One of the staples of a Wisconsin summer won't be stopped this year, as the Wisconsin State Fair confirmed today that the late summer tradition will go on as planned in 2021, bringing the state together Aug. 5-15 at State Fair Park. 

“In January, the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board approved a goal to have a fair this August and we are pleased to confirm we are well on our way to meeting that goal,” said Wisconsin State Fair Park Chairman of the Board John Yingling, in a release.

“We are happy to confirm there are WonderFair days ahead and are excited to safely gather to celebrate everything we are so proud of in Wisconsin,” said Kathleen O’Leary Wisconsin State Fair Park CEO, in the release. “We look forward to making many exciting announcements in the weeks to come!”

The Wisconsin State Fair, like most events, cancelled its 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enduring the unexpected off-year by bringing several beloved aspects of the fair to customers, such as the cream puff and fair food drive-thrus.

This year, however, with COVID cases staying low and vaccination numbers climbing, the State Fair is moving forward with a return to an in-person festival. Results from a survey from earlier this month reveal many feel comfortable with the concept of an in-person State Fair again, with 88 percent of respondents replying that they would be comfortable attending a large event now or in the near future and 78 percent noting they will attend the 2021 Wisconsin State Fair. 

To aid in the comfort and safety of the event, the Wisconsin State Fair will follow health guidelines at the time accordingly, with plans to determine final protocols as the start date gets closer and as the state of pandemic hopefully continues to improve. For updates on State Fair's COVID plans and procedures, click here. 

Tickets for the State Fair will go on sale soon – though tickets are currently on sale at the website for the fair's five already-announced Main Stage headliner acts: Skillet, Chris Young, Brothers Osborne, Boyz II Men and the Beach Boys. Plus, tickets and vouchers from last year's canceled edition of the State Fair will also be accepted in 2021 – so hopefully you held onto yours!

Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more State Fair announcements, updates and more – and for info on other festivals making a grand return this summer, check out our regularly updated festival guide. In the meantime, get pumped for the return of the State Fair – we call dibs on the first go down the giant slide!