Walworth County Fair 2025: Your Complete Family Guide

Wisconsin's oldest county fair celebrates its 176th year in 2025, offering six days of authentic Midwestern fun from August 27 through September 1 at the Walworth County Fair.

This massive 99-acre fairgrounds in Elkhorn delivers everything families expect from a classic county fair: carnival rides, farm animals, contests, live entertainment, and enough fair food to satisfy every craving. With free parking, extensive family amenities, and activities for every age, this Labor Day weekend tradition provides exceptional value for families seeking an authentic agricultural experience combined with modern entertainment.

The fair's crown jewel is the 25-year-old Barnyard Adventure, a dedicated 2-acre family zone featuring live butterfly releases, working beehives, interactive learning stations, and climate-controlled indoor activities. Combined with North American Midway Entertainment's 200+ rides, major concert headliners like Alabama and Warrant, and over 18,000 youth exhibits, families can easily spend multiple days exploring everything this historic fair offers.

Getting there and getting in

Location: 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, WI 53121
Dates: Wednesday, August 27 - Monday, September 1, 2025
Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily (8:00 PM on Labor Day Monday)
Contact: (262) 723-3228

Tickets and Admission prices

• Adults: $12 daily, $45 season pass

• Seniors (62+): $8 daily (Wednesday-Friday only)

• Children (5-12): $5 daily, $15 season pass

• Children under 4: Free

• Parking: Completely free on fairgrounds and surrounding areas

The season pass pays for itself if you visit four or more days, making it ideal for local families or those planning extended stays. Gates open early at 7:00 AM, but commercial vendors and most activities don't start until 10:00 AM.

Rides and carnival attractions

North American Midway Entertainment brings North America's largest collection of traveling rides, featuring over 200 attractions ranging from gentle kiddie rides to heart-pounding thrill experiences.

Ride options by age group

Toddlers (2-4): Tot-sized helicopters, small slides, gentle carousels with whimsical animals, and "Prize Every Time" games designed specifically for young children.

School age (5-12): Family rides that parents and children can enjoy together, plus age-appropriate thrill rides with height restrictions. The 110-foot Giant Wheel with 20,000 multicolored lights offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Teens and adults: High-speed drops, spinning rides, roller coasters, and the impressive 150-foot Super Ferris Wheel with enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas.

Ride pricing and strategy

Unlimited ride wristbands: $30 per person (valid 3:00 PM-11:00 PM on opening days, noon-11:00 PM weekends, noon-8:00 PM final day). Individual ride tickets available but wristbands offer better value for active riders. The fair uses a digital RFID ticketing system for convenience.

Money-saving tip: Many families find the wristband worthwhile for children over 8, while younger kids may be satisfied with individual rides and free activities.

Family flagship: Barnyard Adventure

This 2-acre agricultural wonderland has operated for 25 years and serves as the fair's premier family destination. The climate-controlled indoor barn and extensive outdoor areas provide educational entertainment for all ages.

Indoor barn experiences

Working observation beehive: Live demonstrations by the Walworth County Beekeepers Association show honey production and bee behavior through protective glass walls.

Monarch butterfly hatching: Expert presentations explain the complete lifecycle, followed by daily butterfly releases at 5:00 PM in the outdoor observation tent.

Interactive learning stations: Hands-on exhibits covering dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry help children understand modern agriculture.

Garden areas and outdoor learning

"Color My World" gardens: Themed garden sections organized by color teach children about plant diversity and gardening techniques.

"Kids Can Compost" display: Working demonstration of vegetable scrap composting and worm farming shows sustainable practices.

"Growing to Learn" raised beds: Live displays of corn, soybeans, cranberries, and hops demonstrate major Wisconsin crops.

Barnyard Adventure Stage entertainment

Nick's Kids Show: Popular children's entertainer performs multiple daily shows with audience participation and educational content.

Daily contests: Sweet corn eating contests, milk chugging competitions, and various age-appropriate challenges throughout each day.

All Barnyard Adventure activities are included with fair admission and provide air-conditioned relief during hot weather.

Food adventures and dining options

The fair features over 20 food vendors serving everything from traditional carnival classics to unique local specialties. Budget approximately $20-40 for a family's food expenses, depending on choices.

Must-try signature items

"Steak Sundae": The fair's signature creation features french fries in a cup loaded with steak, cheese, bacon, and jalapeños ($8-10).

"Donut Hamburgers": Creative twist using sliced donuts instead of traditional buns ($6-8).

Silver Dollar cinnamon rolls: A longtime crowd favorite and local tradition ($4-5).

Traditional fair food classics

Funnel cakes and elephant ears ($5-6), jumbo corn dogs, fresh-dipped corn dogs, mini donuts, candy apples, cream puffs, and deep-fried specialties including Oreos and various vegetables. Local dairy farmers provide exceptionally affordable ice cream and fresh milk products.

Healthy and dietary options

Grilled corn on the cob, tempura fried vegetables, various fresh produce from the farmers market section. The fair accommodates different dietary needs through its diverse vendor selection.

Beverage options

The fair transitioned from completely alcohol-free to allowing beer and wine in 2021. Special collaboration beer: Features local grain from Rooster Milling and partnerships with Duesterbeck's Brewing Company and Fire2Fork. Non-alcoholic options include slushies, fresh lemonade, coffee, and local dairy beverages.

Entertainment schedule and special events

2025 grandstand lineup

Wednesday, August 27: Rice's Pro Rodeo with Bella Cain concert
Thursday, August 28: Chris Tomlin concert
Friday, August 29: Truck & Tractor Pulls
Saturday, August 30: Alabama concert (country legends)
Sunday, August 31: Warrant concert (classic rock)
Monday, September 1: Demolition Derby finale

Grandstand ticket prices: Range from $10-25 per person depending on the event, separate from fair admission.

Free entertainment included with admission

Amazing Anastasini Circus (2025): Features professional acrobats, aerialists, and family-friendly clown performances throughout each day.

Live demonstrations: Chainsaw artistry, glassblowing, and traditional craft demonstrations provide educational entertainment.

Agricultural competitions: Daily livestock judging, showmanship contests, and youth presentations showcase local farming excellence.

Agricultural exhibits and competitions

Youth participation highlights

The fair features over 18,000 exhibit entries from 4-H and FFA youth participants, making it one of the Midwest's largest youth agricultural showcases.

Livestock categories: Beef cattle, dairy cows, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, and rabbits with daily judging events and educational presentations.

Project displays: Woodworking, crafts, science projects, home economics, and agricultural innovation projects fill multiple exhibit buildings.

Adult competitions and exhibits

Open Class competitions: Adult livestock shows, horticultural displays, arts and crafts competitions, and food contests including the popular "Strut Your Stuff Recipe Challenge."

Cultural Arts Center: Features quilts, photography, woodworking, and traditional crafts from local artisans.

Special contests for families

"Pies in the Park": Community pie judging with public auction of entries.

Rooster Crowing Contest: Unique competition featuring live roosters and their natural calls.

"Walworth County Fair Country Idol": Three-part singing competition with auditions in June, semi-finals and finals during fair week.

Kids' competitions: Infant costume contests, pinewood derby races, and various age-appropriate challenges throughout the week.

Accessibility and special accommodations

Sensory-friendly experience

Friday, August 29, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Special two-hour period with reduced lights and sounds on midway rides. Registration required by August 25 for two free admission tickets (limited capacity).

Special assistance: Ride staff provide extra care for loading and unloading. Guardians and caregivers can accompany individuals needing assistance on most attractions.

ADA compliance

Service animals: Welcome throughout the facility. No pets allowed except ADA-certified service animals.

Accessibility limitations: Current carnival rides are not wheelchair accessible, though staff assist with transfers. Fairgrounds feature paved walkways and accessible restrooms.

Family amenities: Baby changing stations, first aid stations, and family restrooms available throughout the grounds.

Practical tips for families

Weather preparation

Late August/early September weather: Daytime highs 75-85°F, evening lows 45-55°F. Pack layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and light rain gear for potential afternoon thunderstorms.

Money-saving strategies

Bring cash: Avoid credit card fees from some vendors. ATMs available but bring enough for the day.

Free parking: Take advantage of completely free on-site parking, a rarity among major fairs.

Free activities: Extensive list includes all exhibits, educational programs, butterfly releases, beekeeping demonstrations, and most stage entertainment.

Re-entry policy: Hand stamps allow multiple trips to your car for breaks, perfect for families with young children.

Safety guidelines

Prohibited items: Weapons, pets (except service animals), bikes, skateboards, frisbees, and illegal substances.

Required attire: Shirts and shoes required at all times.

Smoking restrictions: No smoking in indoor facilities, tents, grandstand, or Barnyard Adventure areas.

Getting there and staying nearby

Transportation: Personal vehicle recommended. Free parking available on-site and on surrounding streets.

Nearby accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Elkhorn-Lake Geneva Area and AmericInn by Wyndham Elkhorn provide convenient access with family amenities. Lake Geneva resort options available 8-12 miles away for extended stays.

Planning your visit strategy

First-time visitor schedule

Day 1: Focus on Barnyard Adventure and educational exhibits in the morning, explore food vendors at lunch, afternoon rides with wristbands.

Day 2: Agricultural competitions and livestock shows in the morning, midway games and additional rides in the afternoon, evening grandstand entertainment.

Budget planning guide

Minimal budget (per person): $12 admission + $10-15 food = $22-27 total Moderate budget: $12 admission + $30 ride wristband + $15-20 food = $57-62 total
Premium experience: Add grandstand show tickets ($10-25) for complete fair experience

Special opportunities

"Combines for Kids" (Saturday mornings): Children can ride real combine harvesters at the grandstand - arrive early for this popular activity.

"BRAG TAGS" agricultural scavenger hunt: Collection tour suitable for all ages teaches agricultural concepts while exploring the entire fairgrounds.

The Walworth County Fair delivers authentic agricultural education wrapped in classic American fair entertainment. The combination of free parking, reasonable admission prices, and extensive included activities makes this one of Wisconsin's best family values. The 25-year success of Barnyard Adventure demonstrates the fair's commitment to creating meaningful experiences for children, while major entertainment and competitions satisfy adult interests.

Most families find 2-3 days ideal to experience the fair's full range of offerings without overwhelming young children. The fair's 176-year history provides deep community roots and authentic agricultural experiences increasingly rare in modern entertainment, making it an excellent choice for families seeking educational fun during the final weekend of summer vacation.