What the Rock County 4-H Fair Is
The Rock County 4-H Fair in Janesville is billed as the oldest 4-H fair in the United States. It runs one week each summer and combines a youth livestock fair with a carnival, grandstand concerts and contests. The 97th annual fair ran Tuesday, July 28 through Sunday, August 2, 2026 under the theme "Christmas in July," with gates open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
The Livestock Shows
| Species | When (2026) |
|---|---|
| Swine | Showmanship Tuesday evening; show Wednesday morning |
| Rabbits | Showmanship Wednesday; show Wednesday evening |
| Boer goats | Breed classes and showmanship Wednesday afternoon |
| Dairy goats | Showmanship and breed classes Thursday |
| Beef | Show opens Thursday morning; showmanship ends Saturday evening |
| Sheep | Show Thursday |
| Poultry | Judging Thursday morning |
| Dairy cows | Showmanship, color breeds and cow classes Friday and Saturday |
| Cavies and hamsters | Sunday morning |
Sales and Contests
- Meat Animal Sale: Friday, July 31, morning
- Fur and Feather Sale: Saturday, August 1, morning
- Rock County Fair Idol: Wednesday evening
- As Seen on Pinterest Contest: Thursday morning
- Pie Contest: Saturday
- Outrageous Oatmeal Cookie Contest: Sunday, 11:30 a.m.
- Little Wrangler Straw Bale Round-up: Sunday, 2 p.m.
Admission
Prices posted for 2026, plus an online ticket fee:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single day, adult (13+) | $10 |
| Single day, youth (7-12) | $5 |
| Adult season pass (all 6 days) | $35 |
| Youth season pass | $15 |
| Carnival Mega Pass plus season pass (advance purchase only) | $115 |
| Saturday Carnival Special, wristband plus admission (advance purchase only) | $30 |
Children 6 and under are typically free. Special days: Tuesday, July 28 was 2-for-1 admission at $10 per person at the gate; Wednesday, July 29 was free for law enforcement, fire and EMS with professional ID; Thursday, July 30 was free for veterans and active military with military ID, and Senior Day admission for ages 62 and older was $7.
Shows and Grandstand
Swifty Swine racing pigs and a Lumberjack Show (Tuesday through Sunday) are free with admission, and Agri-Golf runs at noon and 6 p.m. The grandstand lineup included America's Pub Quiz (Tuesday), Bree Morgan (Wednesday), Bella Cain and a pedal tractor pull (Thursday), Drew Baldridge (Friday, preferred seating $55 in advance) and Blue Steel (Saturday).
Where
Rock County Fairgrounds, 1301 Craig Ave., Janesville, WI 53545.
Questions
Who do I call or write?
Call 608-755-1470, email info@rockcounty4hfair.com, or write to P.O. Box 606, Janesville, WI 53547.
Can I build my own schedule?
Yes. The fair's events page at rockcounty4hfair.com/events lets visitors save a custom schedule.
Can I buy a Mega Pass at the gate?
No. The Carnival Mega Pass and the Saturday Carnival Special must be bought online in advance.
Official Links
- Our Favorite Events at the 2026 Rock County 4-H Fair: schedule, prices and contests
- Travel Wisconsin: Rock County 4-H Fair: history, address and phone
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
- Rock County 4-H Fair Meat Animal Sale
Rock County 4-H youth sell market animals on Friday morning, July 31, 2026, with proceeds helping recover the cost of raising and showing them; a Fur and Feather Sale follows Saturday morning.
1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI 53545 Official event details - 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.
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.