The Dane County Fair is an annual, family-friendly event held in Wisconsin’s capital city every July. Friends from near and far venture to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison for free concerts, entertainment, great food, animals, and adventure. The Fair has a rich history dating back to 1851 when the first Dane County Fair was held in Madison. The Fair's long history guides us as we strive to honor the past while continuing a tradition and looking to the future.
Vision Statement
The Dane County Fair is committed to lifelong learning and growth while valuing traditions and looking toward the future to blend rural and urban communities together in one central location.
Values
Agriculture, education, community, youth involvement, inclusivity, tradition, growth, family and friends, and local foods and environment.
Education
Our organization is centered around the community of Dane County, and it is our goal to host an event that is not only fun, but educational for everyone in attendance. Attendees are encouraged to walk through the New Holland Pavilions and the Exhibition Hall to view youth-developed projects that are an accumulation of their hard work throughout the year. With support from our generous Friend of the Fair sponsors, we are able to offer this public exhibition for Dane County’s youth, giving them the opportunity to be recognized in their endeavors. Dane County Fair sponsors also allow us to offer educational displays — such as the Kiddie Farm and Learning Lane — to our attendees, along with unique daily activities.
Outreach
Through community partner support, the Fair is able to be a central location for different outreach groups, allowing for positive impacts across our community. The American Red Cross hosts a blood drive on Thursday, while Operation Homefront provides free school supplies to military families. The Fair proudly works with the public libraries, Madison School & Community Recreation, and daycares. Our outreach continues throughout the year with the Dane County Fairest of the Fair program — an ambassador who serves as voice and a face for the Fair as well as a role model to youth in Dane County.