Washington County Fair 2026: Complete Family Guide
The 2026 Washington County Fair runs July 21-26 across 133 scenic acres in West Bend, Wisconsin, promising six days of carnival rides, livestock shows, national entertainment acts, and classic fair food—all with free parking and children under 7 admitted free. This 168-year-old tradition ranks as Wisconsin's third-largest annual event, drawing over 85,000 visitors to experience the heart of agricultural heritage combined with modern family entertainment.
Washington County Fair dates and hours
Tuesday 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Carnival ride hours typically start later in the day, beginning at 5:00 PM Tuesday, 1:00 PM Wednesday-Thursday, noon Friday, and 11:00 AM Saturday-Sunday.
Admission pricing is structured as 6-day passes: adults (13+) pay $35, youth ages 7-12 pay $15, and children under 7 enter free. These passes provide access to all fair grounds, agricultural exhibits, and most entertainment. Purchase online or at the Fair Park Office through July 15th, or at gate entry during the fair.
Getting there and parking logistics
Parking is completely free in the 750+ on-site spaces at 3000 Highway PV, West Bend. Reserved parking costs $20 per day for those wanting guaranteed closer spots, though availability is limited. The fair grounds are fully wheelchair accessible via ramp entry, with ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible parking available.
Food and dining options
The American Legion Food Stand offers breakfast deals with adults paying $10 and kids 10 and under eating for $5. Beyond this, countless food, drink, and shopping vendors spread across the grounds provide traditional fair fare and local specialties. Expect typical fair pricing for items like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and local favorites.
Rides and entertainment costs
Rainbow Valley Rides operates the carnival with ride wristband pricing varying by day and time:
Wednesday: $20 (1:00-4:00 PM), $30 (5:00-10:00 PM)
Thursday: $20 (1:00-5:00 PM), $30 (5:00-10:00 PM)
Friday and Sunday: $30 (12:00-5:00 PM)
The carnival features traditional attractions including the popular Ferris wheel and various age-appropriate rides for all family members.
Special promotions and money-savings
Military Day on Wednesday provides free admission for active and retired military personnel plus one guest (military ID required). The American Legion includes one free meal coupon with this promotion.
Disability Day on Thursday offers free admission and special carnival ride passes from 12:00-2:00 PM only. Contact the Fair Park Office before July 18th to arrange these accommodations.
Volunteers receive free admission on their work day plus one additional general admission ticket, making this an excellent way for families to save money while contributing to the community.
Agricultural heart of the fair
The fair's agricultural exhibits and competitions showcase Wisconsin's farming heritage through comprehensive livestock shows including dairy cattle, beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits, and cavies. Pleasure horses perform Wednesday from 12:00-8:00 PM.
Competition categories span Open Class Foods, Flowers & Houseplants, Foods/Nutrition Preservation, Plant & Soil Sciences, Natural Sciences, Clothing, Knitting/Crocheting/Woolspinning, Home Environment/Quilting, and Cultural Arts. The extensive 4-H youth exhibits demonstrate local young people's agricultural and creative skills.
What "Rhythm & Moos" brings to the midway
The 2026 theme "Rhythm & Moos" perfectly captures the fair's dual identity: world-class musical entertainment alongside Wisconsin's proud dairy and livestock traditions. The Silver Lining Amphitheater hosts three nights of national recording artists (typically Thursday through Saturday), with general admission granting access to grass seating—past headliners have included Foreigner, Chris Young, and Styx. Reserved amphitheater seats range from $35-$70.
Beyond the headliners, eight entertainment stages keep music flowing constantly. The DOME entertainment tent features bands until 12:30 AM on weekend nights, while the Polka Pavilion honors Wisconsin's German heritage. Expect the "Moos" portion to shine through enhanced livestock programming, interactive dairy demonstrations at the on-site milking facility, and the beloved pig and duck races that draw crowds throughout each day.
Smart family strategies
Arrive early on Wednesday to take advantage of smaller crowds and Military Day promotions if eligible. Thursday offers the best family-friendly timing with disability accommodations and manageable hours ending at 1:00 AM rather than continuing through the night.
Budget planning should account for $35 adult admission, $15 youth admission, free parking, reasonable food costs, and optional ride wristbands ($20-30 depending on timing). The 6-day pass provides excellent value for families planning multiple visits.
Pack comfortable walking shoes for the 133-acre grounds, plus sunscreen, water, and cash for food and games. A camera captures memories of this distinctly Wisconsin experience.
Accessibility and accommodations
The fair provides comprehensive wheelchair accessibility with ramp access, ADA-compliant restrooms, and accessible parking. Special disability ride passes are available Thursday 12:00-2:00 PM for visitors with disabilities.
Fair staff are noted as "friendly and accommodating" to special needs visitors, with ride operators specifically trained to assist wheelchair users. Contact the Fair Park Office for advance arrangements.
The Washington County Fair represents Wisconsin's agricultural heritage combined with modern family entertainment, creating an authentic experience that serves both educational and recreational purposes. With free parking, affordable admission, and comprehensive activities spanning traditional farming exhibits to major concert performances, families can easily spend multiple days exploring everything from livestock competitions to carnival rides. The fair's commitment to accessibility and community service, demonstrated through Military Day and Disability Day promotions, reflects its role as Washington County's premier community gathering.
Contact Information:
Phone: (262) 677-5060
Email: countyfair@wcfairpark.com
Address: 3000 Highway PV, West Bend, WI 53095
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Websites: www.wcfairpark.com/fair/ and www.washcofairwi.com
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Complete 2025 Washington County Fair guide: July 22-27 in West Bend, WI. Get admission prices ($35 adults, $15 kids), free parking info, ride costs, entertainment lineup, and family tips for Wisconsin's premier county fair.