all components needed to create Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs at home. Harvest Stew by Kozie's serves homemade stew for $8 in regular bowls or $15 in commemorative bowls. Most vendors accept cash and credit cards, though cash remains preferred by some.

Family activities

Pumpkin Bowling costs 5 tickets and allows families to bowl with mini pumpkins on real lanes in Central Park, with participants keeping their pumpkins. Make Your Own Scarecrow requires 15 tickets and includes everything needed to create and take home a complete scarecrow. Both activities close at 9pm Friday and Saturday, 6pm Sunday.

New for 2025, the Pony Cycle Corral offers free entertainment featuring "stuffed horses you can sit on mixed with bicycles." Traditional activities include Pony Rides (12 tickets), the Giant Slide (4 tickets) - the 200-foot State Fair staple, and various amusement rides at 5 tickets each. Activity tickets cost $1 each, with attractions ranging from 1-15 tickets depending on complexity.

The fairgrounds also feature kiddie bumper boats (6 tickets), Pig Slide (1 ticket), and multiple free activities throughout the weekend. Safety ID wristbands are available for children through We Energies, and multiple family care centers provide private, air-conditioned nursing and changing areas.

Practical planning

Parking costs $10 per vehicle and requires credit or debit cards only - cash is not accepted for Harvest Fair parking. Main gates include Gate 1 (W. Greenfield Avenue & S. 79th Street), Gate 2 (S. 84th Street), Gate 5 (S. 84th Street), and Gate 7 (W. Kearney Street). Accessible parking is available in all lots on a first-come, first-served basis, with a dedicated accessible-only lot at Gate 2.

Transportation options include rideshare services with a designated area on the north side near the UScellular Main Gate, limited public transit via MCTS Routes 18 and 33, and free bicycle parking. Note that Waukesha County shuttle service will not operate in 2025 due to driver shortages, making advance parking planning essential.

Security measures include metal detection at all entrances with all bags limited to 9" x 10" x 12" or smaller. Youth 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 21+ starting at 5pm each day, with each adult able to chaperone up to six minors maximum. Prohibited items include bags larger than the size limit, weapons, alcohol, glass bottles, and professional cameras without media credentials.

Weather preparation and accessibility

September weather in Wisconsin ranges from 70-76°F highs to 50-60°F lows, making layers essential for comfort throughout the day. All events proceed rain or shine, so checking weather forecasts and bringing appropriate gear is crucial. Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory given the extensive grounds and various surface types.

Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms, and facilities throughout the fairgrounds. However, onsite wheelchair, electric scooter, stroller, and wagon rentals will NOT be available for 2025, requiring attendees to bring their own mobility equipment. Four family care centers provide private nursing areas and adult-sized changing tables at the Exposition Center, Guest Services Pavilion, North Grandstand Avenue, and other marked locations.

Water bottle filling stations are available at the Exposition Center and Wisconsin Products Pavilion, with nearly 30 ATMs throughout the fairgrounds for cash needs. Hand sanitizing stations are positioned throughout the park following GBAC guidelines.

Harvest Fair 2025 represents exceptional value for families seeking autumn entertainment, combining 32 years of tradition with exciting new attractions like Racing Animals and enhanced food offerings. The $5 adult admission grants access to hours of free entertainment, while reasonably priced activities and food maintain the event's accessibility. Smart planning involves arriving early, bringing layers for changing weather, and purchasing parking passes online for quicker entry. This perfectly sized fall festival captures the essence of Wisconsin's agricultural heritage while delivering modern family entertainment that creates lasting memories without breaking the budget.