2026 Milwaukee-Area Fair Guide

The greater Milwaukee area hosts seven major fairs in 2026 stretching from mid-July through late August, anchored by the Wisconsin State Fair (Aug. 6–16, West Allis) celebrating its 175th anniversary. There is no standalone "Milwaukee County Fair" — the State Fair has filled that role since the Agricultural Society purchased the 160-acre Stevens Farm in 1891 and held its first fair at the permanent West Allis site in 1892, with Harvest Fair (Oct. 2–4) as a fall encore.

For pure family value, the Ozaukee County Fair (July 29–Aug. 2, Cedarburg) is unbeatable: it's one of the last truly FREE gate-admission county fairs in the Midwest. The Waukesha County Fair (July 15–19) and Washington County Fair (July 21–26) offer the best mix of national-act concerts plus traditional fair fare.

Book the Wisconsin State Fair early — adult admission is $15 advance through May 31, then climbs to $20 at the gate — and plan Main Stage concerts separately ($34–$110 reserved). Every other Milwaukee-area county fair offers free parking; only the Wisconsin State Fair and Waukesha County Fair charge for parking.

Wisconsin State Fair — West Allis (Milwaukee County)

• Dates: Aug. 6–16, 2026 (11 days; 175th anniversary)

• Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St., West Allis, WI 53214

• Website: wistatefair.com

• Hours: Sun–Wed 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Thu–Sat 10 a.m.–midnight

• Admission at gate: Adults (12+) $20; Seniors (60+) $15; Military/Veterans $15; Youth (6–11) $13; Children 5 & under FREE. Advance tickets discounted to $15 through May 31 (Fair Deal).

• Parking: Cashless, paid via Interstate Parking; advance passes available online

• Main Stage 2026 lineup (reserved tickets include same-day admission):

  • Aug. 6 — Hairball ($34–$49)

  • Aug. 7 — Nelly ($72–$92)

  • Aug. 8 — Bailey Zimmerman ($87–$110)

  • Aug. 9 — Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge: Raised On Radio Tour ($65–$85)

  • Aug. 10 — for KING + COUNTRY with Rachael Lampa ($60–$80)

  • Aug. 11 — The Isley Brothers with The Commodores

  • Aug. 12 — John Mulaney "Mister Whatever" tour ($64–$92)

  • Aug. 13 — The All-American Rejects with Joyce Manor ($65–$85)

  • Aug. 15 — AJR with Em Beihold ($78–$99)

  • Aug. 16 — The Beach Boys "Sounds of Summer" ($48–$63)

• Bank Five Nine Amphitheater (FREE with admission): Sixteen Candles, Here Come the Mummies (2 nights), So Good! Neil Diamond Experience, Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone (2 nights), Hairbangers Ball, Too Hype Crew, The Gufs, Let's Sing Taylor, plus Kids From Wisconsin's 58th season.

• Key attractions: SpinCity rides (Sizzler, Freak Out, 200-foot Stratosphere swing, Comet 2 roller coaster), Sky Glider, Giant Slide, Ag Village with thousands of livestock, the Original Cream Puff (Dairy Building), Sporkies & Drinkies food competitions, Cirque at the Fair (free), Milwaukee Mile racing tie-ins.

• Family notes: Youth chaperone policy after 5 p.m. — those 17 and under must be with a parent/guardian (21+); each adult may chaperone up to six minors.

• Scale: Wisconsin's largest annual event — the official Wisconsin State Fair history page (wistatefair.com/fair/history/) lists 1,136,805 visits in 2024, the highest modern-era total, while CEO Shari Black reported a weather-shortened 2025 run of 892,968 attendees over 10 days.

• Why go: Unmatched scale of food, agriculture, and entertainment — and 2026 is the 175th anniversary celebration.

Waukesha County Fair

Waukesha County Fair

• Dates: July 15–19, 2026 (184th anniversary)

• History/source: Per Waukesha County Fair's official history (waukeshacountyfair.com/general-info/history/): "The first Waukesha County Fair was held in 1842 in a poplar grove on Carroll Street in Prairieville. It was a gala 4th of July Celebration, complete with fireworks and a festive dinner." That makes it the oldest county fair in Wisconsin.

• Location: Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha, WI 53188 (I-94 to Hwy. J, Exit 294)

• Website:waukeshacountyfair.com

• Hours: Wed 12 p.m.–10 p.m.; Thu 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri–Sat 10 a.m.–midnight; Sun 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

• Admission: Adults $14; Youth 6–12 $8; Children 5 & under FREE

• Parking: $6/day

• 2026 theme: "Get Your Kicks"

• Key attractions: Carnival midway, five entertainment stages with national and local acts, 4-H exhibits, dairy/beef/swine barns, Junior Livestock Auction (4-H/FFA), classic car show, truck/tractor pulls, demolition derby, Children's Tent.

• Music heritage: Per the fair's history page: "Entertainment was added in 1984. The 1st Main Stage line-up featured Loretta Lynn, Mickey Gilley and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band." That booking tradition continues today with a mix of national and regional acts.

• Why go: Oldest county fair in WI; nonprofit, volunteer-run; closest "county fair" experience for west-side Milwaukee families.

Washington County Fair — West Bend

• Dates: July 21–26, 2026 (168th year)

• Location: Washington County Fair Park, 3000 Hwy. PV, West Bend, WI 53095

• Website:washcofairwi.com

• Hours: Tues 3–10 p.m.; Wed 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Thu–Sat 10 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Admission (per official site): Tuesday $5 all-ages; Wed & Sun adults $12; Thu/Fri/Sat $15. 6-day passes: Adults $35, Youth 7–12 $15, under 7 FREE.

• Parking: FREE in 750+ on-site spaces; $20/day reserved parking available

• 2026 theme: "Rhythm & Moos"

• Silver Lining Amphitheater: Three nights of national recording artists (typically Thu–Sat). Grass-seating viewing is FREE with admission; reserved seats $35–$70. Headliners not all confirmed at press time. (Past acts: Foreigner, Chris Young, Styx, Queensryche, Brantley Gilbert, Lanco.)

• Key attractions: Ag Adventureland, livestock auction, full midway (Rainbow Valley Rides), tractor pull, fireworks, demolition derby, 50+ shows. Disability ride hours Thursday 12–2 p.m.

• Scale: Wisconsin's 3rd-largest annual event, drawing "over 75,000 attendees annually," per the fair's own About page (washcofairwi.com).

• Why go: Free parking; three nights of national concerts you can hear from a free grass lawn.

Ozaukee County Fair — Cedarburg

• Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2026 (since 1859)

• Location: Ozaukee County Fairgrounds at Cedarburg Firemen's Park, W67 N866 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012

• Website:ozaukeecountyfair.com (Phone: 262-375-6185)

• Hours: Wed 12 p.m.–midnight; Thu–Sat 8 a.m.–midnight; Sun 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Admission:FREE GATE ADMISSION — one of the last free fairs in the Midwest

• Parking: $10 before 4 p.m., $15 after 4 p.m. (varies by lot)

• Carnival ride wristbands: $25 Friday (12–5 p.m.); free midway rides for any person with special needs Fri 12–2 p.m.

• Key attractions: Five stages of live music, truck & tractor pulls, full midway, fireworks, demolition derbies (Fri 6:30 p.m., Sat 6 p.m. — operated by Grand Motor Crash, Inc.), horse shows, 4-H/livestock judging, kids entertainment, Clover Café (4-H food stand).

• Why go: Free admission is the headline — a family of four can do a full day of fair for the cost of parking plus food. Charming Cedarburg setting at the historic Firemen's Park.

Racine County Fair — Union Grove

• Dates: July 29 – August 2, 2026

• Location: Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave., Union Grove, WI 53182 (access from Hwy. 45 or Hwy. 11)

• Website: racinecountyfair.com

• Hours: Wed–Sat 8 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.–9 p.m.

• Admission (per official tickets page): Adults (14–62) $12; Seniors (62+) $9; Juniors (8–13) $7; Children 7 & under FREE; 5-Day Fair Pass $50

• Parking: FREE (senior/handicap parking inside grounds at Gate 6)

• Carnival wristbands: $25 daily

• Special discount: Bring 3 non-perishable food items for half-off adult admission, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed., July 29

• Grandstand schedule (all FREE with paid fair admission):

  • Wed 7/29 — Truck & Tractor Pulls, 6:30 p.m.

  • Thu 7/30 — Garden Tractor/Mini Rod Pulls + Combine Demo Derby, 6:30 p.m.

  • Fri 7/31 — Antique Tractor Parade 5:30 p.m.; Truck & Tractor Pulls 6:30 p.m.

  • Sat 8/1 — Garden Tractor Pull (a.m.); Bulls-n-Muttin Bustin 7 p.m.

  • Sun 8/2 — Demolition Derby, 2 p.m. & 6 p.m.

• NEW in 2026: "Stars of the Show Ring" — an inclusive pig show inviting youth of all abilities to participate in a supportive, confidence-building livestock competition.

• Key attractions: Live local music (Center Stage, Activity Building), antique tractor area with sawing/shingle-making/wheat-threshing demos, horse drill team, Sue Isaacson Memorial Showmanship, Pie Auction.

• Why go: Free parking, low admission, free grandstand events — best value-per-dollar in the metro region after Ozaukee.

Kenosha County Fair — Wilmot

• Dates: August 19–23, 2026 (since 1920)

• Location: Kenosha County Fairgrounds, 30820 111th St. (Hwy. W), Wilmot, WI 53192 (adjacent to Wilmot Union High School)

• Website: kenoshacofair.com (Phone: 262-862-6121)

• Admission (based on most recent 2025 published rates; 2026 rates similar per Premium Book): Adults (12+) $12; Children 7–11 $6; Seniors 65+ $8; Military (active/retired w/ ID) $8; Children 6 & under FREE; Season Adult $40; Season 7–11 $15

• Parking: FREE general parking; Season Reserved Parking $25

• Key attractions: Discovery Barnyard petting zoo, Creekside Stage with daily live music, The Barrel Room (craft beer/wine), Antique Machinery Display, full midway carnival, plus dirt-track racing at the on-site Wilmot Raceway (3/8-mile clay oval, 76th season). Grandstand schedule typically includes IRA Sprint racing, IMCA Modifieds, demolition derby Sunday afternoon. Some grandstand events carry $10–$15 upcharges (e.g., Friday IRA Sprints $15 adults).

• Family features: On-site campground at the fairgrounds; Children's Scavenger Hunt; Cookies & Crowns event; school exhibits building; Kenosha County Sheriff's Department demonstrations daily; Nick's Kid Show; Pleasure Valley Pig & Duck Races; Milwaukee Flyers acrobatic show.

• Why go: Last hurrah of the summer fair season; only Milwaukee-area fair with a working dirt racetrack on the grounds; free parking and reasonable admission.

Harvest Fair — West Allis (fall bonus)

• Dates: October 2–4, 2026 (33rd year, at Wisconsin State Fair Park)

• Admission: $5 ages 12+; FREE ages 11 & under

• Hours: Fri 5–11 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

• Highlights: Lumberjack shows, pumpkin bowling, scarecrow making, Bank Five Nine Amphitheater concerts (free), many returning State Fair food vendors, Farmers Market shopping. Good fall family alternative to a full county fair.

Recommendations

If you can only do one fair, do the Wisconsin State Fair (Aug. 6–16). Buy advance $15 admission before May 31, pick a weekday to avoid crowds, and plan around a Main Stage show that fits your taste. Cream puffs are non-negotiable.

If you have a tight budget: Hit Ozaukee County Fair (July 29–Aug. 2) — free admission is a genuine rarity. Combine with a Friday-night demolition derby for a complete fair experience under $50 for a family of four (parking + food).

If you want big concerts at low cost: Pick Washington County Fair (July 21–26) and watch the Silver Lining Amphitheater national acts from the free grass hill — paying only $5–$15 for a Tuesday or Wednesday gate ticket.

If you have young kids who love animals: Waukesha County Fair (July 15–19) and Kenosha County Fair (Aug. 19–23) are both intentionally family-focused, with Discovery Barnyard (Kenosha) and the 4-H youth exhibits and Children's Tent (Waukesha) standing out.

If you love motorsports: Kenosha County Fair is the only fair with a live dirt track (Wilmot Raceway) on-site; Racine County Fair features the most pulls/derbies on its grandstand schedule, all included free with admission.

If you missed summer: Harvest Fair Oct. 2–4 at State Fair Park gives you a half-priced State Fair vibe in fall.

Benchmarks that should change your plan: Wisconsin State Fair main-stage concerts often sell out by mid-July — book by June if you want a specific show. If forecast shows storms, all amphitheater/grandstand events at the county fairs are rain-or-shine but outdoor music can be cancelled day-of; check social media the morning of. If you're planning multiple fairs, two same-week conflicts to know: Ozaukee + Racine both run July 29–Aug. 2, and Wisconsin State Fair runs concurrently with Milwaukee Irish Fest Aug. 13–16 (the State Fair sells a combined "Dublin the Fun" admission package).

Caveats

• Detailed 2026 daily schedules for Racine, Washington, and Kenosha county fairs were "coming soon" or only partially published as of research date (May 2026). Expect daily entertainment, food vendors, and parade times to fill in by early summer.

• Kenosha County Fair admission prices here reflect 2025 published rates because 2026 gate-price tiers weren't yet posted; the 2026 Premium Book confirms general parking remains FREE.

• Washington County concert headliners for the 2026 Silver Lining Amphitheater have not been fully announced; check washcofairwi.com.

• Concert lineups change. The Wisconsin State Fair list reflects announcements through May 11, 2026; a final special-guest opener for AJR was still pending.

• Parking caveats: "Cashless" applies at Wisconsin State Fair Park (both summer fair and Harvest Fair) — bring a debit/credit card or buy passes online.

• Demolition Derby at Ozaukee is run by an independent contractor (Grand Motor Crash, Inc.), not the fair association itself — registration questions go to 262-305-6824.

• Milwaukee County itself runs no separate county fair. The Wisconsin State Fair, held at the West Allis site since 1892, has historically served that purpose.

• The Washington County Fair website's grandstand meta description mentions "Monster Truck Freestyle Show" carryover from prior years — no standalone monster truck show is confirmed in the 2026 Racine grandstand lineup as published.