If you’re looking for one last hurrah before the school year starts, the Brown County Fair is the perfect option! Just a short drive from basically anywhere in Wisconsin, this five-day celebration in De Pere is everything your family loves about summer and more.
This blog post was written as a preview of all of the live music, carnival rides, delicious food, and animals that you can see and enjoy at this year’s Brown County Fair. Here’s what to expect (and why we think it’s worth the road trip).
Animals, Animals, and More Animals
For a lot of fair-goers, this is *the* highlight of the day: walking through all of the barns to see cows, pigs, goats, bunnies, and more up close. The Brown County Fair is a 4-H showcase, which means you’ll see kids proudly showing off the animals they’ve raised. It’s hands-on, educational, and of course, totally adorable.
One thing you’ll definitely want to make time for is the Otter Adventure. There’s nothing cuter than a playful otter, so check the schedule for that. It’s happening once per day, so you should be able to make it to one or more of the performances.
Carnival Games, Rides, and Kids’ Shows
Let’s be real, the carnival games and rides are half the reason we go to the fair, right? The Brown County Fair has all the classics: tilt-a-whirl, fun houses, giant slides, and more. There are lots of smaller kid-friendly options, too! The best part is, general admission includes unlimited rides, so feel free to ride as much as you want.
In addition to rides, there are plenty of carnival games running down the middle of the fairgrounds. You never know, you just might win a prize to take home with you! Be sure to also check out Nick’s Kids Show and The Miller and Mike Show for some hilarious and interactive entertainment throughout the week.
Ready for Some Horseplay?
One of the main attractions at the fair is the PRCA Rodeo, sponsored by American Foods Group. You can catch the rodeo on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. It’s guaranteed to be an action-packed time! On Sunday at 11 am, you can see horses in another setting during the Horse Pull. It’s a great way to see these impressive animals in action!
Live Music, Food, and More!
Every day of the fair features live entertainment, including some of the area’s most beloved bands like The Glam Band, Wet Possum, and Nashville Pipeline. Grab a meal or snack from one of the many food vendors, sip on an ice-cold beverage, and enjoy the energetic live music!
If you want to watch something a little more… destructive, check out the demolition derby on Wednesday evening, starting at 7:00 pm. It’s described as a “hard-hitting, high-octane, adrenaline rush, and is arguably the most exciting and entertaining form of motor sports.” Who would want to miss that?
Sensory-Friendly Morning
On Friday from 10:00 am to noon, the fair will be open only for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. During this time, lights will be dimmed and music turned off (as much as rides allow) to create a calmer, more comfortable experience. Ride wait times might be a bit longer to give everyone more time to get settled. Admission is free for one individual with special needs and up to four family members. Please note that while the rides are not wheelchair-accessible, guests can be assisted onto them.
Plan Your Visit to the Brown County Fair
Dates: August 13–17, 2025
Location: Brown County Fairgrounds, De Pere, WI
Pro Tip: Buy your wristbands and tickets in advance for the best deal.
You can get all of the details at browncountyfair.com
Want to Extend the Fun? We Have Some Ideas!
De Pere is just minutes from Green Bay, so if you’re coming from out of town, it’s super easy to turn your fair day into a fun overnight staycation. Here are some ideas of things you can do with the fam before and after your time at the fair:
Cool Off at the Pool or Splash Pad
Pack your swimsuits! Stop by the Resch Aquatic Center or Joannes Aquatic Center to cool off in the water slides and splash zones. It’s a great way to beat the heat and burn off some energy.
Take a Stroll on the CityDeck
Stretch your legs along the Fox River with a relaxing walk, and maybe even catch some live music or street performance. If you’re visiting in the evening, the river views are chef’s kiss.
Visit the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
One more suggestion? Head to the NEW Zoo in Suamico (just 20 minutes north of De Pere). With giraffe feedings, a canopy tour, and dual racing zip lines, it’s worth the short drive!
