Is Wisconsin State Fair cashless? What's the bag policy, and other answers to your questions

Alex Groth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·4 min read

The Wisconsin State Fair is gearing up to open Aug. 3 in West Allis. The fair, which runs through Aug. 13, will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.

Is the State Fair cashless? What's the bag policy? Where can you park? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Is Wisconsin State Fair cashless?

Vendors inside the grounds can accept cash as a form of payment. If you need cash, there are ATMs throughout the fair grounds.

What's the 2023 state fair bag policy?

Fairgoers are only allowed to bring bags 9 by 10 by 12 inches or smaller. All bags are subject to inspection. Empty reusable bottles, cups and souvenir cups are permitted.

Any carry-in items for your family, like water or snacks for children, or medical items will be permitted without any need for medical note.

The following items aren't allowed in fair grounds:

  • 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 by 10 by 12 inches

  • Hard-sided coolers

  • Camelback style hydration packs

  • Large stick umbrellas or golf umbrellas

  • Picnic baskets

  • Outside food and beverages unless for infant or dietary needs

  • Glass bottles

  • Aerosol cans with the exception of spray sunscreens

  • Alcohol

  • Drones

  • Pets expect for service animals

  • Selfie sticks

  • Banners or flags on poles

  • Signs

  • Laser pointers

  • Lawn chairs

  • Skateboards, hoverboards, roller skates or inline skates

  • Foot powered or electric scooters

  • Bicycles, tricycles or unicycles

  • Hula hoops

  • Stadium seats

Can you leave State Fair and come back on the same day?

Yes, but you'll need to get a hand stamp before you exit. Vehicles aren't allowed to re-enter without paying for parking again.

Do you need separate tickets to see concerts at the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater?

No, concerts at the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater don't require a separate ticket. The only stage that requires a separate ticket is the State Fair Main Stage.

Where can you park?

You can park on the grounds for $15 per vehicle or $8 per motorcycle. You can purchase parking passes online. Parking is first come, first served.

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General parking are available at these gates:

  • Gate 1: At West Greenfield Avenue and South 79th Street

  • Gate 7: At Kearney Street between South 84th & South 76th streets

  • Gate 9: At West Pierce Street and South 76th Street.

Accessible parking costs $15 per vehicle and is available at these gates:

  • Gate 1: At West Greenfield Avenue and South 79th Street

  • Gate 2: At South 84th Street (north of West Greenfield Avenue)

  • Gate 7: At West Kearney Street (between South 84th and South 76th streets)

Preferred parking is available for $25 per vehicle near the Main Stage Entrance at Gate 1 and near the UScellular Main Entrance via Gate 7.

Free street parking is also available off Greenfield Avenue west of the fairgrounds.

How to get deals on Wisconsin State Fair tickets

Note that the offers below are valid while ticket supplies last. Some have expiration dates.

  • Purchase $14 fair tickets, a saving of $4 on adult admission price, through June 30 at the State Fair ticket office and at WiStateFair.com. They also can be purchased at participating Wisconsin Sentry Foods, Festival Foods and Metcalfe's Markets.

  • Earn a coupon for a free youth admission ticket through the summer reading programs of participating Milwaukee County (suburban) libraries, as well as Waukesha and Jefferson counties; Racine, Rock and Walworth counties; and Dodge, Ozaukee, Sheboygan and Washington counties. Check with your local library for details. (Milwaukee Public Library branches are not participating in the program this year.)

  • By donating to Hunger Task Force online through Aug. 2, you can receive a digital coupon for a $2 fair ticket to be used only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 3, the fair's opening day. See the fair website for details.

  • Get one State Fair ticket and one Irish Fest ticket for $22 through July 31 at WiStateFair.com and the State Fair Ticket Office.

  • Get one State Fair ticket and one adult admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo for $22 through July 31 at WiStateFair.com and the State Fair Ticket Office.

Jim Higgins contributed to this report.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is Wisconsin State Fair cashless? Details on bag policy, parking