Experience Three Signature Events At The Walworth County Fairgrounds in 2026!
- Lorea Braschko
- 1 minute ago
- 5 min read
From award-winning BBQ and live entertainment to one of Wisconsin’s oldest and largest county fairs and a holiday shopping extravaganza, the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn offers visitors three unforgettable reasons to visit in 2026.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway, a Labor Day weekend adventure, or a fall shopping trip, these signature and loved events showcase the very best of Walworth County.
10th Annual Elkhorn Ribfest at The Walworth County Fairgrounds: July 15-19, 2026
Fire up your summer plans at the 10th Annual Elkhorn Ribfest, a five-day celebration of BBQ, music, and family fun. Held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds, Ribfest has become one of Wisconsin’s favorite summer traditions, attracting visitors from across the Midwest.
Guests can enjoy mouthwatering BBQ from ten professional Pit Masters from all over the United States and Australia competing for top honors, including the coveted People’s Choice Award, Best Sauce and Grand Champion! Beyond the food, visitors will find carnival rides, an Artisan Village, commercial vendors, a popular bike show that’s free to enter, and more than 20 bands performing on two stages throughout the festival.
This year’s entertainment lineup features crowd favorites Cherry Pie, Bella Cain, Madison County, Rival 5, and The Prince Experience, along with many other talented performers. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or enjoying a show under the festival’s massive tent, there’s music for every taste.
Best of all, admission and parking are completely free, making Elkhorn Ribfest an
affordable destination for families, friends, and BBQ enthusiasts alike. BBQ is available for purchase, along with other festival foods. Your tastebuds will thank you. Whether you’re a BBQ lover, music fan, or simply looking for a fun summer road trip, Elkhorn Ribfest delivers five days of Good Food! Good Music! and Good Times!
For more information go to ElkhornRibfest.com
177th Walworth County Fair September 2-7, 2026
For more than 175 years, the Walworth County Fair has been a cherished Wisconsin
tradition. The 177th Fair returns September 2-7, 2026, with the theme “Glitter and Gold: A Fair to Behold” celebrating 60 years of Fairest of the Fair while honoring the rich heritage and bright future of one of America’s premiere county fairs.
As Wisconsin’s largest county fair, visitors can enjoy days filled with livestock exhibits,
agricultural displays, daily butterfly releases, and educational classes in Barnyard
Adventure, family attractions, and world class entertainment on the Grandstand.
Adding to the excitement in 2026 is the Walworth County 250th American Celebration,
sponsored by Walworth County. Guests will have the opportunity to commemorate
America’s 250th anniversary on Thursday at Peggy’s Park Stage with a presentation by a
Revolutionary War soldier reenactor who will bring history to life. Guests will be given a
unique glimpse into our nation’s founding.
The celebration officially begins on Wednesday, September 2, immediately following the
Fair’s Opening Ceremony, when the Walworth County Board of Supervisors hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated historic Log Cabin. The restoration project, completed by Walworth County, preserves an important piece of local history while creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
Fair goers will also want to mark their calendars for Thursday evening’s patriotic drone
show, a spectacular display celebrating America’s 250th birthday through synchronized
lights in the night sky, thanks to Walworth County. The Fair’s Grandstand lineup adds even more excitement to the week. Wednesday features Rice Pro Rodeo, immediately followed by a concert by Bella Cain, Thursday features the Truck and Tractor Pulls, Friday’s concert is yet to be announced, Saturday night welcomes legendary southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, while Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris takes the stage Sunday evening.
The Fair concludes on Labor Day with the crowd-favorite Demolition Derby, a tradition that has thrilled generations of fairgoers.
The Fair experience extends far beyond the grandstand. Families can enjoy numerous free attractions throughout the grounds, including live entertainment on Peggy’s Park Stage featuring a variety of musical acts and performances throughout the week. Visitors can stroll through the livestock barns and meet the animals that are the heart of the Fair’s agricultural tradition, explore exhibitor buildings filled with antiques, quilts, sewing projects, photography, Plein Air at the Fair artwork, baked goods, and other award-winning entries submitted by talented exhibitors, or spend time watching horse shows and competitions at the Elkhorn Equestrian Event Center.
A special Saturday morning highlight is Combines for Kids, sponsored by Rote Oil, where
children can climb aboard and ride in a combine around the historic racetrack. This unique experience is offered for a free will donation, with proceeds benefiting the Discovery Barn, helping support agricultural education and interactive learning opportunities for young fairgoers.
No visit would be complete without enjoying classic fair favorites, from cream puffs and
cheese curds to corn dogs and pork chops on a stick. Don’t forget to save room for all the sweet treats. Please note that visitors can enjoy the Fair while taking advantage of free parking on the Fairgrounds.
From agricultural excellence and family entertainment to history, music, motorsports and horsepower, the Walworth County Fair offers an authentic Wisconsin experience unlike any other.
For tickets and more information go to WalworthCountyFair.com
Elkhorn Holiday Craft Bash at The Walworth County Fairgrounds: October 3, 2026
As autumn arrives and the holiday season begins to peek around the corner, the Elkhorn Holiday Craft Bash provides the perfect opportunity to start holiday shopping early!
Featuring more than 300 crafters and vendors, this one-day event transforms the Walworth County Fairgrounds into a shopper’s paradise filled with handcrafted treasures, seasonal decor, specialty foods, artwork, home accents, and unique gifts.
Visitors can spend the day browsing hundreds of indoor and outdoor booths while
supporting talented artisans and small businesses from throughout the region. Whether
you’re searching for the perfect gift, decorating inspiration, or simply a fun day out with
friends and family, the Holiday Craft Bash offers something for everyone.
For more information go to WalworthCountyFair.com
With three signature events spanning summer and fall, the Walworth County Fairgrounds continues to be a premier destination for visitors seeking memorable experiences in southeastern Wisconsin. From the smoky aromas of Elkhorn Ribfest and the excitement of the Walworth County Fair to the festive atmosphere of the Elkhorn Holiday Craft Bash, 2026 promises a season filled with great food, entertainment, tradition and community spirit.
To see all events held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds including the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market, equestrian events, community events and more, please visit