By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Jun 20, 2023 at 5:16 PM Photography: Wisconsin State Fair Facebook

Festival City is hopping this summer! OnMilwaukee's Festival Guide is brought to you by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. Escape the heat and step inside! 

The Big Gig is the big deal in town these next few weeks – but don't overlook that we're also just a month and a half away from the Wisconsin State Fair, kicking off another year of the late summer spectacular on Aug. 3. And there's no better way to get people excited than savings – so here are the State Fair's sponsored admission deal days for 2023, saving you cash at the gate so you can spend that money on cream puffs and deep fried deliciousness instead.

Thursday, Aug. 3: Wells Fargo $5 Day

The State Fair savings start right on the first day, as those who bring in two cans of fruits or veggies to the admission entrance, or make a cash donation to Hunger Task Force, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will receive $5 admission to day one of the Fair. For even more savings and convenience, attendees can also donate online to Hunger Task Force before Aug. 2 and score a digital coupon for a $2 admission ticket – which will save you not only money but also time at the gate on Thursday.

Friday, Aug. 4: Celebrate Wisconsin Day

It pays to be a Wisconsinite – though with this special discount deal, it'll actually pay to be from anywhere else. From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., out-of-state Fair attendees can present their non-Wisconsin IDs at the ticket windows to score two admission tickets for just $18. Just in case out-of-towners needed any more evidence that Wisconsin's the nicest, most friendly state in the union. 

Sunday, Aug. 6: Veterans & Military Recognition Day

The first Sunday of the Wisconsin State Fair is dedicated to celebrating our veterans and military members. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., all military personnel and veterans – as well as up to three family members – will receive free admission when they present a military ID at a State Fair ticket booth.

Tuesday, Aug. 8: Milwaukee Bucks Kid's Day

Enter requisite "this day at the State Fair will be a slam dunk" reference! Indeed, Aug. 8 will be all about cheering the deer within the gates, with performances from Bucks entertainment groups, music from the team's DJs, NBA 2K battles, visits from Bango and more, interactive crafts and sweet Bucks gear at the Pro Shop. To make this day feel even more championship-level, young Bucks fans who sign up for Bango's Kids Club between July 10 and Aug. 1 will score a free youth State Fair ticket. Across the board, it's a day worthy of a Mike Breen celebratory "BANG!"

Wednesday, Aug. 9: Meijer Day

Grocery list: eggs, milk, juice, cereal ... and $5 savings on Wisconsin State Fair tickets. Indeed, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday, show a Meijer receipt from a shopping trip of more than $40 between July 2 and Aug. 9 at the ticket booth, and earn $5 off an adult admission ticket. 

Thursday, Aug. 10: Prairie Farms Dairy Day

Teachers are the best – and the Wisconsin State Fair agrees, so on this final Thursday of the summer spectacular, teachers who show their name badge or school-issued ID at a State Fair ticket booth will earn free admission in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

For more information on this year's Wisconsin State Fair deals and discounts, check out the State Fair's website. And for all the latest on the State Fair – from Sporkies to Main Stage headliners and more – click here.

Here's to the Sconniest time of the year coming up in August!

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.