There may still be some snow outside, but planning is already underway for the 2020 Dodge County Fair, scheduled on August 19-23. Warm summer days will be present in Beaver Dam, the scent of fair food will be lingering throughout the fairgrounds and a full schedule of family-friendly entertainment, youth education, midway rides and a three day concert series will take place again this August.

The Badger State Truck and Tractor Pull will kick off the fair season again this year, on Wednesday, August 19 at 7pm. This free event is always popular with the whole family. This year’s event will introduce Pro Stock Diesel Trucks and 2WD Truck classes among the returning classifications from year’s past. Badger State Tractor Pullers is the premier pulling association in the State of Wisconsin

A free evening concert series is again being planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Fans routinely travel from all over Wisconsin and the Midwest to see these much-anticipated, national acts – for free. The popular concert series often includes well-recognized names and icons across various genres, including rock, country, blues and mainstream hits. The concerts take place on the grandstand stage all three evenings. Past performers include Blake Shelton, Rick Springfield, Tanya Tucker, Billy Ray Cyrus and dozens of other recognizable music icons.

Seating for these popular concerts and events are free with paid gate admission to the fair and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan ahead and arrive early for prime seating in the grandstands. On-site parking is also free to all paid ticket holders.

Thursday evening, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band will kick off the free concert series at 8 pm. With a career that spans more than fifty years, fans will recognize much-loved hits across multiple genres and decades. In the 1980’s they released country music hits like “An American Dream” and “Make a Little Magic”. They later released three number one singles, “Long Hard Road”, “Modern Day Romance” and the ever-popular sing-along hit “Fishin’ in the Dark”. After celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2016, the band filmed a live concert in Nashville, airing their special on a nationwide PBS pledge special. The film won a regional Emmy for Special Event Coverage.

Mark your calendars now for Friday, August 21 at 8pm, as this much-anticipated national act will give one spectacular performance. Friday’s popular country music headliner will be announced in June. Be sure to stay informed of these concert details and all entertainment as they are announced. Visit our Facebook page for up-to-date event listings and subscribe to our free newsletter, which includes listings of free entertainment, live music, competitions and fair updates.

Saturday promises to be an enjoyable double-act of entertainment. Fans will sing along to hit after hit from both Starship and Blue Oyster Cult. Starship, featuring Mickey Thomas, will take the stage at 8pm, followed by Blue Oyster Cult after a brief intermission.

Mickey and his powerful vocals joined Starship in 1979. Every Starship album released since 1979 has received high regards and has gone Gold, Platinum or Multi-Platinum. Fans will recognize hits like “We Built this City”, “Sara”, “No Way Out” and “Nothing Gonna Stop us Now”, featured in the movie “Mannequin”.

Blue Oyster Cult’s story spans three tremendous decades of incredible American hard rock music – with most of their recognizable hits released in the late ’70s and early ’80s. The band is currently touring Europe, but you can catch them right here in Beaver Dam this August. Fans will sing and dance along to their popular, rock hits like “Burnin’ for You”, “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll”, and the infamous “Don’t Fear The Reaper”, which was featured in the 1978 horror film classic, “Halloween”. The band was often known for their cryptic lyrics and song-writing.

The fun won’t stop there! The Pernat Haase Meats Four Wheel Drive Truck Pull and Demolition Derby will entertain enthusiastic crowds again on the last day of the fair, Sunday, August 23. The truck pull will begin in the morning at 9 am and back-to-back demolition derbies are scheduled for 1pm and 6pm in the afternoon. This year’s demolition derbies will be officiated by Crash Crazy Motorsports.

Fair attendees and concert enthusiasts may purchase a season ticket for $27 in advance (only $5.40 per day) or $35 at the gate. Daily gate admission is $7 before Noon; or $10 after Noon.  Families will also enjoy free admission for children ages nine years and younger. Tickets can be purchased at most Dodge County Banks, Recheks Food Pride, Beaver Dam Piggly Wiggly or at the Fairgrounds Office.