Get Into the Wisconsin State Fair for Free or Cheap in 2026
The Wisconsin State Fair returns Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th Street in West Allis.
Regular gate admission in 2026 is:
Adults ages 12 and older: $20
Youth ages 6–11: $13
Seniors ages 60 and older: $15
Military members and veterans with ID: $15
Children age 5 and younger: Free
Those prices can add up quickly for a family. Fortunately, the fair has several confirmed ways to receive free admission or save substantially on tickets.
This guide was updated July 18, 2026. Promotions can sell out or change, so check the official Wisconsin State Fair deals and discounts page before making your plans.
Free Wisconsin State Fair Admission
Network Health Military & Member Appreciation Day
Date: Sunday, August 9
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Veterans, active military personnel and their families receive free State Fair admission when a valid military ID is presented at a ticket window.
The offer is limited to four free admissions per military ID. That makes this one of the best 2026 promotions for military families.
Network Health members are also being recognized that day, although the fair’s free-admission language specifically applies to military personnel, veterans and their families.
See the official Military & Member Appreciation Day details.
Prairie Farms Dairy Day Honoring Educators
Date: Thursday, August 13
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Educators receive free admission by presenting a school-issued ID or name badge at a State Fair ticket window. The promotion is limited to one free admission per educator ID.
The fair uses the broad term “educators,” but anyone unsure whether a particular school position qualifies should contact the State Fair Ticket Office before visiting.
See the official Prairie Farms Dairy Day promotion.
Milwaukee Bucks Kids Club Free Ticket
Children ages 6–11 who join Bango’s Kids Club during July can receive a free youth admission ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair.
The promotion runs throughout July, so families should register before July 31. The ticket offer is tied to membership in Bango’s Kids Club presented by BMO.
The Bucks will also host Milwaukee Bucks Kids Day at the fair on Tuesday, August 11, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Activities in Central Park will include Bucks entertainment teams, an appearance by Bango, merchandise, family activities and a State Fair-inspired souvenir.
Get the official details through the Wisconsin State Fair’s Milwaukee Bucks Kids Day page.
Free State Fair Tickets Through Summer Reading Programs
Children and teens can earn free Wisconsin State Fair admission through participating public-library summer reading programs.
Confirmed participating systems for 2026 include:
Milwaukee County libraries: Children and teens can earn free admission through participating library reading programs running during June and July.
Monarch Library System: Select libraries in Dodge, Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Washington counties offer free youth admission tickets.
Bridges Library System: Select Waukesha and Jefferson County libraries offer free youth tickets through their summer reading programs.
Prairie Lakes Library System: Children completing participating programs in Racine, Rock and Walworth counties can earn a free youth ticket.
Requirements and ticket availability can vary by library. Contact your local branch before completing the program or making a special trip to pick up a ticket.
The State Fair lists its participating programs on the official deals and discounts page.
Donate Blood for a Free State Fair Ticket
Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is offering a free Wisconsin State Fair admission ticket to donors who give blood on Monday, July 20 or Monday, July 27 at participating donor centers.
Participating locations include:
Milwaukee
Wauwatosa
Greenfield
Waukesha
West Bend
Racine
Manitowoc
Appointments are recommended, and tickets may be limited. Check the current promotion and make an appointment through Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin.
Buy Participating Beer and Receive a Free Ticket
Adults age 21 and older can receive a free State Fair ticket with the purchase of a participating Leinenkugel’s 12-pack or Miller High Life Light 30-pack at select retailers during July.
Offers vary by store and are available only while supplies last. Look for the State Fair ticket offer displayed on participating packages or ask the retailer before purchasing.
This promotion is confirmed on the fair’s 2026 deals page.
Children Age 5 and Younger Are Always Free
Children age 5 and younger receive free admission every day of the Wisconsin State Fair when accompanied by an adult.
Families with preschoolers do not need to obtain a separate promotional ticket for those children.
Discounted Admission Days
Piggly Wiggly $5 Day
Date: Thursday, August 6
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Donate either:
Two cans of fruit packed in its own juice
Two cans of low-sodium vegetables
A cash donation to Hunger Task Force
In return, you will receive a voucher allowing you to purchase State Fair admission for $5 on opening day.
Donations are collected outside the admission entrances. The offer is valid only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on August 6.
Read the official Piggly Wiggly $5 Day instructions.
Celebrate Wisconsin Day
Date: Friday, August 7
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Visitors with a valid out-of-state government-issued ID can purchase two adult admission tickets for $20—a savings of $20 compared with the regular adult gate price.
This is particularly useful when relatives or friends are visiting from Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan or another state.
One person must present the qualifying out-of-state ID at a ticket window. See the official Celebrate Wisconsin Day details.
Senior Day
Date: Monday, August 10
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Fairgoers age 60 and older can purchase admission for $7 at the fair entrances.
No advance ticket is required or available for this promotion. A valid ID may be requested to verify age.
That is an $8 savings compared with the regular $15 senior gate price. See the official Senior Day promotion.
Meijer Day
Date: Wednesday, August 12
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Present a Wisconsin Meijer receipt totaling at least $40 and receive $5 off one adult admission ticket.
The receipt must be from a purchase made between July 13 and August 12, 2026. The offer is limited to one receipt per person.
See the complete Meijer Day requirements.
Buy Discounted Tickets Before the Fair
The regular 2026 adult gate price is $20, but the fair is advertising advance adult admission for $17.
The $17 offer is described as available through mid-July. Because the official page does not list a precise ending date, check availability immediately through the Wisconsin State Fair ticket page.
Tickets can be purchased:
Online through Etix
By phone at 414-266-7100
At the State Fair Ticket Office, 7722 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis
At two participating Festival Foods ticket kiosks
The two officially listed Festival Foods kiosks are:
11111 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis
5600 S. 108th St., Hales Corners
Retail-kiosk purchases do not have delivery fees, and tax is included in the posted ticket price.
The State Fair warns visitors to purchase only through the State Fair Ticket Office, Etix or an authorized retail location. Tickets purchased from unofficial sellers may not be valid.
$24 State Fair Combination Packages
Several $24 packages include one adult State Fair ticket plus admission to another Milwaukee-area attraction. These packages are scheduled to remain available through July 20, 2026, while supplies last.
Milwaukee County Zoo Party Animal Package
For $24, receive:
One Wisconsin State Fair admission ticket
One adult Milwaukee County Zoo admission ticket
The package is valued at up to $36.
Milwaukee Irish Fest “Dublin the Fun” Deal
For $24, receive:
One Wisconsin State Fair admission ticket
One Milwaukee Irish Fest admission ticket
The package is valued at up to $47. Families can also explore our 2026 guide to getting into Irish Fest for free.
Harley-Davidson Museum Hog Wild Package
For $24, receive:
One Wisconsin State Fair admission ticket
One Harley-Davidson Museum admission ticket
The package is valued at up to $42.
Purchase these packages through the official Wisconsin State Fair deals page.
The Milwaukee Admirals “Fair Deal Friday” package was also offered for 2026, but that promotion ended April 17 and is no longer available.
Main Stage Concert Tickets Include Fair Admission
Every Bank Five Nine Main Stage concert ticket includes admission to the Wisconsin State Fair on the day of the show.
The admission benefit applies when the concert ticket is purchased before entering the fair. Admission is not refunded if you enter the fair first and then purchase a concert ticket.
This can make a Main Stage ticket a better value than purchasing admission and entertainment separately. Explore the 2026 Bank Five Nine Main Stage lineup.
Promotions That Are No Longer Available
T-Mobile distributed 4,000 free State Fair tickets at four Wisconsin stores beginning July 14. At least two locations ran out that day, and the promotion was limited to available supplies. Because the giveaway has already taken place, families should not make a special trip expecting tickets.
Previous reports about UScellular giveaways are outdated. T-Mobile is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair.
We also could not confirm the previously reported offer of a free cream puff for the first 100 customers each morning. The August 15 Cream Puff Lovin’ Celebration is confirmed, but the fair does not advertise free cream puffs for the first 100 people in line.
The Best 2026 Wisconsin State Fair Deal for Your Family
The best option depends on who is attending:
Military families: Visit August 9 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Families with children ages 6–11: Join Bango’s Kids Club or complete a participating library reading program.
Educators: Visit August 13 with a school-issued ID or badge.
Seniors: Visit August 10 for $7 admission.
Families without a qualifying free offer: Donate food and visit opening day for $5 admission.
Blood donors: Make an appointment at a participating Versiti center on July 20 or 27.
Concertgoers: Purchase a Main Stage ticket and use the admission included with it.
Festival-loving families: Consider the $24 Irish Fest combination package before July 20.
For help deciding which day to attend, see our 2026 Wisconsin State Fair daily guide.
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The Great Pumpkin Festival returns to Whitefish Bay in 2026. The festival runs each night from 6-9 pm at Old School House Park, right across from the library.