General Information
Fair Hours
Thursday*
Gates: 8 AM - 8 PM (NO Entry after 8 PM, events until 11 PM)
Outdoor - Entertainment, Animals, and Vendors: 11 AM - 11 PM
Exhibition Hall - Vendors, Youth Projects, and Activities: 8 AM - 8 PM
Carnival: 1 PM - 10:30 PM (Ticket sales end at 8:30 PM)
Friday*
Gates: 8 AM - 8 PM (NO Entry after 8 PM, events until 11 PM)
Outdoor - Entertainment, Animals, and Vendors: 11 AM - 11 PM
Exhibition Hall - Vendors, Youth Projects, and Activities: 8 AM - 8 PM
Carnival: 12 PM - 10:30 PM (Ticket sales end at 8:30 PM)
Saturday*
Gates: 8 AM - 8 PM (NO Entry after 8 PM, events until 11 PM)
Outdoor - Entertainment, Animals, and Vendors: 11 AM - 11 PM
Exhibition Hall - Vendors, Youth Projects, and Activities: 8 AM - 8 PM (Concert ends around 9 PM)
Carnival: 12 PM - 10:30 PM (Ticket sales end at 8:30 PM)
Sunday*
Gates: 8 AM - 8 PM (NO Entry after 8 PM, events until 11 PM)
Outdoor - Entertainment, Animals, and Vendors: 11 AM - 11 PM (Animals end at 5:30 PM)
Exhibition Hall - Vendors, Youth Projects, and Activities: 8 AM - 4 PM
Carnival: 12 PM - 10:30 PM (Ticket sales end at 8:30 PM)
* Youth under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 7:00pm. A minimum of one (1) parent or Guardian, 21 years of age or older, must be present. ID's will be checked as needed.
* Carnival hours and tickets may close early at the discretion of the Carnival and Dane County Fair.
Pets are not allowed at the Dane County Fair, only Service Animals.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Youth Policy:
Youth under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 7:00pm. A minimum of one (1) parent or Guardian, 21 years of age or older, must be present. ID's will be checked as needed.
Cost to attend the Fair (at Gate) - discount if purchased online
5 Years old and Under = Free
Youth (Ages 6-11) = $10 (Day Ticket) or $20 (Season Ticket)
General Admission (Ages 12+) = $15 (Day Ticket) or $35 (Season Ticket)
* Purchase your tickets online (credit card) or at the gate (credit card or cash).
* Youth under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 7:00pm. A minimum of one (1) parent or Guardian, 21 years of age or older, must be present. ID's will be checked as needed.
All sales are final, no refunds.
Can I purchase admission tickets online instead of at the gate?
YES! Tickets can be purchased by clicking the BUY TICKETS button in the website header. Take advantage of this service to save money on your admission. Fees will be more at the Gate.
NOTE: Admission at the Gate can be purchased by credit card or cash.
* Youth under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 7:00pm. A minimum of one (1) parent or Guardian, 21 years of age or older, must be present. ID's will be checked as needed.
All sales are final, no refunds.
What is included with Fair Admission?
Fair Admission includes FREE access to:
- Nightly concerts
- Stunt shows & Entertainment
- Unique daily theme-related activities
- A large variety of animals in the Pavilions and Arena Building
- Kiddie Farm
- Youth exhibits in the Exhibition Hall
- Great carnival specials
- Food and Shopping Vendors of all kinds with giveaways and so much more!
* Carnival tickets and games, food, and shopping vendors are at an additional fee.
Prohibited Items and Banned Behavior
We do whatever we can to ensure that all our visitors have an enjoyable, safe time at the Fair. In so doing, the Dane County Fair must enforce prohibited items and behaviors which apply to fairgoers. Listed below are some of the common prohibited items and behaviors, but does not limit itself to the following:
No Firearms Allowed
All bags, persons, and property are subject to search.
The following items are NOT allowed into the Dane County Fair:
* Ice chests, outside food or beverages including, alcohol
* Fireworks
* Drones
* Selfie Sticks
* Silly String or Squirt Guns
* Weapons or drugs
* Hoverboards, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, Razors
* Gang Attire
* Non-service animals
* Solicitation or distribution of promotional materials, literature, or vending without prior
written consent is prohibited.
* Professional Photography/Videography Equipment or Tripods that are not directly connected with a news affiliate
* Video Cameras and other recording devices are not allowed into the concert areas
* The use of laser beams, flash cameras, both personal and professional, may be prohibited in some instances. Photographing, video recording, or audio taping of performers can result in your equipment being temporarily confiscated, and/or you may be removed from the event.
The following behaviors are subject to prosecution and may result in being removed and banned from the Dane County Fair without refund:
* Any illegal activity
* Acts or threats of violence
* Bootleg merchandising
* Counterfeiting of or scalping of tickets, ride passes, and/or credentials
* Drunken or disorderly conduct
* Destruction of property
* Possession and/or use of illegal drugs
* Underage drinking
* Bullying
Youth Exhibitors
When do entries open and close?
Entries open on April 16, 2025. Entries close on June 1 at 11:59 PM.
Late entry fee of $25/submission by June 8 at 11:59 PM.
When is animal move-in, judging, and move-out?
Animal move-in is Wednesday of Fair Week. Refer to the
Premium Book for department information on move-in and judging..
Animal move-out is Sunday at 6:30 PM (tack move-out is at 5:30 PM). Sale Animals are released at 4:00pm (Sheep) and 4:30pm (Beef & Swine).