Ozaukee County Fair 2025: Complete Family Guide

One of the Last FREE Fairs in the Midwest!

Since 1859, the Ozaukee County Fair has been creating magical memories for families while celebrating Wisconsin's agricultural heritage. This 166-year-old tradition offers completely FREE admission to one of the most authentic county fair experiences in the region, making it an exceptional value for North Shore Milwaukee families looking for summer fun.

📅 Dates: July 30 - August 3, 2025 (Wednesday through Sunday) 📍 Location: Ozaukee County Fair Grounds/Cedarburg Firemen's Park, W67N866 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012 💰 Admission: COMPLETELY FREE - No gate fees! 🚗 Parking: $10 before 4 PM, $15 after 4 PM (varies by lot) 📞 Contact: (262) 375-6185

Daily Hours & Operating Schedule

• Wednesday: Noon - Midnight

• Thursday - Saturday: 8 AM - Midnight

• Sunday: 8 AM - 6 PM

Day-by-Day Schedule

Wednesday, July 30 - Opening Day & Fireworks Night 🎆

Theme: Grand Opening & Celebration Special Events:

• FIREWORKS DISPLAY - Wednesday evening

• MWTTPA Tractor & Truck Pulls - Wednesday evening

• Fair opens at noon with all attractions available

Carnival Hours: Rides Open 4 PM – 10 PM, Ride Wristband $30 (4–10 PM)

Thursday, July 31 - Agriculture & Competition Day

Theme: 4-H Showcases & Agricultural Heritage Special Events:

• MWTTPA Tractor & Truck Pulls - Thursday evening

• 4-H livestock exhibitions and judging throughout the day

• Agricultural demonstrations and contests

Carnival Hours: Rides Open Noon – 10 PM, Ride Wristband $25 (Noon–5 PM)

Friday, August 1 - Special Needs Accessibility & Derby Night

Theme: Inclusive Fun & Demolition Derby Special Events:

• FREE Midway Rides for any person with special needs (Noon–2 PM)

• Grand Motor Crash Demolition Derby - Friday evening

• Horse shows and competitions

Carnival Hours: Rides Open Noon– 10 PM, Ride Wristband $25 (Noon–5 PM)

Saturday, August 2 - Peak Family Fun Day

Theme: Community Celebration & Derby Finals Special Events:

• Grand Motor Crash Demolition Derby - Saturday evening

• Peak attendance day with all attractions operating

• Live music performances on all five stages

Carnival Hours: Rides Open Noon– 10 PM

Sunday, August 3 - Family Day & Car Show Finale

Theme: Family Heritage & Classic Cars Special Events:

• McCade's Joyride Car Show - Sunday showcase

• Final day for 4-H exhibits and awards

• Family-focused activities and relaxed atmosphere

Carnival Hours: Rides Open Noon – 5 PM, Ride Wristband $25 (Noon–5 PM)

Family Attractions & Activities

🎠 Carnival & Rides

The fair features a full midway with carnival rides suitable for all ages. Ride wristbands offer the best value for families planning to enjoy multiple attractions.

Money-Saving Strategy: Thursday, Friday, and Sunday offer $25 wristbands during noon-5 PM hours - the best deal for families with children.

🐄 Agricultural Experiences & 4-H Exhibits

The fair showcases 4-H and livestock exhibitions & judging, providing authentic agricultural education for children. 4-H members display the results of their year's project work, with exhibits judged by the "face to face" conference system.

Educational Highlights:

• Livestock barns with cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry

• 4-H Communication Festival demonstrations and presentations

• Agricultural demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities

• Petting zoo experiences with farm animals

🎵 Entertainment & Shows

Five stages of live music provide continuous entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, featuring various genres and local performers.

Performance Highlights:

• Multiple music stages with diverse programming

• Horse shows showcasing equestrian skills

• 4-H youth presentations and demonstrations

• Community talent showcases

🏆 Competitions & Contests

The fair features numerous competitions celebrating community talents and agricultural skills:

• Contests and competitions throughout the week

• Fairest of the Fair contest

• 4-H project competitions and judging

• Agricultural product competitions

Food & Dining Options

Traditional Fair Foods

Enjoy classic fair favorites including:

• Deep-fried cheese curds (Wisconsin specialty)

• Funnel cakes and cotton candy

• Fresh-grilled corn on the cob

• Local vendor specialties

4-H Clover Café

The 4-H food stand (Clover Café) is run by 4-H families during the fair and typically offers quality, affordable options perfect for families looking for hearty meals at reasonable prices.

Special Features & Accessibility

Inclusive Programming

The fair offers FREE Midway Rides for any person with special needs on Friday from Noon–2 PM, demonstrating the community's commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Educational Opportunities

• 4-H, Open Class & School Art Entries showcase youth achievements

• Agricultural heritage displays and demonstrations

• Hands-on learning experiences with farm animals and rural traditions

Family Planning Tips

Best Days for Different Ages

• Families with Young Children (3-8): Thursday or Sunday for smaller crowds and better ride access

• Families with Teens (9-17): Friday or Saturday for demolition derby excitement and peak energy

• Multi-Generational Groups: Wednesday for fireworks and opening ceremony atmosphere

Budget-Friendly Strategies

1. Free Admission: The biggest savings advantage - no gate fees means more money for food and rides

2. Strategic Ride Timing: $25 wristbands during noon-5 PM windows offer best value

3. Early Arrival: Better parking rates and attraction access before crowds

4. Bring Water: Stay hydrated affordably while enjoying outdoor activities

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes for traversing the fairgrounds

• Sunscreen and hats for outdoor activities

• Cash for parking, food, and ride wristbands

• Hand sanitizer for after petting zoo visits

• Camera to capture 4-H exhibits and family memories

Transportation & Parking

Getting There

The fairgrounds are located in Cedarburg's Firemen's Park, easily accessible from major North Shore routes. The address is W67N866 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012.

Parking Information

• Cost: $10 before 4 PM, $15 after 4 PM

• Strategy: Arrive early for better rates and closer parking spots

• Payment: Bring cash as many lots don't accept credit cards

Nearby Attractions

While in Cedarburg, families can extend their visit by exploring:

• Historic downtown Cedarburg with unique shops and restaurants

• Cedar Creek Settlement for additional shopping and dining

• Cedarburg Mill and covered bridge for photo opportunities

Special Notes for 2025

• This marks the 166th year of the fair, making it a historic celebration

• The demolition derby is operated by independent contractor Grand Motor Crash, Inc.

• Due to rapidly changing times, 4H, Open Class and Senior judging schedules are subject to change

The Ozaukee County Fair offers "AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN-FREE DAILY GATE ADMISSION!" making it one of the most budget-friendly family entertainment options in the Milwaukee area. With 166 years of tradition, authentic agricultural experiences, and a genuine community atmosphere, this free fair provides exceptional value while creating lasting family memories. The combination of free admission, diverse entertainment, educational opportunities, and inclusive programming makes the Ozaukee County Fair a must-visit destination for North Shore families seeking authentic Wisconsin fair experiences.