See rides, animals, more from 2025 Wisconsin State Fair’s opening day
People attend the first day of the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis on July 31, 2025.
The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair is right around the corner, which means it’s time to plan your trip.
Getting to the fair is going to be more challenging this year, as a major construction project is underway along a 3.5-mile stretch of Interstate 94 in Milwaukee County. Expect traffic to be especially bad opening weekend, when the Brewers play at American Family Field Aug. 6-9
If you planned to take the interstate to State Fair Park in West Allis Aug. 6-16, here is some information you need to know so traffic doesn’t ruin your visit.
How will construction affect my route?
Motorists traveling to State Fair from the east may be most affected by construction delays, although eastbound drivers will have to contend with traffic and ramp closures, as well.
Westbound I-94 between the Stadium Interchange and 70th Street is reduced to two lanes. Westbound drivers also will face added traffic around the beginning and end of Brewers games (especially the 6:40 p.m. Aug. 7 game, which will contribute to a rush hour perfect storm of traffic).
Both east- and westbound drivers also will need to navigate around several ramp closures. Both the Hawley Road and 68th Street ramps are closed, so most traffic headed to the fair will be funneled to the 84th Street exit and entrance ramps.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has a complete list of I-94 closures on its website, along with suggested routes for getting to the fair.
Will Brewers games affect travel to the Wisconsin State Fair?
Games against the Pittsburgh Pirates, then the Minnesota Twins will have the Brewers at American Family Field during State Fair’s opening weekend, so expect extra congestion at the Stadium Interchange around the games’ start and end times (about 2 to 3 hours after start time):
- 1:10 p.m. Aug. 6
- 6:40 p.m. Aug. 7
- 6:10 p.m. Aug. 8
- 1:10 p.m. Aug. 9
How can I access the parking lots at Wisconsin State Fair?
Remember, you can only make a right-hand turn into the fairgrounds’ parking areas, so plan your route accordingly.
The fair’s three public parking areas are accessible at Gate 1 (West Greenfield Avenue at South 79th Street), Gate 7 (Kearney Street, between South 76th and South 84th Streets) and Gate 9 (South 76th Street at West Pierce Street). There’s also an accessible parking lot at Gate 2 (South 84th Street, just north of West Greenfield Avenue); proper decals are required for that lot, and general parking is not allowed there.
How can I avoid traffic on I-94?
WisDOT, in conjunction with the State Fair, have recommended alternate routes for reaching the fair, if you want to try and avoid some I-94 traffic. Coming from the east, an alternate route is to take the Highway 175/Brewers Boulevard exit south (on non-game days) to Greenfield Avenue, then travel west to the fairgrounds.
For drivers coming from the west, a recommended alternate route is to take Highway 100 north from I-94 to Blue Mound Road, follow that west to 76th Street, then head south to the fairgrounds. Drivers may also exit I-94 at 70th street, turn right on Main Street, then left on 76th Street.
WisDOT said it would provide additional signage along alternative routes to reduce confusion. Traffic signals and capacity at nearby intersections have been upgraded to handle the increased traffic volume on those designated alternative routes.
Find more information about alternative routes at wistatefair.com/fair/plan-your-route.
Should I expect delays leaving the fair?
Fairgoers heading home on I-94 eastbound also could experience additional congestion due to roadwork. A long-term right lane closure from 35th Street to 25th Street reduces traffic to two lanes through that stretch, and drivers can expect added congestion around the Stadium Interchange when the Brewers play.
Can I take the bus to the fair?
Waukesha County’s shuttle service isn’t operating this year, but two regular MCTS bus routes can take riders to State Fair Park.
Route 18 travels along Greenfield Avenue to the southern gates of State Fair Park. The closest stops to the park are at South 84th Street and South 81st Street. The bus operates every 15 to 20 minutes between 4:03 a.m. and 1:41 a.m. on weekdays, between 4:33 a.m. and 1:02 a.m. on Saturdays, and between 6:00 a.m. and 1:41 a.m. on Sundays.
Route 33 has stops on 84th Street, on the west side of the fairgrounds. The closest stops to the park are at Greenfield Avenue, Washington Street, Schlinger Street and Adler Street. The bus operates between 5:43 a.m. and 6:06 p.m. on weekdays, between 10:27 a.m. and 5:29 p.m. on Saturdays and between 10:53 a.m. and 5:36 p.m. on Sundays.
Travel on either route from downtown to State Fair Park typically takes from 40 to 60 minutes; during State Fair, expect longer travel times due to higher traffic around the park.
Fares can be paid via a WisGo card, the Umo app, cash or various contactless options.
How else can I get to the fair?
Several bars and restaurants will run shuttle services during the fair. Find a list of participating businesses on the State Fair website: wistatefair.com/fair/bar-restaurant-shuttles.
The designated pickup and drop-off location for those taking rideshare options like Uber and Lyft is just outside the T-Mobile Main Entrance (E), on the north side of the fairgrounds, near SpinCity.
State Fair Park has bike racks near the Main Entrance (E) and the South Entrance (A) near South 81st Street. If you plan on biking to the fair, be aware that the Hank Aaron State Trail will be closed for the duration of the fair. Fair staff will post signage indicating alternative routes.
