Our Favorite Events at the 2026 Rock County 4-H Fair
Quick answer: The Rock County 4-H Fair runs July 28–August 2, 2026, at 1301 Craig Ave. in Janesville, WI. The 97th annual fair features livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, lumberjack performances, pig races, and special admission days for veterans, seniors, and first responders. Admission starts at $10 for adults per day.
Every July, Janesville becomes the center of Rock County for one unforgettable week. The Rock County 4-H Fair has been bringing families, farmers, and neighbors together for nearly a century—and the 97th edition, themed “Christmas in July,” is shaping up to be one for the books. Six days of animals, entertainment, contests, carnival rides, and community pride, all under one fairground.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, the fair holds a special place. Supporting the animals and families who show them, the farmers who tend them, and the communities built around them—that’s what we’re about. So here’s our honest guide to the events we’re most looking forward to this year, plus everything you need to plan your visit.
What Is the Rock County 4-H Fair All About?
The Rock County 4-H Fair is a youth-led agricultural fair showcasing the work of 4-H members across Rock County, Wisconsin. Young exhibitors compete in livestock showmanship, arts, foods, photography, woodworking, and dozens of other categories. Public visitors come for the animals, the entertainment, the food, and the sense of community that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The 2026 theme—”Christmas in July”—adds a playful, festive layer to the week. Think the warmth of a holiday gathering, but in the middle of summer. It’s a fitting theme for an event that’s really about celebrating the people and traditions that hold this community together.
The Animal Exhibits: A Highlight for Every Visitor
For the team at Blain’s, the animal barns are always the first stop. We’ve spent decades helping customers care for everything from backyard chickens to beef cattle, so seeing those same animals showcased by the next generation of farmers never gets old.
The 2026 fair features an impressive lineup of livestock and animal events throughout the week:
- Swine: Showmanship kicks off Tuesday evening (July 28), with the full Swine Show running Wednesday morning
- Rabbits: Rabbit Showmanship on Wednesday, followed by the Rabbit Show that evening
- Boer Goats: Breed classes and showmanship on Wednesday afternoon
- Dairy Goats: Showmanship and breed classes on Thursday
- Beef Cattle: The Beef Show opens Thursday morning, with Beef Showmanship wrapping up Saturday evening
- Sheep: Show runs Thursday
- Poultry: Judging on Thursday morning
- Dairy Cows: Showmanship, color breeds, and cow classes run Friday and Saturday
- Cavies and Hamsters: A Sunday morning favorite for younger visitors
Whether you know your way around a livestock barn or you’re taking a child to see their first dairy cow up close, these exhibits are genuinely worth the time. The detail that goes into each animal’s preparation—and the dedication of the young exhibitors—is something you can’t fully appreciate until you’re standing right there.
Swifty Swine: The Racing Pigs Everyone Comes Back For
If you’ve never seen pig racing at a county fair, this is your year. The Swifty Swine show runs multiple times every single day of the fair—morning, afternoon, and evening—so missing it takes real effort. It’s fast, loud, and completely ridiculous in the best way. Kids love it, adults love it, and the pigs seem pretty motivated once they figure out there’s an Oreo at the finish line.
Check the daily schedule at rockcounty4hfair.com to catch a specific showtime that fits your day.
The Lumberjack Show: A Fair Tradition Worth Watching
The Lumberjack Show runs multiple times daily, starting Tuesday and running through Sunday. Chainsaw carving, log rolling, speed climbing, and axe throwing demonstrations—it’s skilled work presented in a way that keeps the whole crowd locked in. These performers are genuinely talented, and the shows move quickly enough that even younger kids stay engaged start to finish.
Agri-Golf: Unique to the Fair, and Worth a Try
Agri-Golf is the kind of thing you only find at a county fair, and that’s exactly what makes it great. A golf-style game built around agricultural themes, it runs twice daily throughout the week—noon and 6 PM. It’s a low-key activity that gives families something active and fun to do between the bigger events. Bring the competitive spirit.
Special Days That Make the Week Even Better
The fair does a great job of building meaningful experiences into each day of the week. A few worth planning around:
2-for-1 Tuesday — July 28
On opening day, two single-admission tickets go for the price of one: just $10 for all ages at the gate. It’s an easy way to bring the whole family without thinking twice about the cost.
First Responders Day — Wednesday, July 29
Law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel with a professional ID get free gate admission on Wednesday. A small but meaningful recognition for the people who serve Rock County year-round.
Veterans & Military Appreciation Day — Thursday, July 30
This one matters. Veterans and active military personnel who present a valid military ID—DD214, VA ID, Military Common Access Card, or Dependent ID—receive free admission to the fair on Thursday, July 30. Selected Rock County veterans will also be recognized on the grandstand stage before the evening concert. To nominate a veteran for recognition, applications were due July 16 (submitted to info@rockcounty4hfair.com or P.O. Box 606, Janesville, WI 53547).
Senior Citizen Day — Thursday, July 30
Also on Thursday, gate admission drops to $7 for anyone 62 and older.
Thursday is a packed day. Between the Veterans recognition ceremony, Bella Cain on the main stage at 7:30 PM, livestock shows, and the Pedal Tractor Pull at 6 PM—it’s one of the strongest single days of the whole fair.
Main Stage Entertainment
The 2026 lineup brings live music to the grandstand every evening. Highlights include:
- Tuesday, July 28: America’s Pub Quiz (7:30 PM)
- Wednesday, July 29: Rock County Fair Idol Contest (5 PM) + Bree Morgan (7 PM)
- Thursday, July 30: Bella Cain (7:30 PM)
- Friday, July 31: Drew Baldridge (8 PM), with the Idol Winner performing at 7:30 PM
- Saturday, August 1: Blue Steel (8 PM)
Preferred area tickets for Drew Baldridge are available at $55 and must be purchased in advance.
Don’t Miss: The Contests and Special Events
Scattered throughout the week are competitions that deserve a spot on your schedule:
- Rock County Fair Idol Contest — Wednesday evening. Local talent, real competition, and always a crowd.
- As Seen on Pinterest Contest — Thursday morning, for the crafty and creative.
- Pie Contest — Saturday. The entries are serious, and sometimes the judges let people watch.
- Outrageous Oatmeal Cookie Contest — Sunday at 11:30 AM. The name alone is reason enough.
- Little Wrangler Straw Bale Round-up — Sunday at 2 PM. Great for younger kids who want their own fair moment.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets and Timing
Dates: July 28–August 2, 2026
Location: 1301 Craig Ave., Janesville, WI 53545
Hours: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM daily
Ticket Options:
- Single Day Adult (13+): $10 + fee
- Single Day Youth (7–12): $5 + fee
- Adult Season Pass: $35 + fee
- Youth Season Pass: $15 + fee
- Carnival Mega Pass + Season Pass (all 6 days): $115 + fee — advance online purchase required, not sold at the gate
- Saturday Carnival Special (wristband + admission): $30 + fee — advance purchase required
If your family plans to ride the carnival more than once, the Mega Pass is the better value. Buy it online before you go.
Keep an Eye on the Animals During the Meat Animal Sale and Fur & Feather Sale
Two events worth noting for those interested in the agricultural side of the fair: the Meat Animal Sale runs Friday morning (July 31) and the Fur & Feather Sale takes place Saturday morning (August 1). These sales are an important part of how 4-H youth recoup the investment they’ve made in raising and showing their animals all year. Attending supports the program directly.
Plan Your Days Around What Matters Most
The Rock County 4-H Fair works best when you go in with a plan. Decide what matters most to your family—animals, rides, music, or contests—and build from there. The fair’s full schedule is updated at rockcounty4hfair.com/events, where you can also build a custom schedule by saving the events you want to attend.
The Blain’s Farm & Fleet team will be there supporting the community we’ve always been part of. See you at the fairgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Rock County 4-H Fair
The 2026 Rock County 4-H Fair runs July 28 through August 2 at 1301 Craig Ave. in Janesville, WI. The fairgrounds are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM each day. This is the 97th annual fair, themed “Christmas in July.”
Single-day adult admission is $10 (plus a $1.25 fee). Youth ages 7–12 pay $5 (plus a $1 fee). Children 6 and under are typically free. A season pass covering all six days costs $35 for adults and $15 for youth. A Carnival Mega Pass combining a season pass with unlimited carnival rides costs $115 and must be purchased online in advance.
Yes. On Thursday, July 30, 2026, veterans and active military personnel can present a valid military ID—DD214, VA ID, Military Common Access Card, or Dependent ID—at any gate for free admission. The fair also holds a recognition ceremony on the grandstand stage that evening to honor Rock County veterans.
The 2026 fair features livestock and animal exhibits including swine, beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep, dairy goats, boer goats, rabbits, poultry, dogs, cavies, and hamsters. Judging and showmanship events for each species are spread across different days, so check the daily schedule to catch the species you’re most interested in seeing.
The Swifty Swine racing pig show is one of the most family-friendly events at the fair. It runs multiple times daily from opening day through closing day. It’s free with fair admission and appropriate for all ages. The races are fast-paced and entertaining, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser for families with young children.
Thursday, July 30, is one of the most event-dense days: Veterans Appreciation Day and Senior Day run simultaneously, Bella Cain performs on the main stage at 7:30 PM, the Beef and Dairy Goat shows are underway, and the Pedal Tractor Pull takes place at 6 PM. Tuesday, July 28 (opening day) is ideal for budget-conscious families thanks to the 2-for-1 admission deal.
