Kickin’ it up: Lincoln County Fair returns to Merrill this week

Five days, one grandstand, and a whole lot of Northwoods tradition — the Lincoln County Fair rolls into Merrill this week, running Wednesday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, at the fairgrounds, 2001 E. Second St.
This year’s theme, “Kickin’ It Up,” nods to the nation’s 250th birthday and more than 130 years of fair tradition in Lincoln County. As one of the few remaining free-gate fairs left in Wisconsin, admission to the grounds is free, with parking available for $5 per day or $15 for a season pass. The fair is entirely volunteer-run, a point of pride for the Lincoln County Fair Association.
New this year is Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway, bringing fresh rides to the carnival lineup — including a Ferris wheel with sweeping views of the fairgrounds and beyond.
The grandstand lineup kicks off Saturday, Aug. 8, at 4 p.m. with tractor pulls, following a 9 a.m. antique tractor pull with free admission. Veterans with military ID will be admitted to the grandstand at half price that day. The fair wraps up Sunday, Aug. 9, at 1 p.m. with the return of the Demolition Derby, featuring Kids Kars followed by the adult competition. Grandstand tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under, unless otherwise noted.
Live music takes the Crossbridge Community Bank Stage throughout the week, building toward Saturday night’s headliner, the Glam Band, performing from 8 p.m. to midnight. Fairgoers looking to two-step can also catch line dancing sessions in the Entertainment Tent.

The Eagles/VFW tent will host its own entertainment lineup throughout the week: Carl Jackson & Wild Spirits on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 6 to 10 p.m.; The Dukes on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m.; and Brad Emanual on Friday, Aug. 7, from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, brings Misty Hollow Moosic Karaoke from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by Honky Tonk Highway from 7 to 11 p.m. The tent closes out the fair Sunday, Aug. 9, with Nashville recording artist Bobby Darren and the Shila Maria Country Music Show from noon to 4 p.m., followed by 2 Lane Highway from 5 to 8 p.m.
For a taste of the fair’s roots, the Brickyard School — a century-old, one-room schoolhouse at the west end of the grounds — will be open daily with its original wood stove, pump organ, and photographs of Lincoln County’s one-room schools. Other fair traditions return as well, including the 14th annual Butter Carving Contest, the M.A.S.S. Sale, and the Annual Small Animal Auction benefiting the fair’s poultry and rabbit projects.
Beyond the midway and grandstand, the fair remains rooted in its agricultural heritage, with Lincoln County’s 4-H youth taking center stage throughout the week. Junior exhibitors will show swine and beef Thursday, Aug. 6, sheep and goats Wednesday and Friday, and dairy and rabbits later in the week, among other species, with junior classes judged ahead of open classes in each category. Youth exhibitors will also compete in categories ranging from foods and clothing to photography, woodworking, and natural sciences, showcasing months of preparation and project work from 4-H members across the county. Livestock and exhibits will be released Sunday evening following the fair’s judging schedule.
Whether it’s fair food, a ride on the midway, or just a lawn chair and some live music, there’s something for everyone this week at the Lincoln County Fair. More information, including a full events schedule, is available at lincolncofair.com.