SpinCity Tips

NEW THIS YEAR – GoRide Wristbands: Buy your wristbands in advance to use them any day here. Wristbands will not be sold onsite on Saturdays or Sundays this year! Wristbands can only be purchased online in advance OR in the Ticket Tent on the Grand Walkway.

Attire: Some attractions will not permit open-toed shoes for safety reasons. Some rides may require you to remove loose jewelry and other accessories for your safety. If the rider has a cast, you must check with the ride owner if they will be permitted to ride. For safety reasons, some rides and attractions will not permit riders with casts for the safety of themselves and others. The Wisconsin State Fair does not provide a waiver to ride any rides on the midway for guests with existing injuries, casts, slings, etc.

Express Passes: Express Passes can be used with both wristbands AND tickets. When your wristband expires for the day, you can continue using your Express Pass with tickets.

FAQs: Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our FAQs page for more information here.

Hours: SpinCity opens each day at 11am. Closing times vary.

Kiosks: Don’t just wait in the first line you see! Every kiosk booth has multiple displays for purchasing tickets. If you see a long line, check around the booth before getting into line. Chances are you’ll find an open kiosk or shorter line. Kiosks do not provide change for cash transactions. If the money inserted is greater than the cart total, excess funds will be applied as single credits on your Spin ‘n Play card.

Lost & Found: Secure all loose items, such as keys, cell phones, and wallets. We are not responsible for items lost in SpinCity. Items lost on rides can be damaged and may not be able to be immediately retrieved for the owner, even if you can see it. Stop by the Police booth near the Entrance E or the Lost & Found located in the Guest Services Pavilion to see if your lost item has been turned in. You can also fill out our Lost & Found Item Form here and our team will get back to you soon! If you have found a lost item, we encourage you to turn that item in at the Guest Services Pavilion or an information center.

Outside Food, Drink, & Bag Policies: While visiting the State Fair, all bags must to be 9”x10”x12” or smaller. However, diaper bags or medical bags are allowed and may be subject to search. Any carry-in items for family care, such as sealed water bottles or snacks, or medical reasons will be permitted – no medical proof or note needed. If any items or medication need to stay cool, small soft sided coolers are permitted to come into the State Fair. Find more information here.

Prohibited Items: Check out the policies page for the full list of prohibited items here. Even if an item is not listed on the website as prohibited, ride operators may request that you do not enter the ride or attraction with certain items that could be considered potentially dangerous to you or others.

Rest & Recharge Locations:

• YOUTH EXHIBITS – Family fun awaits you in the Youth Exhibits Building! Rest and recharge before taking on more Fair fun while you see the best youth exhibits made by Wisconsin youth ages 12-19. Located on Grandstand Avenue & Fifth Street right outside of SpinCity, you’ll find plenty of games, inspiration, and space to chill.
• EXPLORATORY PARK – Packed to the brim with FREE fun for folks of all ages, discover the mainstays of this area on the south side of the State Fair. Chill out by Paradise Pond, Japanese Garden, and Steven’s Springs! Play oversized chess, hopscotch, bag toss, at the playground area, or find your artistic side playing in the sand box. Then, relax on the dragonfly wings bench or quirky toad stools. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is waiting to help you find your way to the great outdoors. Then, take a stroll through the Master Gardeners Display Garden and ask them all your budding questions.
• YOUNG PEOPLE’S ART EXHIBIT – Stop by the Exposition Center Lobby to meet the Artist of the Day, enjoy the free Make & Take Art Area, and be impressed by youthful talent as the Young People’s Art Exhibit celebrates its 56th year of amazing, vibrant, and colorful youth art created by Wisconsin kids in grades 6-12.

Ride Heights: Check ride heights for small children PRIOR to purchasing a wristband. We do not make accommodations for riders who do not meet height requirements. For safety reasons, it is vital that we only allow riders who meet or exceed the requirements. Some rides may require small children to ride with a paying adult. If you aren’t sure, ask the operator prior to scanning your tickets.

Ride Safety: Every ride on the midway is thoroughly inspected prior to opening by the State of Wisconsin Department of Department of Safety and Professional Services; plus, every ride is inspected daily by a third-party inspection team to ensure continued compliance and safe operations.

Safety Identification Wristbands: Get a bright orange identification wristband, provided by We Energies. This wristband has space to write your child’s identification and your cell phone number in case anyone gets a little lost. Head to the Guest Services Pavilion near the Exposition Center or We Energies Energy Park to get yours.

Sensory-Friendly SpinCity Morning: Fairgoers with special sensory needs can come play games and experience thrills with reduced lights, sounds, and announcements on Monday, August 5 from 11am–1pm. Some attractions are unable to be fully silenced. Operational noises and safety-related announcements will be noticeable. Details here.

Tickets: All rides and games in SpinCity utilize a digital ticket payment system. Tickets will be loaded on a Spin ‘n Play Pass and are redeemable at any ride or game. SpinCity tickets are valid for the current and following year only. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the State Fair Ticket Office. During the State Fair, you can purchase tickets at our SpinCity Ticket Booths or Kiosks.

Weather: Keep an eye on the weather! For your safety, certain rides may close during severe weather events. All tickets and wristbands are non-refundable and rain checks will not be issued.