How to Get into Wisconsin State Fair for Free
Attending the Wisconsin State Fair can be costly, but families can take advantage of numerous official free admission days and programs, as well as creative giveaways and discounts.
The Wisconsin State Fair officially waives or heavily discounts admission on certain days for specific groups or via partner programs. The table below summarizes the projected free and discounted admission offers for 2026 (families should double-check dates each summer, as these are announced annually):
These promotions have run consistently for years and are expected to continue in 2026, though specific dates typically aren't announced until spring.
Veterans & Military Recognition Day (Expected: First Sunday, August 9, 2026)
Active military, veterans, and up to three family members receive free admission between 10am and 4pm. Accepted IDs include DD214, VA ID, Military Common Access Card, or dependent ID. This means a family of four with one veteran pays absolutely nothing—potentially saving $66 or more.
Prairie Farms Dairy Day, Honoring Educators (Expected: Thursday during fair week)
Teachers and school staff from PreK-12 receive free admission by presenting a school-issued ID or name badge. The promotion runs 10am-4pm, limited to one free admission per educator ID. This is one of the fair's most generous educator appreciation events anywhere in the Midwest.
Milwaukee Bucks Kids Day (Expected: First Tuesday, August 11, 2026)
Children ages 6-11 can earn a free youth admission ticket by signing up for Bango's Kids Club during July. Registration typically opens in early summer and includes meet-and-greets with Bango, performances by the Bucks entertainment team, and basketball activities. Important: Sign-up usually closes July 31, so mark your calendar.
$5 admission and other sponsored discount days
Piggly Wiggly $5 Day (Expected: Opening Day, Thursday, August 6, 2026)
This opening day tradition offers $5 admission (saving $15) when you donate two cans of healthy fruits or vegetables or make a cash donation to Hunger Task Force. The promotion runs 10am-4pm at any fair entrance. In 2025, fairgoers donated a record-breaking 59,000 pounds of food—your discount directly fights hunger in Wisconsin communities.
Meijer Day (Expected: First Wednesday, August 12, 2026)
Save $5 off adult admission by presenting a Wisconsin Meijer store receipt of $40 or more. Receipts must be dated within approximately one week of fair day (exact dates announced each summer). One receipt per person, 10am-4pm.
Celebrate Wisconsin Day (Expected: First Friday, August 7, 2026)
Out-of-state visitors can purchase two adult tickets for $20 (normally $40) by showing valid out-of-state government ID. If grandparents, cousins, or friends are visiting from Illinois, Minnesota, or beyond, this is their day. Promotion runs 10am-6pm.
Where to buy tickets without service fees
Skip online fees by purchasing discounted tickets at these retail locations. Historically, advance tickets are priced at $15-16 (saving $4-5 per ticket) through late June, then remain available until late July:
Festival Foods — Customer service counter at participating Wisconsin locations
Sentry Foods — Self-service kiosks or customer service
Metcalfe's Markets — Multiple Madison-area locations
Trig's — Northern Wisconsin locations
Bank Five Nine — All 14 branch locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin
These retailers have partnered with the fair for over a decade, making this a reliable annual option. Buying in-store means no shipping charges, no processing fees—what you see is what you pay.
Library reading programs: Free tickets for kids
One of the best-kept secrets for Wisconsin families: public libraries across the state offer free youth admission tickets to children and teens who complete summer reading challenges. Programs typically run May through July, with tickets redeemable at any fair gate. Wisconsin State Fair
Participating Library Systems:
Milwaukee County Libraries
Bridges Library System (Waukesha and Jefferson Counties)
Monarch Library System (Dodge, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington Counties)
Lakeshores Library System (Racine, Rock, Walworth Counties)
Check with your local library in May 2026 for registration details. These programs reward reading while providing tangible savings—and kids feel genuine pride redeeming tickets they earned themselves.
Partner promotions and combo tickets
The fair partners with local attractions to offer bundled tickets that deliver exceptional value:
Milwaukee Admirals "Fair Deal Friday" — $24 for one State Fair ticket plus one Admirals hockey ticket (valued at $48). Available for select game dates through early March 2026.
"Dublin the Fun" Fair & Fest Deal — $24 for one State Fair admission plus one Milwaukee Irish Fest admission. Irish Fest typically runs the weekend after State Fair ends, making this perfect for festival-loving families.
"Party Animal Package" — $24 for State Fair admission plus Milwaukee County Zoo admission. Great for making a full summer day with young kids.
"Hog Wild Package" — $24 for State Fair admission plus Harley-Davidson Museum admission. Appeals to motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Main Stage Concert Tickets — All Bank Five Nine Main Stage tickets include State Fair admission when purchased in advance. If you're attending for a concert, your admission is essentially built into your ticket price.
Sponsor giveaways and free ticket opportunities
Keep your eyes open in summer 2026 for these historically reliable giveaway opportunities:
UScellular Ticket Giveaway — As the fair's presenting sponsor, UScellular typically gives away thousands of free tickets at southeastern Wisconsin store locations in early July. In 2025, approximately 4,000 tickets were distributed in a single day.
WTMJ Radio Contests — NewsRadio 620 WTMJ has maintained an on-site State Fair studio since 1976 and runs call-in ticket giveaways throughout the summer. Listen during morning and afternoon shows for cues to call.
Bank Five Nine Promotions — The main stage sponsor frequently partners with WTMJ for VIP ticket giveaways and distributes free tickets through various promotions.
UW Credit Union Cream Puff Surprise — In partnership with the fair, UW Credit Union gives the first 100 fairgoers in line at the Original Cream Puff Bakery a free cream puff each morning. Early birds win.
Outside of these, children age 5 and under are always admitted free with a paying adult. (Youth ages 6–11 pay a reduced ticket, and seniors 60+ pay $15 with ID.) Stay tuned to the State Fair website for any added promotions (e.g. occasional sponsor giveaways).
Looking for other ideas of how to get into festivals for free? We have you covered:
Creative Strategies for Free Tickets
In addition to official promotions, savvy fairgoers can score free passes through volunteer work, contests, and sponsor programs:
Milwaukee Magazine subscription offer: Milwaukee Magazine is offering a special promotion that bundles a full year subscription (12 issues) with a general admission ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair for just $19.
Volunteer Opportunities: Several fair partners let groups volunteer in exchange for tickets. For example, the Original Cream Puff bakery hires youth or adult volunteer groups, who earn free admission tickets (plus other perks) for each volunteer shift. Similarly, the WSFP Foundation’s “Moo Crew” (flavored milk promotion) recruits volunteers and offers free tickets and parking passes to each volunteer team. Contact these organizations early in summer to join a volunteer team and get fair tickets.
Sponsor Giveaways: Corporate sponsors often give away tickets. UScellular (fair sponsor) handed out thousands of free tickets at its retail stores as a thank-you to customers. While dates vary, keep an eye on fair sponsors’ announcements (and news outlets) for ticket giveaways. For example, a Versiti Blood Center “Ticket to Summer” drives rewards donors with free admission passes. Likewise, in past years beverage companies (e.g. Miller High Life or Leinenkugel’s) offered a free fair ticket with purchase of certain beer packs.
Sports and Club Promotions: The Milwaukee Bucks partner with the fair on a Kids’ Club promotion: children who sign up for Bango’s Kids Club in July can redeem a free youth fair ticket (valid on Kids’ Day). Likewise, local radio stations and media outlets frequently run ticket contests in July and August. For example, Fox6 reported 94.5 ESPN/Milwaukee contests and KISS-FM giveaways of multi-packs of fair tickets (entry typically by call-in or online). If you listen to Milwaukee-area stations (and follow their social media), you’ll often find chances to win family 4-packs of tickets.
Coupons & Purchases: Keep an eye out for “buy one, get one” type deals. In 2024, packages like “Fair Deal Friday” bundled a State Fair ticket with an Admirals game for $24 While not entirely free, these bundled promotions effectively cut the cost per ticket. Check supermarkets, gas stations, and store bulletin boards in July – past promotions include “free fair ticket with purchase of select products” and quick pub/restaurant giveaways.
Social Media and Membership: The State Fair’s own “Friend of the Fair” program or local tourism promotions sometimes offer ticket deals. Follow the Wisconsin State Fair Park’s Facebook/Instagram pages for flash giveaways or photo contests that award tickets.
Best Dressed at the Fair
Family- and Group-Oriented Tips
Families should use every available discount or free perk designed for kids, educators, and large groups:
Children’s Pricing: Kids age 5 and under are always free. Youth (6–11) pay a lower “child” price. Plan for families: if you have multiple children, recall that one paying adult can bring young kids for free.
Summer Reading Programs: Many school libraries in SE Wisconsin (Milwaukee County, Waukesha/Jefferson (Bridges), Monarch system, Prairies Lakes, etc.) let children earn a free youth admission by completing the summer reading challenge. This is a hugely family-friendly deal: make sure your child participates in these local programs in May–July, then redeem the free ticket at the fair entrance.
Educator & Student Deals: Teachers with a school ID attend free on Educators Day (Aug 7). Some years schools and clubs organize field trips or 4-H group visits; inquire with 4-H or ag teachers – youth exhibitors often get free or discounted passes (check with your county extension office for details, as past County Fairs have had free passes for 4-H exhibitors).
Senior and Military Discounts: Seniors 60+ pay only $15 (with ID), and all military are $15 any day (or free on Veterans Day). If grandparents are coming, plan on the senior rate rather than full price. (Veterans with ID get free entry on Aug 3.
Group Tickets: If you’re bringing a large family or group (25+ people), buy a Group Pass. For example, 25+ tickets purchased through the State Fair ticket office cost only $14 each (through June 29). That’s significantly cheaper than gate price. Even a mid-sized family could form a group with friends or cousins to save. Contact the Fair’s group sales (414‑266‑7028) or order online early.
Retail Outlets (No Fees): Beginning in May, the Fair sells tickets at local Sentry Foods and Festival Foods stores (self-service kiosks). These tickets have no shipping or service fees. Buy advance tickets there to save the few dollars of online/print fees and lock in early-bird pricing.
Budget-Friendly Tips Inside the Fair
Once inside, your family can enjoy free entertainment and deals to stretch every dollar:
Free daily shows and bargain books can make the Fair affordable. For example, the “Cirque at the Fair” acrobatics show is included with admission (no extra charge), and the Fair has many other free stages and exhibits kids will love.
Free Shows & Entertainment: Several attractions at the Fair have no additional cost. The “Cirque at the Fair” stunt show (in SpinCity) is free with admission. Likewise, the Sandler Family Amphitheater and smaller free stages host musical and magic acts throughout the day – check the Daily Schedule for “Free Stages” performances. Explore exhibits like the Creative Arts or Ag barns, or catch a livestock show, all included with your ticket.
Discount Vouchers: Take advantage of advance purchase deals on food and rides. Buy the $5 Bargain Book (available online or at the ticket office) before or during the fair; it contains dozens of coupons for food, rides, and souvenirs. Also, the Cream Puff voucher ($22 for 6 puffs) is an easy family treat. For rides, consider the $40 SpinCity pack (50 ride/game tickets). Compared to buying individual tickets or per-ride wristbands, these vouchers save families up to 20–30%.
Bring Your Own Snacks: Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed (no restrictions on snacks for kids). Pack bottled water, sandwiches, or healthy snacks to avoid the high cost of fair food. You can’t bring coolers or glass, but small bags of food and water bottles are fine. (The Fair provides free water fountains and water bottle refill stations.) Bringing your own snacks for the kids can cut a huge chunk off your food budget.
Split Portions & Share: If you do buy fair food, portions are large. Split a funnel cake or family bucket of fries among several kids. Look for combo meal deals (e.g. a chicken dinner plate with sides can feed two) – they often cost less per person than buying separately. Check coupons in the Bargain Book for “Kids Eat Free” nights or buy-one-get-one offers on Fair treats.
Free Kids’ Zone: Many fairs have a children’s activity area with simple games and crafts at no charge (check out 4-H Kids’ Barnyard or KidZone). These are low-cost entertainment options. Also, photo-ops (like the giant Slide or free carousel in Ag Park) usually require just one ride ticket but can be enjoyed together as a family.
Ride Smart: If your family loves rides, buy wristbands (like weekday vs. weekend) or use the bulk-ride vouchers above. Otherwise, plan for 2–3 per child rather than unlimited. Allocate a budget and stick to it – kids can play midway games for tokens ($1 each) or get a quick thrill on the smaller rides. Many rides allow riders under 12; inquire at SpinCity.
By combining these tips – attending free days, using library tickets, volunteering, and taking advantage of vouchers and outside food – families can enjoy almost every fair attraction on a shoestring budget. Always confirm the current year’s promotions on the official Wisconsin State Fair website, and contact the Ticket Office with any questions. With a bit of planning, a visit to the Wisconsin State Fair can be a fun and economical family adventure
Families can attend the Wisconsin State Fair (July 31–Aug 10, 2025) for free with several official free admission days and programs, as well as creative giveaways and discounts.