New Features & Returning Favorites At The 2026 Northern Wisconsin State Fair
whether you come for the music, the midway, the animals or fried food on a stick, you can expect to make memories of a lifetime
Come July 8-12, hundreds of thousands of visitors will gather at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (NWSF) in Chippewa Falls for thrilling rides, unforgettable live entertainment, incredible food and drink offerings, artisan vendors and hands-on agricultural experiences that celebrate the very best of summer in Wisconsin.
After months of dedication, care and investment, young exhibitors will proudly showcase their livestock and animal husbandry skills throughout the L.E. Phillips Barn, the Custer Coliseum and the Rooney Grain Barn. These ag facilities, which were added in 2023 on the east end of the fairgrounds, will host live judging competitions, auctions and opportunities for fairgoers to meet and connect with local farmers and future agricultural leaders.
The carnival midway remains one of the fair’s biggest attractions. Classic favorites like the ferris wheel offer sweeping views of the fairgrounds and sweet moments with family and friends, while twinkling lights bring the midway to life long after sunset. New this year among the 30-plus rides is the Sky Screamer — a towering, rotating swing ride that lifts guests high above the grounds for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the area, especially perfect for adventurous couples and adrenaline junkies alike.
This year’s entertainment lineup on the Leinenkugel’s Main Stage and Northwestern Bank Grandstand kicks off Wednesday evening with country music hitmakers, Sawyer Brown. On Thursday, fan-favorite rockers Hairball will light up the stage with opener Rival 5. Friday will bring a full night of ‘90s pop-rock music with Sugar Ray and Uncle Kracker, with Saturday night’s show closing out 38 Special, delivering southern rock classics fans know and love.
The fair will also spotlight award-winning local musical talent with live performances in both the Leinenkugel’s Pavilion and the NWSF Leinie Lodge — all without requiring a separate ticket. As recognized in Volume One’s 2026 “Best of the Chippewa Valley” reader poll, fairgoers can enjoy performances from Crimson Theory, Weapons of Brass Destruction, Uncommon Denominator and North of Dixie throughout the week. (Visit the NWSF website for specific dates and times.)
Meanwhile, the Window World Family (Free) Stage will feature a variety of live performances including Groove Merchants, Northwoods Quartet, Matt Wahl, Mactir Irish Dance and ClearWater Connection.
Located adjacent to the Window World Family (Free) Stage, families with young children can enjoy the “Kids Zone,” produced in partnership with Chippewa County 4-H and the Chippewa Falls YMCA, offering interactive exhibits, activities and family-friendly programming.
Also returning this year is the Dominguez Family Circus, featuring motorcycle globe riders, dazzling hula hoop acts and highly-trained dogs performing crowd-pleasing tricks, and more breathtaking performances! Nearby, Pleasure Valley will once again entertain crowds with its wildly popular pig, duck and goat races — because nothing says “state fair” quite like cheering for a sprinting goat.
For many fairgoers, though, the best memories will come from the quieter moments: sharing laughs with family and friends, playing classic carnival games, enjoying a little friendly competition and celebrating the simple traditions that make the Northern Wisconsin State Fair so special year after year.
New this year, the NWSF has partnered with Chippewa County’s Dixon’s Autumn Harvest & Winery to offer Bloody Marys, mimosas and a delicious menu of wine-based craft cocktails served in the NWSF Leinie Lodge, Wednesday through Saturday, and the Leinenkugel’s Pavilion on Sunday – following “Church at the Fair,” taking place at 10am on the Leinenkugel’s Main Stage and Northwestern Bank Grandstand.
And of course, no trip to the fair would be complete without indulging in the legendary fair food that blends nostalgia, novelty and pure summertime comfort! From alligator and spiral potatoes to turkey legs, fried Oreos and gluten-free favorites, there’s truly something for every appetite. Be sure to stop by and support longtime community favorites including the Chippewa Falls Kiwanis, Lions and Optimist Clubs, along with Holy Ghost Parish.
Bring your appetite, your sunscreen, and maybe a game plan for navigating the crowds. Whether you come for the music, the midway, the animals, or the fried food on a stick, one thing’s for certain: You’ll leave with a full heart, happy memories, and at least a little powdered sugar on your shirt.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
Dates: July 8-12, 2026
Address: Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (225 Edwards St., Chippewa Falls)
Website: www.nwsfa.com
Facebook page: @NWSFA
Email: bmaki@nwsfa.com
Phone: (715) 723-2861
