What time does the Dane County Fair Close?

Great old-fashioned family fun at the 2022 Dane County Fair, July 21–24, at the Alliant Energy Center.

Índice Show

2022 Carnival Wristband Special
2022 Carnival Ride Ticket Pricing (on-site)
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MADISON (WKOW) — It's finally that time of year, the Dane County fair is here.

The fair starts Thursday at the Alliant Energy Center, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m., but don't worry there are plenty of activities that go until 11 p.m. The fair goes until Sunday the 24th.

There are admission specials on Thursday and Friday, where fairgoers can buy $3 tickets before 3 p.m.

The fair is family friendly, with daily themes like Hometown Hero, Kids Day and Farm Fresh Day.

There are also tons of activities, youth exhibits, entertainers and vendors. Kids can look forward to carnivals, a scavenger hunt, visits from Madison Mallards mascot Maynard, animal shows and more.

Note that the carnival and fair entry gates will close each night at 8 p.m., and ride ticket sales will end at 7 p.m. Additionally, people under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 4 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Dane County Fair begins on Thursday and local law enforcement want families to have fun safely this weekend.

The fair entry and carnival gates will have restricted hours and close at 8:00 p.m. each night. Ride ticket sales will end at 7:00 p.m.

Some of the other safety measures include a curfew for teens. Starting at 4:00 p.m. each day, anyone under 18-years-old will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Security at the fair is a top priority for Dane County Fair officials and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.

“We’ve done a number of things and worked very hard to make sure this is a fun, family-oriented fair that everybody can feel safe and have a good time,” said Dane County Fair President Dick Straub.

Fair-goers will walk through security detectors upon entry. Straub says this technology is new to the fair this year.

“It’s a changing event and a world that we live in,” said Straub. “We have to make sure that we adapt so that participants feel safe and secure when they come to the fair.”

It’s the first day of the @danecountyfair! 🎡 There are some new security measures in place to make this a safe and family-friendly weekend. We’re talking about them now on @nbc15_madison. pic.twitter.com/RMZjjMlCIp
— Gabriella Rusk (@GabriellaRusk) July 21, 2022

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office will also be watching out for crime. Sheriff Kalvin Barrett says having a presence is an important way to deter this type of behavior.

“It comes down to being present and vigilant and focusing on the community being our eyes out there while they’re at the fair,” said Barrett. “We encourage everyone to say something if they see something that is suspicious.”

Officers will also be patrolling for behaviors that are not allowed such as illegal activity, drunk or disorderly conduct, or underage drinking.

Sheriff Barrett says the Dane County Sheriff’s Office also works with other agencies to plan and strategize.

“We have daily assessments of happening statewide, nationwide, but also what’s happening around the general area to ensure that we’re prepared for anything that may happen,” said Barrett.

There are also restrictions on what you can bring into the fairgrounds. Some of the prohibited items include fireworks, weapons, drugs, and toys like silly string or squirt guns.

Thursday and Friday feature $3 admission before 3:00 p.m. for everyone over 6 years old! Purchase on-site at the gate (cash only).

Hometown Hero - Free Admission

All past and present military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and first responders receive FREE admission for Hero plus one (1) guest as we celebrate Hometown Hero Day

Thursday1 PM - 8 PM(Ticket sales end at 7 PM)Friday12 PM - 8 PM(Ticket sales end at 7 PM)Saturday12 PM - 8 PM(Ticket sales end at 7 PM)Sunday12 PM - 8 PM(Ticket sales end at 7 PM)

*The carnival will operate unless lightning is observed.

* Fair Gates CLOSE at 8:00pm each night with NO entry after 8:00pm.

* Youth under 18 years old will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian after 4:00pm