'Get your fair face on': 10 bucket list attractions at the 2025 Waukesha County Fair

Yahoo

17-07-2025

Wisconsin's oldest county fair is back, bringing everything from animals to live music, rides, games, food and more to the Waukesha County Fairgrounds July 16-20.
"Get your fair face on" is the theme of the 183rd annual nonprofit fair, celebrating the wide range of experiences and emotions attendees encounter at the fair.
This applies to appreciating the livestock exhibits, to rocking out to live music on the main stage and everything in between, Chrissy Gluege, the fair's executive director, said.
Gluege volunteered to park cars at the Waukesha County Fair 25 years ago, and for the past 10 years, she has worked in her position overseeing the Fair Board.
To stay true to the fair's long-standing tradition in the community, which dates back to 1842, the board works to continue connecting the community to its agricultural roots ― a key part of its origin, even through all the modern fair aspects offered, Gluege said.
Here are 10 bucket list items to check out at the 2025 Waukesha County Fair:
3-2-1 You're In On The Fun Admission Special
All day on Wednesday, July 15, the first day of the fair, a "3-2-1 You're in On the Fun" by Pick 'n Save and Metro Market admission special will take place.
Anyone who comes to the fair on July 15 is eligible for $3 admission, $2 parking, and all rides are one price ($3), compared to the typical entry ticket of $14.
Other admission specials can be found on the Waukesha County Fair website.
Pleasure Valley pig, goat and duck races
Each day of the fair, attendees can cheer on pigs, goats and ducks as they run, or waddle, around the track to determine a winner. Plus, there will be gift card giveaways at every race.
Free with admission, catch a race Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
On Sunday, July 20, races will take place at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Fearless Flores Thrill Show
From the "America's Got Talent" stage to the Waukesha County Fairgrounds, the youngest female stunt riders in the United States are set to put on their thrill show multiple times a day every day of the fair.
Known for winning the notorious "Golden Buzzer," the girls will take to the sky, over 65 feet high, to display balance on a sway pole. And while at that height, they will show off acrobatic artistry. Plus, this thrill show includes dance, flips, tricks, and to close the show, a motorcycle trick ride inside a 14-foot diameter sphere.
Free with admission, performances will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Friday's shows are scheduled for 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, the girls will perform at 3:30 p.m., 5:50 p.m. and 7 p.m.
All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast
From 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, the 46th annual all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will be put on by The Kiwanis Club of Waukesha.
Here, attendees can help themselves to a hearty helping of pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice.
The pre-purchase of a $10 ticket, $7 for kids, includes admission and parking for the day. Tickets are for sale on the Waukesha County Fair website.
AgVenture Area
A free with admission, agricultural-themed play land will be located north of the Forum Marketplace and Shops daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A farm tent with baby goats, a llama, pigs, piglets, sheep and other animals will be present.
Brant The FireGuy
Guinness World Record-holding fire performer, Brant The FireGuy, will be roaming day and night around the fairgrounds, ready to set it ablaze with his performances at a moment's notice.
The FireGuy blends stunts like fire eating and juggling, all while riding a motorized skateboard, with a comedic twist. He has been lighting up stages worldwide with his performances for over two decades, and the shows are free with admission to the fair.
The Fairest Wheel
Take a look at the view of the fairgrounds from the top of the 110-foot fairest wheel, lit up with over 20,000 lights.
North American Entertainment will again put together an experience of rides, games and food, as it has for the past two decades.
Many rides will be available for small children as well as games of skill or chance for all ages.
Miller Lite Main Stage acts
All of the shows on the Miller Lite Main Stage are free with admission to the fair. A limited number of VIP and Elite VIP tickets are available to purchase for each show to sit closer to the front, while supplies last.
2025 Miller Lite Main Stage Acts:
Justin Moore: Thursday, July 17 at 8 p.m.
Ted Nugent: Friday, July 18 at 8 p.m.
Night Ranger: Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m.
Live music performances will also take place on the Coors Lite and Leinie Lodge stages featuring artists like Glam Band, Bella Cain, Ten Feet Tall, Kings of Radio, Four On The Floor, Chasin' Mason, Ryan McIntyre, Judson Brown Band and more.
Junior Livestock Auction
The Junior Livestock Auction is the finale of a yearlong project for 4-H and FFA members. Members have selected, fed and groomed animals like steers, lambs, poultry, rabbits, goats or pigs as a learning and business opportunity.
The livestock are then brought to the fair to be judged, graded and sold.
The Junior Livestock Auction will take place on Friday, July 18, according to the following schedule:
Auction Reception at 4-5:15 p.m.
Buyer Registration in Insight FS Livestock Coliseum 4 to 5:15 p.m.
Junior Auction starts at 5:30 p.m.
Welcome & Introductions at 5:45 p.m.
Large Animal Auction Begins at 6:15 p.m.
DJ FireGuy's Foam Party
Each afternoon at the south end of the fairgrounds, Brant the FireGuy will be trading his flame torches for a fire DJ set, and a huge foam cannon to drench the crowd.
At the foam party, those in attendance can expect dance anthems, party anthems and remixes.
The foam being shot into the crowd from the cannon is clean, hypoallergenic foam, according to the Waukesha County Fair website.
DJ FireGuy's foam party is free with admission to the fair.
Liliana Fannin is a 2025 summer intern at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel covering the Milwaukee suburbs. She can be contacted at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 10 Waukesha County Fair bucket list attractions to see, July 16-20
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