How to Get into Wisconsin State Fair for Free

Attending the Wisconsin State Fair (July 31–Aug 10, 2025) can be costly, but families can take advantage of numerous official free admission days and programs, as well as creative giveaways and discounts. Below is a comprehensive guide to all sanctioned free-admission opportunities, plus strategies and tips for stretching your budget both getting in and enjoying the fair. All details are drawn from official State Fair and partner sources for 2025.

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 confirmed free admission offers for 2025 (families should double-check dates each summer, as these are announced annually):

Piggly Wiggly $5 Day, benefiting Hunger Task Force

On Thursday, July 31, 2025, State Fair visitors who donate two cans of healthy fruits or vegetables (or make a cash donation) at any admission gate on Opening Day can purchase an admission ticket for just $5 Donors receive a voucher redeemable at the ticket window for this $5 admission, valid only on July 31 between 10am and 4pm. This promotion supports the Hunger Task Force and applies only on the specified day

Celebrate Wisconsin Day, presented by Travel Wisconsin

On Friday, August 1, 2025, out-of-state visitors can take advantage of an admission discount courtesy of Travel Wisconsin. By presenting a valid out-of-state ID at any State Fair ticket window on that day (from 10am to 6pm), a guest may purchase two adult admission tickets for $20 total (a $20 savings). The IDs must be issued by a government outside Wisconsin, and this offer is available only on August 1, 2025, during the stated hours.

Veterans & Military Recognition Day

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, all veterans, active military personnel, and their immediate family members receive free admission as a salute to their service. Eligible visitors simply present a valid military ID (for example, a DD214 discharge form, VA ID card, Common Access Card, or dependent ID) at any State Fair ticket window on that day (10am–4pm). The service member’s ID admits the holder and up to three family members free of charge, with a maximum of four admissions per ID.

Milwaukee Bucks Kid’s Day

On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Fair celebrates Milwaukee Bucks Kid’s Day with special activities and an admission promotion During July 2025, families can register their children for the Bucks’ Bango’s Kids Club (presented by BMO); children who sign up receive a voucher for a free youth admission ticket to the State Fair. The free youth ticket is valid on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 (10am–4pm), when Kid’s Day events occur in Central Park. (Families should present the Kids Club membership or registration confirmation at a ticket window on August 5 to redeem the free youth admission.)

Meijer Day

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, State Fair visitors who shop at Meijer can save on admission. By presenting a Wisconsin Meijer store receipt for $40 or more (from purchases made between July 31 and August 6, 2025) at any State Fair ticket window on August 6, a guest can save $5 on one adult admission ticketwistatefair.com. This promotion is valid only on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 10am to 4pm, and each person may use one qualifying receipt to receive a single $5 discount.

Prairie Farms Dairy Day, Honoring Educators

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Fair honors educators with free admission courtesy of Prairie Farms Dairy. Any PreK–12 teacher or school staff member presenting a valid school-issued ID or name badge at a State Fair ticket window on that day (10am–4pm) is admitted free The free admission is limited to one per educator ID and is available only on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

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).

Creative Strategies for Free Tickets

In addition to official promotions, savvy fairgoers can score free passes through volunteer work, contests, and sponsor programs:

• 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. In 2024 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” drive in early May 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 (Check local retailer promotions – those offers can return each summer.)

• 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)wistatefair.com. 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.

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)wistatefair.com. 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 3wistatefair.com.)

• 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