The Best Food and Drinks at Wisconsin State Fair

The best food and drinks at Wisconsin State Fair

Every summer, families across Wisconsin eagerly anticipate one of the state’s most beloved traditions – the Wisconsin State Fair. But beyond the rides, games, and agricultural exhibits lies a culinary competition that has become a destination in itself: the Sporkies & Drinkies.

The Sporkies & Drinkies represent the Wisconsin State Fair's annual celebration of creative, Instagram-worthy fair food and beverages. These aren't your typical corn dogs and funnel cakes (though those are great too!). We're talking about next-level culinary creations that push the boundaries of what fair food can be – from Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia to Brat Rangoon.

The competition encourages vendors to dream big and create foods that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. You'll know you've found a Sporkies winner or finalist by the giant 13-foot Golden Sporks and Drinkies statues proudly displayed outside each vendor location.

2025's Winning Food and Drink Lineup

This year's winners showcase the incredible creativity of Wisconsin's fair food scene:

1st Place Sporkies Winner: Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia from Lumpia City – a stunning fusion that combines Filipino cuisine with breakfast favorites, featuring beautiful purple ube.

2nd Place: Brat Rangoon from WürstBar – Wisconsin comfort food meets Asian street food in the most delicious way possible.

3rd Place: Mexican Street Corn Pizza from Charlie's Pizza – all the flavors of beloved elote transformed into pizza perfection.

1st Place Drinkies Winner: Purple Rain Refresher from Rock & Roll Beer Garden – a show-stopping beverage that captures the energy of a live performance.

Making It a Food Adventure

Blueberry Breakfast Brat – A fruity spin on the Wisconsin staple

The Sporkies & Drinkies create the perfect opportunity for a family food adventure. On top of these award winners, the State Fair is offering 100 new food and drinks at the fair - from the sweet to the exotic. You also can’t beat the classic cream puff at the fair.

Here's how to make the most of your visit:

Plan Your Attack: With multiple finalists and winners to try, consider sharing items among family members so everyone can sample more creations. The portions are often generous enough for sharing.

Bring Your Camera: These foods are designed to be Instagram-worthy. Let the kids document your culinary journey – they'll love creating their own fair food photo album.

Start Early: Popular Sporkies items can sell out, especially on busy weekend days. Arriving earlier in the day gives you the best chance to try everything on your list.

Mix Sweet and Savory: From S'mores Churro Fries to Blueberry Breakfast Bratwurst, there's something for every palate. Even picky eaters might find something adventurous to try.

A Tradition Worth Continuing

The Sporkies competition has been running for over a decade, with past winners including Deep-Fried Lemonade Bites, Beer Cheese Wisconsin Lava Cake, and Buffalo Chicken Cheese Curd Tacos. Each year brings new surprises and flavor combinations that become fair legends.

For families, the Sporkies represent more than just unique food – they're about shared experiences, trying new things together, and creating memories that last long after the fair ends. Whether your kids are adventurous eaters or prefer familiar flavors, the variety ensures everyone finds something to enjoy.

Beyond the Food

While you're hunting down Sporkies winners, don't forget that the Wisconsin State Fair offers a complete family experience. From agricultural exhibits that teach kids about farming to thrilling rides and live entertainment, the Sporkies are just one delicious part of your fair adventure.

The fair's location in West Allis makes it easily accessible for Milwaukee area families, and with advance ticket purchasing available, you can plan your visit to maximize your Sporkies sampling time.

The 2025 Wisconsin State Fair promises to deliver another year of culinary creativity and family fun. Whether you're drawn by the Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia or curious about the Purple Rain Refresher, the Sporkies & Drinkies offer a uniquely Wisconsin way to expand your family's culinary horizons.

Looking to save on tickets? See our guide to free and discounted tickets to the Wisconsin State Fair.

So grab your tickets, bring your appetite for adventure, and get ready to discover why the Wisconsin State Fair's Sporkies have become a must-do family tradition for food-loving families across the region.

The Wisconsin State Fair runs annually at State Fair Park in West Allis. For tickets, dates, and more information, visit wistatefair.com.