Policies

For the safety and awareness of the general public, Wisconsin State Fair Park has put in place a number of event policies. Below are the event policies for the Wisconsin State Fair, including prohibited items, policies on pets, smoking, and more.

State Fair Park staff reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person violating any law, rule, or policy.

Persons entering the facility assume all risks incidental to the event.

WonderFair Wheel

Admission & Entrance Policies

All patrons and possessions are subject to search and will pass through metal detection upon entering the State Fair Park. Any prohibited items will be confiscated by Public Safety and will not be returned.

Fairgoers seventeen (17) years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (age 21+) to enter Wisconsin State Fair Park beginning at 3pm each day of the Fair. Each parent or guardian may only chaperone up to six (6) minors per day.

State Fair Park staff reserves the right to request a VALID PHOTO ID with proof of age from any adult chaperoning minors once the Youth Admission Policy is in place. Adult chaperones MUST remain at the Fair Park at all times when the Youth Admission Policy is in place.

State Fair Park staff reserves the right to remove any unaccompanied minors from State Fair Park when Youth Admission Policy is in place. The State Fair Park CEO/Executive Director and the Chief of Police reserve the right to enact changes to this policy at any time.

Persons entering the facility assume all risks incidental to the event. State Fair Park Officials reserve the right to refuse admission or eject any person violating any law, rule, or policy. Wisconsin State Fair Park is not responsible for fire, theft, damage, or loss of vehicle including articles left within.

Persons grant permission to have their image and/or likeness reproduced for State Fair and Sponsor promotional and/or advertising purposes and/or by the media in photography or broadcasts of any nature. Shirts and shoes are required to be worn at all times. Smoking is not allowed in indoor facilities or the Main Stage area, including any type of vaping products. Acts, events, and show times are subject to change. All events are rain or shine. The State Fair Park Board reserves the right to enact policy changes at any time.

Persons entering State Fair Park are prohibited from wearing any mask, gaiter, hood, or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered WITH THE INTENT TO CONCEAL THE IDENTITY OF THE WEARER. This policy shall not apply to persons wearing a mask or other device for medical reasons; persons engaged in professions, trades, or employment in which wearing protective masks are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer; persons engaged in a legitimate theatrical production; persons wearing a covering for religious practices; or a declaration by the Governor that recommends face coverings in response to a public health emergency.

Ticket sales and Fair entry end one (1) hour prior to Fair Park closure. Re-entry handstamps end two (2) hours prior to Fair Park closure.

Bag Policy

The safety and security of Fairgoers remains a priority at Wisconsin State Fair. With this standard of uncompromised safety in mind, Wisconsin State Fair officials are introducing this enhancement to existing protocols.

While visiting the State Fair, all bags must to be 9”x10”x12” or smaller. All bags are subject to search prior to entering State Fair Park.

  • All bags larger than 9” x 10” x 12” will need to be returned to a vehicle or home before entering the Fair Park.
  • Lockers are not available for those who arrive with oversized bags.
  • Any prohibited items will be confiscated by Public Safety and will not be returned.

PERMITTED:

  • All bags (clear, backpack, tote, camera) 9” x 10” x 12” or smaller will be permitted
  • Fairgoers are NOT limited to the number of bags smaller than 9” x 10” x 12” that they bring in, and all bags will be searched
  • Empty reusable bottles, cups, and souvenir cups will be permitted
  • Any carry-in items for family care, such as water or snacks for children, or medical reasons will be permitted – no medical proof or note needed
  • While empty soft-sided bags, totes, backpacks, etc. regardless of size will be permitted, they may be searched upon arrival. For example, you may bring in an empty shopping tote upon arrival to the State Fair that you will fill up throughout the day with your purchases.

Fairgoers are encouraged to leave unnecessary items at home. We realize this policy will change the way you prepare to come to the State Fair and appreciate your flexibility and patience.

What can I carry in?

The following items are ALLOWED at the State Fair:

  • Collapsible/telescopic umbrellas (Note: Umbrellas are not allowed inside the State Fair Main Stage)
  • Strollers & wagons
  • Cameras for personal use – cameras must fit inside your bag (No photography for commercial or media use is allowed without proper media credentials)
  • Empty, collapsed tote bags
  • Small bags, cinch bags, or purses
  • Backpacks used as diaper bags
  • Sealed bottled water
  • Soft-sided coolers for infants/family or dietary needs
  • Empty cups, like the State Fair Souvenir Cup, or empty water bottles
  • Seat cushions (No stadium seats)

The following items are NOT ALLOWED at Wisconsin State Fair:

  • Illegal drugs or substances and paraphernalia
  • Firearms
  • Knives
  • Weapons or objects that could be used as weapons
  • Fireworks, sparklers, or explosives
  • Large bags over 9” x 10” x 12”
  • Hard-sided coolers
  • Camelback style hydration packs
  • Large stick umbrellas or golf umbrellas
  • Picnic baskets
  • Outside food and beverages (unless needed for infants or dietary needs)
  • Glass bottles
  • Aerosol cans (with the exception of spray sunscreens)
  • Alcohol of any kind
  • UAV – drones
  • Pets (except service animals)
  • Selfie sticks
  • Banners or flags on poles
  • Signs (this also applies to the State Fair Main Stage)
  • Laser pointers
  • Lawn chairs
  • Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates, or inline skates
  • Foot powered or electric scooters (such as a Bird, Lime, or Lyft scooter)
  • Bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles
  • Hula hoops
  • Stadium seats
  • Professional grade cameras and video equipment, unless authorized by Wisconsin State Fair Park with proper media credentials
  • Other carry-ins as determined by State Fair management

The following additional items are NOT ALLOWED in the State Fair Main Stage:

  • Umbrellas
  • Professional grade cameras and video equipment, unless expressly authorized by the performer
  • Stadium seats
  • Signs
  • Other items as determined by the performer or State Fair Management

Wisconsin State Fair Officials reserve the right to alter carry-in item policies at any time.

Main Stage Policies

Main Stage concert tickets include State Fair Admission if purchased prior to entering the Fair Park. Admission will not be refunded if tickets are purchased after entering the Fair Park. Tickets will be scanned upon entry to the Fair Park and again at the Main Stage entrance. Please do not discard your ticket before entering the Main Stage show. Re-entry wristbands are available. If you do not get a wristband, you will not be permitted to re-enter. Concertgoers three years and older require a ticket.

All sales are final. Please examine your ticket for event date and time. All shows are rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, please call 414.266.7000, check State Fair social media platforms, or stop by a Fair Information Center for up-to-date information. Acts, events, and show times are subject to change. All events are rain or shine.

State Fair Park’s after 5pm admission policy will be enforced daily. Fairgoers under 18 years of age entering the Fair Park after 5pm must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required. If a concertgoer under the age of 18 has a valid concert ticket for that evening’s show, they will be allowed to enter the Fair Park and the concert after 5pm without a parent or guardian. Once the concert is over, youth under the age of 18 are required to leave State Fair Park in a timely manner or meet up with a parent or guardian. Main Stage entrances open one hour prior to published show start time.

Wisconsin State Fair sells alcohol at concerts. Proper ID is required. Smoking of any kind, including any type of vaping products, is not allowed in the Main Stage area. Service animals are allowed. Shirts and shoes are required to be worn at all times.

The following items are NOT ALLOWED in the State Fair Main Stage:

  • Umbrellas
  • Professional grade cameras and video equipment, unless expressly authorized by the performer
  • Stadium seats/chairs
  • Signs
  • Pets (except service animals)

The following will lead to ejection from the Main Stage and potential fines/arrest:

  • Moshing
  • Crowd surfing
  • Public indecency or urination
  • Fighting
  • Under-age drinking

Concertgoers are permitted to stand at their assigned seats, even on the track. The track is a flat surface, and the stage is raised, but it may be difficult to see from the track seats if you do not want to stand. The bleacher seats in the grandstand are tiered and may allow for better viewing if you choose to stay seated. No standing in aisles or directly in front of the stage is allowed. Grandstand seats have backs.  Accessible seating area requires a ticket, but the platform and 200 level Accessible seating is general admission, first-come, first-served.  

Shows, based on request, can offer certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters with expertise in music, comedy, and platform interpreting. Please call (414) 266-7071 or email entertainment@wistatefair.com to request interpreting services. Requests for ASL interpreters must be placed in advance of the performance with at least a two (2) week notice needed before the start of the State Fair. While efforts will be made to accommodate a request made less than two (2) weeks prior to a show, it cannot be guaranteed. 

Service Animal Policies

Wisconsin State Fair Park follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals. A service animal is one that is trained to do work, perform tasks, and assist individuals with disabilities.

Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.

Due to the nature of some attractions at State Fair Park, service animals are not permitted on rides or attractions, and may be restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns.

ADA regulations state that the specific work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to a person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals according to the ADA. Therefore, emotional support animals are not permitted in Wisconsin State Fair Park facilities being utilized for events other than the Wisconsin State Fair, or within the Fair Park grounds during the annual Wisconsin State Fair and Harvest Fair events.