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10 things to look forward to this Wisconsin State Fair

The fair is back for its 165th year!

Gates open at 8 a.m.

By: Matt Campbell

Posted

and last updated

The Wisconsin State Fair is back for its 165 year! We broke down the top ten things that makes the Wisconsin State Fair experience.

The Wisconsin State Fair runs from August 4 through August 14.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Thursday, August 4: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, August 5: 8 a.m. to Midnight
Saturday, August 6: 8 a.m. to Midnight
Sunday, August 7: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Monday, August 8: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Wednesday, August 10: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday, August 11: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, August 12: 8 a.m. to Midnight
Saturday, August 13: 8 a.m. to Midnight
Sunday, August 14: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

TICKETS

Adults (12 & over): $12.00
Seniors (60 & older): $7.00
Military/Veterans w/ ID: $7.00
Youth (ages 6-11): $6.00
Children (5 & under): FREE

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TODAY'S STORM TEAM 4Cast

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1) THE DEALS

We are on the final stretch of summer and chances are you may have already spent a lot. Luckily, Wisconsin State Fair has a list of special promotions to help you save money at the fair.

SPECIAL ADMISSION PROMOTIONS

Thursday, August 4: Wells Fargo $2 Day benefiting Hunger Task Force
Friday, August 5: Celebrate Wisconsin Day
Monday, August 8: Kohl's Family Value Day
Tuesday, August 9: Humana Senior Recognition Day
Wednesday, August 10: Meijer Day
Sunday, August 14:Miller High Life Veterans & Military Recognition Day

BREWERS $15 FAIR DAYS DOUBLE PLAY

The Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin State Fair have partnered up, so you can enjoy one day at the Wisconsin State Fair and see one Brewers home game at Miller Park. Click here for more information.

STATE FAIR BARGAIN COUPON BOOKS

State Fair Bargain Books are available for $4.00, and contain 89 coupons for discounts on food, drinks, rides, shows, and more throughout the festival. For more information, click here.

CALL 4 ACTION: Do Warehouse Clubs Offer The Best Deals?

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2) THE MUSIC

Summerfest is not the only summer festival with music. Check out these headliners performing throughout the fair.

STATE FAIR MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m: Shawn Mendes
Friday, August 5 at 8 p.m.: Halestorm
Saturday, August 6 at 8 p.m.: Rascal Flatts
Sunday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m.: Happy Together Tour
Monday, August 8 at 7:30 p.m.: Newsboys
Tuesday, August 9 at 7:30 p.m.: Berlin
Wednesday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m.:Happy Days Live
Thursday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m.: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and Melissa Etheridge
Friday, August 12 at 7 p.m.: I Love the 90's
Saturday, August 13 at 7:30 p.m.: Phillip Phillips and Matt Nathanson
Sunday, August 14 at 6 p.m.: The Beach Boys

NOTE: State Fair Main Stage shows have assigned seating and require additional fee.

BANK MUTUAL AMPHITHEATER SCHEDULE

Friday, August 5 & Saturday, August 6 at 8:30 p.m.: Here Come the Mummies
Sunday, August 7 at 8 p.m.: Kids From Wisconsin
Monday, August 8 & Tuesday, August 9 at 8 p.m.: Alex Meixner Band
Wednesday, August 10 at 8 p.m.: The Love Monkeys
Thursday, August 11 at 8 p.m. & Friday, August 12 at 8:30 p.m.: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
Saturday, August 13 at 8 p.m.: The Swon Brothers with Caroline Kole & Courtney Cole
Sunday, August 14 at 6 p.m.: Mr. & Mrs. State Fair Physique Competition

Jazz in the Park 2016 Lineup

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3) THE FOOD

FOOD FINDER

There's no shortage in the variety of food at the Wisconsin State Fair. In fact, there's so much to list, Wisconsin State Fair has a "Food Finder" section of their website. To find your favorite fair food, click here.

CRAZY GRAZIN' DAY - AUGUST 9

Can't pick your favorite festival food? Here's your chance to try them all. Sample food, at a smaller size and price from over 50 festival vendors. For more information, click here.

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4) THE CREAM PUFFS

With an average of 350,000 consumed each year, Cream Puffs have been a Wisconsin State Fair Tradition since 1924.
Cream puffs are available in the Original Cream Puff Pavilion and two other places in the Fair Park. You can purchase them individually, or in three-packs or six-packs.

4-H kids Get Behind The Scenes State Fair Tour

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5) THE SPORKIES

It's no secret, State Fair has some of the oddest food around. To showcase this uniqueness, the State Fair started an Annual Food Competition called the Sporkies.
Each year, eight finalists are selected from dozens of entries, and a panel of celebrity judges chooses three "Golden Spork Award" recipients.
The final judging of the Sporkies will take place on August 10 at 11 a.m. in the Bank Mutual Amphitheater. To view the eight finalists for the competition, click here.

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6) THE RIDES

What is a fair, without rides? Spincity Amusement Ride and Game Area will make you scream or smile with over 50 rides and attractions.

RIDE TICKETS

It will cost you around three to five tickets per ride during the fair.
You can buy tickets in the following quantities:
- Individually for $1
- 25 tickets for $20
- 40 tickets for $30

RIDE WRISTBANDS

If you are planning on riding all of the rides, think about investing in a GoRide Wristband. The wristband gets on all the rides you want until 9 p.m. on the day of purchase. Wristbands are available for $35 on weekdays and $40 on weekends.

SPECIAL SECTION: Summer Like a Rock Star

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7) THE SHOPPING

Not only is the State Fair full of food, the rides, and music, it also has several unique shopping opportunities with four major shopping areas.

The Exposition Center features 200,000 square feet of unique vendors. This is where you will find the latest "as seen on TV" products.
The Central Marketplace offers more "accessory products" such as handmade dolls or Miche bags.
The Galleria allows you to shop and customize your purchases, such as backpacks, shirts, and charms.
The Westside Marketplace combines the shopping experience with music and food. Shoppers can enjoy a variety of ethnic entertainment, food, and products.

SPECIAL SECTION: Road to Rio

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8) THE ANIMALS

There is no shortage of your favorite farm animals during this 11-day festival. Residents from across the state work-hard to raise and show these animals for this State Fair. To see the judging and the results of the Livestock, click here.

SPECIAL SECTION: Animal Stories

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9) THE ART

You're probably overwhelmed by all the different things going on during the fair. Perhaps a forgotten one, is the art on display. There is also judging for different art competitions. The categories are listed before...