dodge-county-fair

George Thorogood and The Destroyers Set to Rock the 2026 Dodge County Fair

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:49:20 GMT

There is no place quite like the Wisconsin summer festival circuit to experience the raw power of classic rock under the open sky, and this August, the ultimate live music tradition returns to the Moraine Park Main Stage. The Dodge County Fair Association is thrilled to announce that rock and roll icons George Thorogood and The Destroyers will perform on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM.

Fresh off a massive 2025 where they played nearly 90 explosive shows, were honored by the GRAMMY Museum, and saw George’s famed “Bad To The Bone” Gibson ES-125TDC guitar placed on permanent exhibit at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the band is extending The Baddest Show on Earth Tour into 2026. With 53 years of “playing rock & roll hot enough to melt the polar icecaps,” Thorogood and his long-time bandmates—Jeff Simon, Bill Blough, Jim Suhler, and Buddy Leach—are bringing a “renewed taste for danger” to Beaver Dam.

50+ Years of Rock & Roll Party

With more than 15 million albums sold and over 8,000 live shows performed, The Destroyers have earned their reputation as “The All-American rock & roll party band”. Fans can expect a “stage-shaking, roof-raising” setlist featuring the hits that made them cornerstones of Classic Rock:

“Bad To The Bone” — The ultimate badass anthem
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”
“Move It On Over”
“Who Do You Love?”
“I Drink Alone” and “Get A Haircut”

“We’ll always be focused on playing music that makes all kinds of people happy,” says George Thorogood. “When we hit the stage on any given night, I can guarantee that we’ll make you feel like a teenager again”.

A Full Day of Fair Fun

The Saturday lineup at the Dodge County Fair is packed from sunrise to sunset. Before the Destroyers take the stage, attendees can enjoy a full slate of classic fair activities:

Morning Power: The Horse Pull kicks off at the Grandstand at 9:00 AM
Midday Muscle: The Fleet Farm Tractor Pull roars to life at 12:00 PM
Family Fun: The Midway opens for “Family Day” from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, featuring discounted ride tickets
The Main Event: George Thorogood and The Destroyers at 8:00 PM

Ticket Information: The Best Deal in Wisconsin

In keeping with fair tradition, the concert is FREE with paid gate admission to the fair. There are no reserved seats—seating is first-come, first-served in the grandstands.

Admission Type Price

Daily Admission (Before 12:00 PM) $10

Daily Admission (After 12:00 PM) $15

Season Ticket (Advance) $35 ($7/day)

Children (Ages 9 and under) FREE

About the Dodge County Fair:

Located 3 miles east of Beaver Dam on State Road 33, the Dodge County Fair is a five-day celebration of agriculture and world-class entertainment. The 2026 fair runs from August 19 through August 23.

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Investing in Tradition: Protecting the Future of the Dodge County Fair

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:58:58 GMT

We have some monumental news to share with our fairgoers, neighbors, and community partners! The Dodge County Fair Association is thrilled to announce the official purchase of 15 acres of land immediately to the west of our existing fairgrounds.

This acquisition, purchased from the Dorothy Stegner estate, marks a pivotal moment in our history. It ensures that the sights, sounds, and traditions of the Dodge County Fair have a permanent home to grow into for generations to come.

Honoring the Stegner Legacy

For years, the Stegner family has been more than just neighbors; they have been the silent engine behind our growth. By graciously allowing the Fair Association to rent this land, they provided the critical space needed for parking and expansion that allowed our events to flourish.

As the Stegner family prepared to sell the farm, the Fair Association recognized a “now or never” moment. Purchasing this land wasn’t just about adding acreage—it was about protecting our future. Without this land, our ability to host large-scale events and provide adequate parking would have been permanently compromised.

Investing in Our Community

While this is an exciting milestone, it is also a significant financial commitment. To secure this property, the Fair Association has taken out a new loan which, alongside our existing commitment for the WDS Stage in Good Karma Park, will take many years to repay.

As a non-profit organization, we operate without a massive safety net. Every dollar used to maintain and improve these grounds comes from:

Event ticket sales
Facility rental revenue
Generous donations from people like you

How You Can Help Us Grow

We’ve secured the land—now we need to build the future. We are seeking partners to help with the maintenance and improvements to our existing facilities. Whether you are a local business or a family who loves the fair, there are several ways to leave your mark:

By investing in these landmarks, you aren’t just buying wood or stone; you’re helping us pay down our debt and ensuring the fairgrounds remain a vibrant hub for Dodge County.

Looking Ahead

This 15-acre expansion is a promise to our youth, our farmers, and our fans that the Dodge County Fair isn’t going anywhere. We are so grateful to the Stegner family for their decades of support and for giving us the opportunity to keep this land part of the fair family.

Your contribution is tax-deductible , as the Dodge County Fair Association is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization . Your support directly helps us pay down the debt from our 15-acre expansion and the WDS Stage, ensuring the fair remains a staple of our community for years to come.

Donations may be mailed to:

Dodge County Fair Association
P.O. Box 654, Beaver Dam, WI 53916

Contributions are also welcomed through the Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation ; please specify the “Dodge County Fair Association Fund” with your gift.

Country Icon Phil Vassar to Bring Hits and Heart to the Dodge County Fair

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:05:50 GMT

The Dodge County Fair is thrilled to announce that multi-award-winning country artist Phil Vassar will perform live on the Moraine Park Main Stage on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM . This highly anticipated outdoor concert is free to all fairgoers with paid gate admission, offering fans an incredible opportunity to experience a Nashville legend in the heart of Wisconsin.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Vassar has evolved from a prolific songwriter into one of country music’s most engaging live performers. After penning chart-topping hits for icons like Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, and Jo Dee Messina, Vassar launched his own solo career, racking up 10 No. 1 singles and 27 Top 40 tracks. Fans can expect a high-energy setlist featuring signature classics such as “ Carlene,” “Six-Pack Summer, ” and the timeless anthem “ Just Another Day in Paradise. ”

Beyond the accolades—including two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards and ACM’s Top New Male Vocalist —Vassar brings a renewed sense of gratitude to the stage this year. Following a life-altering heart attack in 2023, he has embraced a calmer perspective, focusing on the joy of the moment and the authentic connection he shares with his audience. “When I go on stage, the world fades away,” Vassar shares. “It’s just about having fun and connecting with the fans.”

The concert is a centerpiece of the 2026 Dodge County Fair, known for its “ Free Grandstand ” tradition. Admission to the fair is just $10 before 12:00 PM and $15 after noon, while children age nine and under are free. For the best value, fans can purchase a season pass for $35 in advance, bringing the daily cost down to just $7.

Don’t miss this chance to see a master storyteller perform his greatest hits under the summer stars. Seating is first-come, first-served, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full fair experience—from world-class livestock exhibits to classic fair food—before the show begins at 8:00 PM.

Event Summary:

Artist: Phil Vassar
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Moraine Park Main Stage, Dodge County Fairgrounds
Cost: FREE with paid Fair Admission ($10–$15 daily; $35 season pass)

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Flash Sale: Grab Your 2026 Dodge County Fair Tickets at a Huge Discount!

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:18:51 GMT

While the ground might still be frozen, we’re already dreaming of warm August nights, the smell of funnel cakes, and the roar of the grandstands. It’s officially time to gear up for the 2026 Dodge County Fair , running August 19–23 !

To celebrate the countdown to summer, we’re launching an exclusive Limited-Time Ticket Sale . From February 15 through February 27 , you can snag your gate admission at the lowest prices of the year.

Why Buy Now?

We all know that fair week is the highlight of the summer, but those gate prices can add up. By planning ahead, you’re not just securing your spot at the best party in the county—you’re keeping more cash in your pocket for extra cheese curds and carnival games.

Pro Tip: The 10-Pack is perfect for families or groups of friends looking to save big. It brings the daily cost down to less than $10 per person!

What’s Waiting for You in August?

The 2026 Dodge County Fair is shaping up to be our best one yet. Your admission ticket is your all-access pass to a massive variety of entertainment, including:

High-Octane Thrills: Feel the rumble with our famous truck and tractor pulls.
Live Music: Dance the night away with nightly grandstand performances.
Farm Favorites: Explore the animal exhibits and cheer on the hard-working youth in our 4-H displays.
Fair Food Heaven: From deep-fried everything to fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The Commercial Expo: Enjoy one-stop shopping at dozens of commercial vendor booths featuring unique local finds and services.

Don’t Wait—The Clock is Ticking!

These prices are only available until midnight on February 27 . Once March hits, these deals disappear faster than a plate of mini-donuts.

We can’t wait to see you at the gates this August!

Got a question? Please leave a comment below — we’re happy to help! We try to get back to everyone within a few hours. If you’d like to be notified when your question is answered, just check the box to receive email updates for follow-up comments.

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