MADISON, WIS. – Great old-fashioned family fun at the Dane County Fair this week, July 20–23, at the Alliant Energy Center. Experience FREE nightly concerts, daily family entertainment with Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Shows and Stingray Encounters education exhibit, Magical Bubbles, animals, and youth projects galore all included with your admission and parking is FREE. There’s also delicious fair foods and carnival rides for all ages to enjoy. Visit www.danecountyfair.com for all the details!
Gates are open from 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. each day with no entry after 8:00 p.m. Music entertainment goes until 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and ends around 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Carnival hours are Thursday from 1:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from Noon–10:30 p.m.; ticket sales end at 9:30 p.m. each day. Youth under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 4:00 p.m.
Daily admission is $10 for 12 years old and over, $5 for youth 6-11 years old, and 5 years old and under are FREE. Admission is only $3 before 3:00 p.m. on Thursday & Friday.
The Fair goes into full swing on Thursday, July 20 with our Hometown Hero Day. Admission is free for armed forces personnel, police officers, firefighters, first responders, and a guest. Get to the Fair by 11:00 a.m. to support the Flag Raising Ceremony by the Stoughton American Legion Post 59 Honor Guard; the Flag Lowering Ceremony is at 8:00 p.m. There’s also the American Red Cross Blood Drive from Noon–4:00 p.m., the Hometown Hero Resource Fair from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and so much more. Wrap up your evening with a Madison Roller Derby game at 6:00 p.m. and Feudin’ Hillbillys, a country band with some pop, classic rock and 80’s favorites, on the main stage at 7:00 p.m.—both free with your Fair admission.
Calling all kids to come out Friday, July 21 and celebrate our youth during Kids Day at the Fair, loaded with FREE activities. Kids can enjoy sports games hosted by ESPN Madison or pedal their way to victory in the Kiddie Tractor Pedal Pull! Don’t miss the Wildlife In Need Center and their reptile ambassador exhibit to learn more about our local wildlife. Check out the Kiddie Farm and all the animals in Pavilion 2, horses in Pavilion 1, and pigs in the Arena Building. Parents, don’t miss comedian Mike Brody taking the main stage at 7:00 p.m. followed by Piano Fondue! So much to do in one day, you will want to enter the grounds before 3:00 p.m. to enjoy the admission special of $3 per person.
Help others in the community and have a little fun on Farm Fresh Day on Saturday, July 22. The Fair is partnering with Second Harvest Foodbank and their Farm to Foodbank Initiative. Arrive before 3:00 p.m., and $1 of every cash admission at the gates will go to the Farm to Foodbank Initiative. Tractors will roll down Fairgrounds Drive in the Fabulous Farm Babe Tractor Parade and be on display starting at 11 a.m., and Alice in Dairyland will be at the Fair from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., don’t miss a performance by the Wisconsin Singers and Dakota Tamminga at 3:30 p.m.! The evening ends with exciting FREE performances by Jordan St. Cyr and Consumed By Fire, presented by Life 102.5 in the Exhibition Hall starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Fair wraps up on Sunday, July 23 with Family Day and our partners La Movida. Be sure to stay for the day-long party at the main stage with eating contests, live music, and traditional Latino dance performances beginning around noon. In Pavilion 2 starting at 10:00 a.m., you can see the best senior youth exhibitors test their skills with seven species (NEW this year) as they compete for Master Showman. Then, stay and watch the Dress-A-Critter contest and our second annual Rockstars in the Ring livestock show for youth with an intellectual disability. Don’t miss Busy Dog Training and their dog parkour demonstrations at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.!
In the heart of Madison, the Dane County Fair is home to free concerts, stunt shows, animals, a carnival, and all the best fair foods. With over a 170-year history, the Dane County Fair will once again be held at the Alliant Energy Center, July 20–23, 2023. The Dane County Fair thanks its Grand Champion Sponsors Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Miller & Sons Supermarket, Compeer Financial, La Movida, and Life 102.5. For more information, visit www.danecountyfair.com or our Facebook and Instagram pages.
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