2026 Dunn County Fair Complete Schedule of Events
Summer in western Wisconsin wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Dunn County Fair, and this year’s celebration promises five unforgettable days of entertainment, agriculture, music, and hometown tradition. From July 22-26, the fairgrounds in Menomonie will once again become the gathering place for families, friends, neighbors, and visitors looking to experience everything that makes a county fair special. With affordable admission, free parking, nationally recognized entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, livestock competitions, and plenty of opportunities to support local youth, the Dunn County Fair continues to be one of the area’s best summer traditions.
Unlike some events that focus on just one attraction, the Dunn County Fair offers something for every member of the family. Whether your perfect fair day includes riding roller coasters, watching livestock shows, cheering during grandstand events, browsing exhibits, enjoying live music, or simply indulging in your favorite fair foods, you’ll find plenty to fill an entire day—or even several.
One of the fair’s greatest strengths is its affordability. Admission is just $5 per person, children ages six and under are admitted free, and parking is completely free, making it an easy outing for families of every size. Visitors who plan to attend multiple days can also purchase an affordable season pass and enjoy everything the week has to offer without breaking the budget.
Of course, no county fair is complete without a midway, and the Dunn County Fair delivers with Badgerland Midways, bringing approximately 20 rides, games, and classic carnival attractions to Menomonie. From gentle rides for younger children to adrenaline-pumping favorites for thrill seekers, the midway offers excitement from open until close each day. Families looking for the best value will especially appreciate Thursday’s Two-Credit Ride Day, when every ride costs just two credits, making it one of the most budget-friendly days to enjoy the carnival. Unlimited ride bands are also available throughout the week for guests who simply can’t get enough.
Music lovers have plenty to look forward to this year as the iHeart Media Stage hosts a diverse lineup of entertainment throughout the fair. Wednesday evening kicks things off with Home Grown Tomatoes, bringing a crowd-pleasing mix of classic rock, country, pop, jazz, and dance favorites. Thursday features one of Wisconsin’s own as Chris Kroeze, runner-up from NBC’s The Voice, headlines an evening concert that is sure to draw fans from across the region. Throughout the weekend, additional performances from The Holy Rocka Rollaz, Tucker Baker Band, Uncle Muskrat, Bear Creek Band, and The Memories Gospel and Variety Shows provide live entertainment for nearly every musical taste.
Beyond the music and midway, the Dunn County Fair proudly celebrates the agricultural traditions that have shaped the county for generations. Livestock barns will be bustling with activity as local youth proudly exhibit cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, rabbits, horses, and more after months of hard work and preparation. These exhibits showcase not only quality animals but also the responsibility, leadership, and dedication developed through 4-H, FFA, and other youth agricultural programs. Visitors can walk through the barns, meet exhibitors, ask questions, and gain a greater appreciation for Wisconsin agriculture firsthand.
Competitive exhibits extend far beyond the livestock barns. The fairgrounds are filled with displays featuring photography, artwork, quilting, baking, woodworking, gardening, crafts, and countless other talents from youth, adults, and senior citizens throughout Dunn County. Every building offers something new to discover, making it easy to spend hours exploring the creativity and craftsmanship of local residents.
Grandstand events add another level of excitement throughout the week. Fans of motorsports can enjoy the popular Red Cedar Speedway events along with crowd favorites like truck and tractor pulls and demolition-style entertainment that have become staples of the Dunn County Fair experience. These events continue to draw enthusiastic crowds year after year and provide plenty of action once the sun begins to set.
Of course, many visitors come to the fair with one goal in mind: the food. The aroma of fresh cheese curds, grilled burgers, barbecue, mini donuts, roasted corn, funnel cakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, ice cream, and countless other fair favorites fills the grounds from morning until night. Whether you’re grabbing a quick snack between events or making a meal out of sampling several different vendors, the Dunn County Fair delivers all the classic flavors people look forward to every summer.
The fair also provides an excellent opportunity to support local businesses and organizations. Commercial vendors from throughout the region showcase products, services, home improvement ideas, handcrafted goods, and community resources. Visitors often discover unique gifts, learn about local services, or simply enjoy visiting with the businesses and organizations that help strengthen the community throughout the year.
Perhaps what makes the Dunn County Fair truly special isn’t any single event—it’s the atmosphere. It’s children laughing on carnival rides, grandparents sharing stories while watching livestock shows, neighbors catching up over lemonade, and families creating traditions that span generations. It’s a place where agriculture, entertainment, education, and community all come together in one welcoming celebration.
For more than 140 years, the Dunn County Fair has remained committed to providing an entertaining and educational event for people of all ages. That mission is evident in every exhibit, every performance, every competition, and every smiling face found throughout the fairgrounds.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to a tradition you’ve enjoyed for decades, make plans now to experience everything the 2026 Dunn County Fair has to offer. Bring your family, invite your friends, come hungry, stay for the music, cheer for the exhibitors, and enjoy five days that celebrate the very best of Dunn County.
The countdown to fair week has begun—and Menomonie is ready to welcome you.
Reprinted by permission from the Hay River Review. The Hay River Review is a monthly newspaper that has been publishing since 1987 snd covers the area from Highway 8 south to Menomonie and from Sand Creek west to Clear Lake – the majority of the Hay River watershed.
