What the Jefferson County Fair Is
The Jefferson County Fair is held each year in the second week of July at Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Avenue in the city of Jefferson. The 2026 fair ran July 8 to 12 under the theme "Let the Good Times Grow!" It combines a Junior Fair with livestock and static projects, a youth livestock auction, grandstand motorsports and nightly music.
How It Works: The Timeline
- May 31, 11:59 p.m. Exhibit registration closes on FairEntry. The mandatory auction form, including the YQCA certificate, was also due May 31 (one per exhibitor), and new auction buyers registered online by the same date.
- June 15 Last Year Exhibitor Form due for last-year exhibitors.
- June 28 Static judging of all Sprout projects and most junior projects, including animal and vet science, natural science, cultural arts, photography, computers, woodworking, electricity, mechanical science, clothing, knitting and crocheting, home environment, child development, youth leadership and health. Exhibitors sign up for a time slot.
- July 5 Music and drama performances, scheduled by superintendents.
- July 7 Foods, plant and soil science, and flowers and house plants judging. Beef live grading at 7 a.m.
- July 8 to 12 The fair, with animal shows, grandstand events and music.
- July 12 Live archery judging.
Animal Show Schedule
| Species | When |
|---|---|
| Beef | Wed., July 8, 8 a.m.: feeder calves, market, breeds, bred and owned, showperson |
| Sheep | Wed., July 8, 1 p.m. |
| Goats | Dairy goats Wed., July 8, 9 a.m.; meat goats and market Thu., July 9, 9 a.m. |
| Equine | Showperson, driving and trail Wed., July 8, 9 a.m.; gymkhana and under saddle Thu., July 9, 9 a.m. |
| Swine | Thu., July 9, 9 a.m. |
| Dairy | Showperson Thu., July 9, 6 p.m.; breed show Fri., July 10, 9 a.m. |
| Poultry | Market and eggs Thu., July 9, 9 a.m.; showperson noon; breed show Fri., July 10, 10 a.m. |
| Rabbits | Wed., July 8, 1 p.m.; pets and showperson Thu., July 9, 1 p.m.; hopping Sun., July 12, 9 a.m. |
| Draft horse | Fri., July 10 and Sat., July 11 |
| Cats | Thu., July 9, 4 p.m. |
Sprout (young exhibitor) shows are Thursday for rabbits, Friday for poultry and Sunday at 10 a.m. for dairy, beef, swine, sheep, goats and equine.
Rules and Animal Health
- A PRRS/PEDv test is no longer required for swine in 2026, but a certificate of veterinary inspection is.
- Lactating dairy cattle no longer need a negative influenza A milk sample.
- Beef bred and owned exhibitors bring a Bred and Owned Affidavit to check-in. Sprouts bring a liability waiver to their show.
- Bedding is free for beef and swine exhibitors.
- After arrival, find your department's superintendent. Trailer parking is color-coded: beef, sheep, goat and swine at the southwest end, equine at the northwest end, dairy on the northeast side.
- Fair Five Packs cost $35 if not bought ahead.
Entertainment
The Coors Light Entertainment Tent hosts Feudin' Hillbillys on Thursday, Gimme Skynyrd on Friday and Chasin' U on Saturday. The grandstand runs two tractor pulls Wednesday, a truck pull Thursday, a standup comedy showcase Friday, a horse pull Saturday and the demo derby Sunday. The WSLD Community Stage has daily local performers and bingo.
Where and Who to Call
Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI. Fair office: 920-674-7139.
Questions
When did registration close?
May 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Is there an auction form?
Yes. Each exhibitor submits one mandatory auction form, with the YQCA certificate, at JCoFair.com/auction by May 31.
Where do I sign up for static judging?
Through the SignUpGenius link, checking the premium book for each department's schedule.
Official Links
- Fair Timeline: deadlines and judging dates
- Fair Information: Animals: health rules and show schedule
- 2026 music lineup: entertainment and grandstand
- 2026 theme: dates and theme
Wisconsin County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows: The Essentials
Wisconsin had 73 state-aided county and district fairs in 2025, with about 2 million visitors and 43,465 exhibitors, about 72 percent of exhibits from juniors.
Rules differ by county
Each county publishes its own fair book. In Clark County, for example, exhibitors must be 8 to 19, own and show their own animal, and follow species tagging, drug history and weight rules to sell.
Common requirements
Expect premise ID, ear tags or DNA ID, YQCA certification, health papers and early registration, per the Sauk County rules.
Sale day
Selling is its own set of rules. In Clark County you may weigh in several species but sell only one animal, complete three educational points, and sell your own animal in your assigned slot. Check your county's sale rules before you buy a project animal.
Next steps
Get your county's current fair book and mark the spring deadlines now. Dates and rules change each year.
Read the full guide: Wisconsin County Fairs and Youth Livestock Shows
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting and YFA Conference
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau annual meeting, where county delegates vote on policy, combined with the Young Farmer and Agriculturist Conference. Next edition December 4-7, 2026 at Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells.
- Wisconsin Farmers Union Annual State Convention
The Wisconsin Farmers Union state convention, with policy sessions and a Friday evening Farmers Union Camp fundraiser. Next edition December 11-13, 2026 in Appleton; the 95th convention was held December 12-14, 2025.
- Northern Wisconsin State Fair Meat Animal Program Beef Weigh-In
Initial beef weigh-in for youth in the fair's Meat Animal Program, held in Eau Claire.
Eau Claire, WI | Organizer: Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association Official event details - Wisconsin Corn-Soy Expo
Two-day winter trade show for corn, soybean and pork producers with over 150 booths and an education program. Next edition January 21-22, 2027 in Wisconsin Dells; the 2026 show ran January 29-30.
- Midwest Horse Fair
Three-day horse fair held since 1979 at the Alliant Energy Center, owned by the Wisconsin Horse Council with proceeds supporting the state equine industry. The next edition is April 16-18, 2027.
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713 | 920-623-5515 | Organizer: Wisconsin Horse Council Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.