Wisconsin State Fair opening day for its 175th anniversary brought a buzz, and a few moos, to Wisconsin State Fair Park on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The opening day for the Wisconsin State Fair had everyone excited to try the new food selections, experience the rides and see the animals.
Photo Gallery:
The crowd inside the Wisconsin State Fair just as you enter. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
A family poses for a picture at the fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Inside a building at the state fair featuring several food-related vendors. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Inside a building at the state fair featuring several food-related vendors. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley
SkyGlider Photos
The SkyGlider is presented by Kwik Trip, and it offers a bird’s-eye view of the fairgrounds. One-way tickets are $6, and round-trip is $10.
Tickets are available at each end of the SkyGlider near the Exposition Center and on North Grandstand Avenue near the SpinCity Entrance.
You can take the SkyGlider over the Wisconsin State Fair to get an aerial view of the grounds. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
You can take the SkyGlider over the Wisconsin State Fair to get an aerial view of the grounds. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
You can take the SkyGlider over the Wisconsin State Fair to get an aerial view of the grounds. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
You can take the SkyGlider over the Wisconsin State Fair to get an aerial view of the grounds. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
You can take the SkyGlider over the Wisconsin State Fair to get an aerial view of the grounds. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Wisconsin State Fair Food 2026
There’s only so much a person can consume in one day, but we did our best to try as much as possible. As per usual, there were some great options, some “just okay” and the dreaded overpriced mistake.
We have ranked all the foods that we purchased and ate at the Wisconsin State Fair in one single evening.
#6 – Candied Bacon Cheese Curds
In last place are these disappointing candied bacon cheese curds. For the price of $13, you’re definitely not getting any bang for your buck. This tiny batch of curds was paired with a nice creamy ranch, but that couldn’t save the overall taste.
The seasoning used on the curds is way too artificial-tasting and reminded us more of a smoky flavor like Custom Culinary pork barbecue spice. The cheese curds came out looking way different than the advertised picture, which looks much more crispy than soggy.
Where was the candied bacon? Some real bacon bits could’ve done this dish some huge favors.
#5 – Mango Margarita with Tajin Straw
We enjoyed this drink, but really it wasn’t necessary to add the Tajin seasoning. Why mess up something perfect like a mango margarita?
If you want to get a blended frozen margarita at the fair this year, just stick to the classics. Sometimes there is no need to reinvent the wheel.
#4 – Apple Cider Donuts & Apple Pie Fries
The made-fresh apple cider donuts were amazing! The donut was still warm, and it literally fell apart in your hand. The doughy, cinnamon-covered dessert melts in your mouth.
On the other hand, the apple pie fries were just fine. The fries needed more apple pie filling, and birthday cake was the only flavor left by the point we got there. However, it’s a flavor I wouldn’t choose to combine with apple pie. The apple pie fries needed to be a little more crispy and flaky than what we were given.
#3 – Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff
“Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff: A Cheers to 175 Years” Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Employees working in the cream puff area at the Wisconsin State Fair wear a t-shirt that says, “TEAM CREAM PUFF.” Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Credit: Ethan Ainley 
As you wait in line, employees make the cream puffs fresh behind the glass. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Pastries sit and wait to be filled with cream. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
As you wait in line, employees make the cream puffs fresh behind the glass. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
Workers have to transport cream puffs from the kitchen to a station at one of the entrances to also be sold there. Credit: Ethan Ainley
The cream puff is a Wisconsin State Fair classic staple. This year, to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the fair, you can try the Fair-aschino Cherry Cream Puff. As always, the pastry is airy and light, while the cream is sweet and smooth.
We anticipated the cherry flavor to be too rich and artificial, as cherry-flavored desserts can sometimes be; However, this new cream puff flavor was a nice treat. It satisfied our yearly cream puff itch.
#2 – Cheese Curd Tacos
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that combining one amazing thing with another will make an even more amazing thing! Who knew you could truly have the best of both worlds? We originally went to the Cheese Curd Tacos stand to try its special caramel apple cheese curd taco, but ended up going with more savory options.
We got the original (brat) and the boxchecker (chicken, bacon and ranch), which are both great choices. There is a mix-and-match deal where you can choose two different tacos. Both were crunchy and fried to a perfect crisp, with ooey-gooey cheese on the inside.
Check out this unique food pairing at the fair if you haven’t had it before. The cheese curd tacos were so delicious that we are already plotting our return to try more flavors. Looking at you caramel apple cheese curd taco!
#1 – Bugged Out Frozen Cheesecake & Swamp Juice
Yes, the bugs take first place. We are as surprised as you. This sweet and crunchy frozen treat is great, as long as you look away. The most difficult texture was the gritty feeling you get from eating the ants that are layered in the center of the cheesecake.
The rich cheesecake is a nice pairing with the crunch of the insects and outer chocolate shell. If you aren’t grossed out by bugs and love cheesecake, this is the fair food for you! Another plus is that these two items come at a price of $10 each, which we thought was a great price point.
If you are worried about wings or crunched-up bug shells staying in corners of your mouth, well, no worries because the Swamp Juice will wash it all down. This drink is very refreshing and light.
The sweet and sour flavor profile isn’t too overpowering. Pop Rocks on the rim make for a nice mouth sensation. As a bonus, when you have finished the drink, you’re left with a gummy frog and alligator. These gummies marinate in the drink and offer extra sweetness as well.
State Fair Merch
The Wisconsin State Fair 2026 merch options are typical and nothing out of the ordinary. T-shirts have a nice classic and cozy design feel that is Midwestern dad-approved.
It’s only when you see some of the flashier designs that you begin to question liking the classic designs in the first place. This is because, let’s just say, some t-shirts look suspiciously AI-generated. If the state fair is potentially willing to do that with some shirts, then all of them are possibly AI-generated.
We are disappointed that the state fair possibly wasn’t willing to find an artist to design shirts and instead resorted to using AI. Especially as the state fair is supposed to celebrate all aspects of Wisconsin, most of which are the state’s natural resources.
It was further disappointing to see that, as we walked around the grounds, we spotted more possible usage of AI in fair signage. Of course, this is all alleged and perhaps these designs were human-created. Perhaps.
State Fair Animals & Livestock
You can find animals and livestock all around the fair. Everything from horses, cattle and alpacas. Most of these animals you are only allowed to look at and not touch. Pay attention to signs to know if you are allowed to pet an animal or not.
America 250 Wheel
The America 250 Wheel makes its Midwest debut at the Wisconsin State Fair, as presented by Meijer. According to the fair’s website, its views stretch for 14 miles, and riders soar 230 feet up into the air.
Its 45 gondolas seat six and are themed to showcase the 45 presidents of the United States. It is the largest portable observation wheel in the world, and costs $7 per person.
Wisconsin State Fair Experiences
Experiences at the state fair include multiple thrilling rides, street performers, a giant slide, caricature drawings, carnival games, specialty vendors, nature exploration, museum exhibits and the livestock showcases.
There is something for everyone to check out at this year’s state fair. Some of these experiences are free, but the majority require extra charges. We found a nice resale vendor tent that had several items priced surprisingly low.
Also, a business is selling hot tubs if you are in the market for one. Because, well, you know everyone goes to the state fair to buy a brand new hot tub, right? If not that, then maybe you want to buy new windows, because that is also an option.
“The Strolling Piano” performer went around the fair on a motorized piano playing music, blowing bubbles and engaging with the crowd. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
“The Strolling Piano” performer went around the fair on a motorized piano playing music, blowing bubbles and engaging with the crowd. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
“The Strolling Piano” performer went around the fair on a motorized piano playing music, blowing bubbles and engaging with the crowd. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
“Giant Slide” at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
“Giant Slide” at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
“Giant Slide” at the Wisconsin State Fair. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
The “ejection seat” is a sling-shot style ride that can fit two people. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
The “ejection seat” is a sling-shot style ride that can fit two people. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
A caricature artist drawing a portrait for someone. Credit: Ethan Ainley 
A caricature artist drawing a portrait for someone. Credit: Ethan Ainley
Music
Summerfest might be over, but the Wisconsin State Fair is still bringing the tunes. Several stages are placed around the fairgrounds, and don’t cost you anything extra. There are also bigger concerts and performances that are separate from general admission to the fair.
The Bank Five Nine Main Stage has acts that include John Mulaney, AJR, Lindsey Stirling and the All-American Rejects.
Sixteen Candles, an 80s cover band, was performing Prince’s “Purple Rain” on opening day during a sound check on August 6. Even though it was just a sound check before the band’s performance that was to come later, Sixteen Candles attracted the attention of fairgoers walking by.
THROWBACK: Wisconsin State Fair History
Back in 1851, the Wisconsin State Fair held its first celebration, marking this year 175 years. UWM Post took a deeper dive into the history of the fair and was amazed by the things we learned.
The first interesting fun fact, and probably something to save for a trivia night about Wisconsin, is that the first state fair site was not in Milwaukee or even close to the area for that matter. It was 90 minutes southwest in Janesville, Wisconsin, on the banks of the Rock River on 6 acres of land.
The Wisconsin State Fair was in Janesville for a few different years, along with some areas in Milwaukee. These areas include Cold Spring Race Course (now a neighborhood) and Spring Street Sounds (now Marquette and Aurora Sinai Medical Center).
In 1892, a permanent location was bought, and the fairgrounds we know today were built, marking this year as the 134th year at the current location.
Wisconsin State Fair was only canceled four times in the 175 years.
State Fair Cancellations in History:
- 1861-1863: The Civil War was happening. At that time, the fair was in Madison and was turned into a training camp. During the war, the area was renamed “Camp Randell.”
- 1893: The World’s Columbian Exposition(World’s Fair) was in Chicago that year, and a lot of state fairs got canceled that year, including the Minnesota state fair.
- 1945: Surprising but the war transportation requested that the fair be canceled. This was to limit nonessential civilian travel and conserve transit resources for troops and war materials. A lot of events like the fair were canceled during this time until the war officially ended.
- 2020: We all knew what happened during that year. It was canceled to prevent mass gatherings of people.
It also seems the fair kept coming earlier and earlier until it settled on the beginning of August dates. Imagine having to wait until October to get a cream puff or try many different types of curds.
Today, the fair seems bigger and probably better than in years past, but the staples seem to stay the same: cream puffs, cheese curds and all things potato.
If you want to learn more about the history, check out the Wisconsin State Fair website. They break it down into more interesting facts.