Washington County Fair 2025: Complete Family Guide
The Washington County Fair returns July 22-27, 2025, offering six days of family entertainment across 133 beautifully landscaped acres in West Bend, Wisconsin. Attractions span traditional agriculture, modern entertainment, and classic carnival fun. Families can enjoy everything from livestock shows and 4-H exhibits to major concert headliners and carnival rides, all with free parking and affordable admission options.
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Washington County Fair dates and hours
Tuesday, July 22: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, July 23: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday, July 24: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday, July 25: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Saturday, July 26: 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday, July 27: 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-saving opportunities
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.
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Major entertainment lineup
Thursday, July 24 features Nashville Next with Chris Lane, Dylan Schneider, and Greylan James starting at 6:15 PM. Friday, July 25 brings Foreigner with opening act Hippies & Cowboys (7:00 PM), followed by Foreigner at 8:30 PM. Saturday, July 26 showcases Russell Dickerson & Gabby Barrett with Gabby Barrett performing at 7:15 PM and Russell Dickerson at 8:30 PM.
Additional entertainment includes the West Bend Dance Team, The Goodtime Dutchmen polka performances, acoustic duos covering classic rock, pop, and country, plus Jessie Marie & The Rippers performing classic rock across multiple stages.
Reserved seat concert tickets are available for purchase, with Friday and Saturday shows requiring separate tickets from general admission, while Thursday's show includes admission.
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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