As August rolls around the corner, and Wisconsin enters its hottest month of the year, this can only mean one thing in the mind of Wisconsinites: It’s time for the State Fair. Here are all the new things you can expect at the fair this year, from new Sporkies finalists to new rides at Spin City.
“We’re excited to celebrate 173 years of the fair, as well as the 100 years of the iconic cream puff,” Kristi Chuckel, director of public affairs for the Wisconsin State Fair, said. “We’re really hoping people can come out and enjoy the tradition of the fair as well as some of the new stuff we have to offer.”
New Foods
What would be the state fair without an array of new (and slightly weird) foods? Check out this year’s list of new fair foods, ranging from birthday cake mini donuts to alligator tacos to bug juice. In addition to the list of new foods at the fair, check out these new vendors, including Badger Bites, Leff’s Fatty Patties, Sodalish, Tri Boba Tea and more.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
This Year’s Sporkies and Drinkies
More on the food scene, the Sporkies and Drinkies finalists and winners have an array of wild food combos ready for consumption at this year’s fair. Milwaukee Magazine’s interns have cast their thoughts on these interesting food combos, and will be trying them within the first week of the fair. If you simply can’t wait to read about them from us, try some of these crazy combos yourself – such as the deep-fried lemonade bites and the hot ham and glazers (aka ham sandwich on a donut). Look for the Golden Sporks and Drinkies Statue throughout the fair, signifying the vendor as a finalist or winner.
RELATED: HERE ARE THE 2024 SPORKIES AND DRINKIES FINALISTS
100 Years of Cream Puffs
This year is the 100 anniversary of the beloved cream puff!
To celebrate, the fair will host a Cream Puff Lovin’ Celebration on Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Central Park, with entertainment, visits from mascot Cravin’ D. Cream Puff and more. Plus, the first 100 fairgoers in line at the Original Cream Puff Pavilion will receive a free cream puff.
Chuckel said there will be four flavored cream puffs featured during the fair this year – root beer float, raspberry cheesecake, English toffee and chocolate birthday cake. There will only be 1924 specialty cream puffs sold each day to honor the start of cream puffs in 1924. Check out the schedule of when each flavor will be available here.
Lastly, commemorative posters and postcards featuring cream puff artwork from 2024 Fairtastic Grand Champion and Brookfield artist Jeff Sadowski will be available for purchase throughout the fair. All proceeds will go to the Wisconsin State Fair Park foundation.
SpinCity
This year, the state fair released SpinCity Tips, a guide to planning your day of fun, with information on everything from wristband deals to ride safety. SpinCity Tips also includes a list of all of the state fair’s ride attractions, making your transition between rides seamless. There will be two new adult rides, the Crazy Mouse Roller Coaster and the Kraken, as well as one additional kiddie ride at the fair this year.
RELATED: A TRIED AND TRUE WISCONSIN STATE FAIR BUCKET LIST
State Fair Main Stage
Some big names coming to the fair this year include Yung Gravy (who made his appearance in Milwaukee last June at Summerfest), Riley Green and TLC with opening act Jordan Sparks. For the kids, The Kidz Bop Live 2024 tour will be taking the stage Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. If live music isn’t your jam, check out comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias on the main stage the first night of the fair at 7:30 p.m. for a good laugh. Tickets can be purchased ahead of the shows at WiStateFair.com.
Big Dog Entertainment
Big Dog Entertainment’s new trailer is a spot to get out of the heat and cool down while playing arcade games. The trailer is located west of the Original Cream Puff Pavilion, accross from the Ejection Seat.
Keys Karaoke
This new State Fair activity features all-day entertainment in the form of karaoke. You can challenge your friends and entertain your family by singing both classics and oldies. It’s located on Grandstand Avenue.
Cirque at the Fair
“This was a super popular event last year, so we’re excited to bring it back this year with a new show,” Chuckel said. The family-friendly show is a great way to relax and watch exciting acts like juggling and aerial dance. Admission is free and the show occurs at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day of the fair.
Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s
Bringing feelings of the Indy 500 to Milwaukee, the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250s offers an INDYCAR photo-op, racing-themed activities and much more. This race-themed event is set to take place August 2 and will be located in Central Park from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Remembering our Fallen Memorial
Honoring those who fought to make celebrating the fair possible, the Remembering our Fallen Memorial is new to the fair this year, and features 34 Tribute Towers honoring our country’s military members and their service. This memorial is located on the south end of the Exposition Center.
Wisconsin State Fair History Display
Ever wonder what the state fair looked like 173 years ago? Check out the Wisconsin State Fair History Display to learn more about the fair’s past, located in the south building of the Exploratory Park. In this year’s new history walk, dive into interesting fair trivia and earn the collectable History Buff Ribbon, showcasing your knowledge to everyone at the fair.
$11 Meal Deal
For all of the fair foodies out there, this meal deal will allow you to eat your way through the fair without breaking the bank. Enjoy more than 30 food offerings from all of the classic state fair vendors for the price of $11. This deal is available all days of the fair, and maps are available to guide you to participating vendors. See participating vendors here.
New Shopping Vendors
The fair is constantly changing its vendors – including shopping vendors. In the Exposition Center, the state fair is welcoming over 30 new vendors to the scene, selling everything from clothes to antique jewelry to record art.
