Wisconsin State Fair Media Coverage on August 11, 2026

Wisconsin State Fair (Tuesday, August 11, 2026) included livestock shows, amusement rides, SkyGlider views, street performers, various vendors and (of course) more food.

an image from the state fair showing an aspect of the day's activities — Credit: Ethan Ainley

UWM Post also attended the fair on opening day, which was Thursday, August 6, and reported on the experience.

Wisconsin State Fair Livestock Shows

Livestock inside Wisconsin State Fair Park Coliseum & Show Ring Credit: Ethan Ainley
Livestock inside Wisconsin State Fair Park Coliseum & Show Ring Credit: Ethan Ainley
Livestock inside Wisconsin State Fair Park Coliseum & Show Ring Credit: Ethan Ainley
Livestock inside Wisconsin State Fair Park Coliseum & Show Ring Credit: Ethan Ainley
Livestock inside Wisconsin State Fair Park Coliseum & Show Ring Credit: Ethan Ainley

The Wisconsin State Fair Livestock Shows took place in the Coliseum, which is the main show ring for judging events.

Annually, thousands of animals are part of the Livestock Shows. Every year, for 11 days across six barns and three show rings, exhibitors from across the state and from other states competed.

More Animals

Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley

Livestock shows are not the only place you will run into animals at the Wisconsin State Fair.

Amusement Rides & Carnival Games

Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Swing ride named “Kraken” inside Spin City at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Swing ride named “Kraken” inside Spin City at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Swing ride named “Kraken” inside Spin City at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
A state fair worker at Spin City does the scuba dance in front of young fairgoer. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
The Spin City kid area on the opposite side of the adult area. Credit: Ethan Ainley

SpinCity is the name of the amusement ride and game area at the Wisconsin State Fair. There was an adult and a kid area within SpinCity to fit each individual’s thrill levels. It featured an assortment of over 40 rides and over 25 games.

Thrill-seekers had to purchase tickets to ride or a wristband for the day. The UWM Post rode some of those rides and ranked them below.

#5 – Tilt-A-Whirl

an image of the tilt a whirl at the fair — Credit: Ethan Ainley

The Tilt-A-Whirl is a classic that basically anyone can have fun with, and the level thrill depends upon the rider’s leaning prowess. However, it’s also fairly tame and vanilla compared to the rest of the rides. Overall. not worth the tickets and a better option for wristband users.

#4 – Techno Power

an image of the techno power ride at the wisconsin state fair — Credit: Mitch Utlaut

Techno Power was surprisingly thrilling and went fast. Just when you think it’s over or can’t possibly go quicker, it in fact does speed up. This ride got to the point that the rider’s feet will go numb. The ride wasn’t comfortable, but it sure had me screaming while getting thrown around like a ragdoll and then dizzy after dismounting the ride.

#3 – Pharaoh’s Fury

an image of a ride at the wisconsin state fair — Credit: Ethan Ainley

I’m nostalgic for a swing boat ride because as a child I rode it so much at the county fair that the picture of the ride in the newspaper had me inside riding it. It’s a dependably satisfying ride that shakes something up in your gut. It’s thrilling and can get quite high, especially sitting on the end.

#2 – Crazy Mouse

Crazy Mouse is a roller coaster and spin ride that, even though short, leaves an impression on the rider. This is also the ride at the fair that takes your photo, and I was clutching the safety bar with my eyes closed in my photo. Crazy Mouse is much more exciting than expected at first glance.

#1 – Thunderbird

an image of the thunderbird ride up in the air — Credit: Ethan Ainley

My main complaint with Thunderbird is that I didn’t get to swing high up in the sky long enough. This simple experience is both thrilling (due to the heights) and it’s relaxing. I enjoyed the views of the fair, as well as the gentle lulling of spinning in a circle.

Wisconsin State Fair SkyGlider Views

Waiting in line to ride the SkyGlider. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Riding the SkyGlider at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the crowd at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
A fairgoer shows their enthusiasm for riding the SkyGlider. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the crowd at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the crowd at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the pork chop stand at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the pizza stand, featuring pickle pizza, at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the crowd at a music performance at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the Mile Marketplace at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of an artist performing at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the crowd at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the crowd waiting for an artist to perform at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the root beer stand at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Aerial view of the crowd at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley

The SkyGlider offers the opportunity to get a view of the whole state fair. It’s a must for any visitor, and I found this ride to be longer and offer better views than the Summerfest SkyGlider. It also helps with travelling from one end of the fair to another.

Street Performer

Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley
Credit: Ethan Ainley

A performer named “Fire Guy” hosted his act out front of the Exposition Center. The act included juggling dire while on a hover board and impressive balancing acts. He also had a nice stage presence with some quality puns.

Various Vendors

Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley

Inside the Exposition Center at the Wisconsin State Fair, you could find various vendors selling products. There was even awareness being raised for the I-94 East-West Freeway Project.

More Food

this is an image of the view from riding the skyglider — Camp Bar jhad the Egg Roll A-La-Mode. Credit: Ethan Ainley

Yes, I went to the Wisconsin State Fair and had more food. I can’t help myself. I’m not quite sure how I didn’t end up in a permanent food coma.

#12 – The Wisconsinite Slush

an image of the pickle slushie stand — Credit: Ethan Ainley

an image of the pickle slushie at the state fair — Credit: Ethan Ainley

NO, just no… Under no circumstances should you ever get a pickle slushie! Take it from me, who found out the hard way. I thought I was drinking vomit, and this drink was absolutely terrible. Without a doubt this was the worst purchase I made at the fair. And I ate bugs.

#11 – Egg Roll A-La-Mode

an image of the egg roll dish — Credit: Ethan Ainley

The custard and fudge were tasty! No complaints and only praise for the custard. That egg roll though… It was dry and only a single half. This dish is all gimmick and nothing else. It would’ve just stayed custard because the egg roll added nothing. What it did add was dry, overcooked and lacking in flavor.

#10 – Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sipper

an image of the chocolate strawberry sipper — Credit: Ethan Ainley

an image of the chocolate strawberry sipper stand at the state fair — Credit: Ethan Ainley

This drink was a nice, refreshing chocolate and strawberry milk. I’m not sure the granola bar on top was necessary, but it was crunchy and complimentary to the drink. The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sipper was the perfect option for those looking at non-dairy items.

#9 – Apple Turnover & Apple Cider Donut

an image of the apple turnover and cider donuts — Credit: Ethan Ainley

The apple cider donuts are still fresh and melt in your mouth. This time I tried the apple turnover and had better results than the apple fries. It was full of apple filling and had a perfectly flaky crust.

#8 – Sheboygan Brat Haus

an image of the brat outside the Sheboygan brat haus — Credit: Ethan Ainley

A classic brat with sauerkraut. It satisfied my German-ancestry tastebuds. Enough said.

#7 – Big Bucket of Cheese Curds

An image of the bucket of cheese curds from the wisconsin state fair — Credit: Mitch Utlaut

I was in cheese curd heaven with this souvenir bucket of greasy fried cheese. And yes, I have this souvenir bucket as my priced possession now. It didn’t come with any sauce, and my only option was ketchup. However, I enjoyed the condiment paired with these salty curds. I miss these curds…

#6 – Original Cream Puffs

an image of the three pack cream puffs — Credit: Ethan Ainley

Cream puff, cream puff, cream puff. Classic. Vanilla. Chilled and sweet. Dear cream puff, you were bigger than the whole sky and will be missed until next fair season.

#5 – Usinger’s Reuben Brat & Hot Dog

an image of the brats from usingers — Credit: Mitch Utlaut

an imager of the Usinger's sausage stand — Credit: Mitch Utlaut

I want, scratch that, need more Reuben brats in my life. Usinger’s knows how to do a sausage.

#4 – Wisconsin Cherry Growers (Cherry Pie, Tart Juice, Macaroon and Oatmeal Cookie)

an image of the cherry desserts from door county — Credit: Ethan Ainley

Door County has the best cherries and these products prove that. My favorites were the tart cherry juice and the cherry oatmeal cookie. The cherry pie was missing ice cream, which would have really bumped it up.

#3 – Grilled Cheese

an image of the grilled cheese stand at the wisconsin state fair — Credit: Ethan Ainley

Nothing beat a homemade grilled cheese. This item as at the right price and tasted better than any grilled cheese I can make. It was buttery and oh so cheesy.

#2 – Porky Puff

an image of the porky puff — Credit: Ethan Ainley

With a flaky outside, and sweet/spicy sauce, this pork filled pastry was tasty, creamy and warm. There is a reason so many people raved about this food item. The only issue was how difficult it was to eat without making a mess. In the end, it was worth it.

#1 – Cream City Cone

an image of the cream city cone being held in a hand — Credit: Ethan Ainley

Finally, we are here with the cream-of-the-crop. The Cream City Cone was my favorite food from this year’s Wisconsin State Fair. The pretzel was soft and salty, with the meat being juicy and flavorful. Mustard on top adds extra flavor and completes the whole flavor profile. Not only is its design and name creative, but this food item was also down-right delicious.