2026 Waukesha County Fair: Complete Family Guide

The Waukesha County Fair returns July 15–19, 2026, bringing five days of rides, animals, kids activities, concerts, fair food, motorsports and daily admission deals to the Waukesha County Expo Center/Fairgrounds in Waukesha. It is the 184th Waukesha County Fair and one of the biggest mid-July fair stops for Milwaukee-area families.

Planning your summer fair calendar? See our 2026 Milwaukee-Area Fair Guide, Wisconsin county fairs guide, Washington County Fair guide, and Ozaukee County Fair guide.

2026 Dates, Hours and Location

Dates: Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19, 2026
Location: Waukesha County Expo Center/Fairgrounds, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha
Theme: Get Your Kicks in 2026

Daily hours are:

Wednesday, July 15: Noon–10 p.m.
Thursday, July 16: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Friday, July 17: 10 a.m.–midnight
Saturday, July 18: 10 a.m.–midnight
Sunday, July 19: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

Ticket sales and fair entry end one hour before closing, so do not wait until the very end of the night to arrive.

Admission and Parking

At-the-gate pricing for 2026 is:

Adults: $14
Youth ages 6–12: $8
Children 5 and under: Free
Daily parking: $6, subject to availability
Motorcycle parking: Free all five days, courtesy of The Destination

Credit cards are accepted at all entry gates.

There are also online ticket options available through June 30, including discounted adult and youth admission, a family four-pack, season pass and admission-plus-ride bundle.

Best Days to Save Money

The Waukesha County Fair has a different deal each day, so families can save quite a bit by picking the right date.

Wednesday, July 15: 3, 2, 1 You’re In on the Fun

Opening day is the best pure budget day.

Admission is $3, parking is $2, and midway rides are $3 each from 3–10 p.m. The first 200 fairgoers through the gates also receive a Culver’s duck giveaway

Thursday, July 16: Fleet Farm and Senior Day

Thursday is a strong day for grandparents or multi-generational visits. Adults can save 50% on admission before 5 p.m. with the Fleet Farm coupon, and seniors 62+ get $8 admission all day. The midway also offers a $35 unlimited ride wristband from 2–11 p.m.

Thursday also includes the fair’s Sensory Sensitive Afternoon in the Midway from 2–4 p.m., with reduced lights and music where possible, extra loading assistance and pre-registration benefits for participants and one caregiver.

Friday, July 17: St. Vincent de Paul Day

Families can support St. Vincent de Paul and save on admission. With a donation coupon from participating St. Vincent de Paul locations, adults receive 50% off admission before 5 p.m. Friday also includes a $35 unlimited ride wristband from 1–11 p.m.

Saturday, July 18: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

Saturday starts with one of the fair’s best family traditions: the 47th annual all-you-can-eat Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast from 7–11 a.m. at the Leinie Lodge Tent. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for youth 7 and under, and pre-purchased breakfast tickets include admission and parking for Saturday.

Sunday, July 19: Beat the Clock

Sunday is the best day for families who want a shorter, earlier visit. Adult admission is $7 before 1 p.m., and the midway offers a $35 unlimited ride wristband from noon–8 p.m.

Rides and Midway

The midway is run by North American Midway Entertainment and includes rides, games and food options for a wide range of ages. Ride specials are offered daily, including $3 rides on Wednesday and $35 unlimited ride wristbands Thursday through Sunday.

Carnival hours are:

Wednesday: 3–10 p.m.
Thursday: 2–11 p.m.
Friday: 1–11 p.m.
Saturday: Noon–11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–8 p.m.

New for 2026 is X-Drive, a thrill ride with spinning and swinging motion that reaches up to 60 feet. For younger kids, the midway also includes smaller-child-friendly rides and “prize every time” games.

Main Stage Concerts

The 2026 Miller Lite Main Stage lineup is a big upgrade from last year’s placeholder schedule. Main Stage shows are free with paid fair admission, with optional VIP and Elite VIP seating available for purchase while supplies last.

Thursday, July 16 at 8 p.m.: Sebastian Bach
Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m.: Hoobastank and Eve 6
Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m.: 38 Special

For families with younger kids, the concerts may be more of a “walk by and listen for a bit” activity than a full-night commitment. For tweens and teens, Friday and Saturday are likely the biggest energy nights.

Best Family Attractions

The Waukesha County Fair still feels like a classic county fair, with plenty to do beyond the rides.

Look for the Farm Animal Tent, Playland, AgVenture Area, 4-H Clover Corner, 4-H Kitchen and Dairy Bar, quilts and competitive exhibits, pony rides, pig/goat/duck races, Sick Air FMX stunt shows, Brant the FireGuy, Children’s Tent entertainment, Family Fun Stage performances and livestock judging throughout the week.

A few kid-friendly highlights by day:

Wednesday: Opening day deals, pig/goat/duck races, Lake Country Dockhounds, line dancing, truck and tractor pulls, Sick Air FMX and the fair kickoff.

Thursday: Sensory Sensitive Afternoon, 4-H Kids Zone activities, cream puff eating contest, rabbit hopping demo, Sick Air FMX and Sebastian Bach.

Friday: Foam party, livestock auction, Milwaukee Flyers, hula hoop contest, Sick Air FMX and Hoobastank/Eve 6.

Saturday: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, demolition derby, Lake Country Dockhounds, Milwaukee Flyers, bubble gum blowing contest, Sick Air FMX and 38 Special.

Sunday: Spectacular Showmen inclusive livestock show, Little Squealers, truck and tractor pulls, classic car parade, classic car show, poultry costume contest and a shorter fair day for younger kids.

Inclusive Experiences

The fair has added several inclusive opportunities, including the Sensory Sensitive Afternoon in the Midway on Thursday, July 16 from 2–4 p.m.; Spectacular Showmen, an inclusive livestock show on Sunday, July 19 at 10 a.m.; and an Inclusive Class for fair project entries. Indoor spaces such as the Revere Electric Supply Co. Forum Building and Waukesha Freeman Exhibits Building can also provide a place to cool down and take a break.

Family Planning Tips

For the best value, go Wednesday. Admission, parking and rides are all discounted, making it the easiest day to do the fair without spending a fortune.

For grandparents, go Thursday. Senior admission is $8 all day, and the midway wristband begins at 2 p.m.

For teens, go Friday or Saturday. Those nights bring the biggest concert energy, the midway is open late, and Friday/Saturday both include major fair attractions.

For younger kids, go Sunday morning. Beat the Clock admission before 1 p.m. keeps costs down, and the earlier schedule is easier than a late-night fair visit.

Bring sunscreen, water bottles, hand sanitizer, comfortable shoes and a little cash for smaller vendors or kids activities. If rides are the priority, compare the $35 wristband against how many rides your kids realistically want to do.

More Summer Fun Near Milwaukee

Make it a full summer of fairs and festivals with these guides:

2026 Milwaukee-Area Fair Guide
Wisconsin county fairs: Your 2026 family guide
Washington County Fair 2026: Complete Family Guide
Ozaukee County Fair 2026: Complete Family Guide
Milwaukee Summer Festivals 2026: Complete Family Guide
How to Get into Wisconsin State Fair for Free
102 Adventures: One Thing to Do Every Day This Summer

All times, deals and events are subject to change. Check the official Waukesha County Fair schedule before heading out.