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UP tradition returns Monday
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Editor’s note: The Upper Peninsula State Fair schedule is subject to change at any time and without notice. All events are weather permitting. The full schedule can be found on the U.P. State Fair website.
ESCANABA -- For one week each summer, the Upper Peninsula State Fair brings agriculture, entertainment and community together in Escanaba. That tradition continues next week (Aug. 17-23), as thousands of visitors are expected to pass through the fairgrounds for a celebration highlighting America's 250th birthday.
While many fan favorites and familiar exhibits will return, new performers will also take the spotlight, offering fairgoers fresh entertainment alongside historic traditions.
Daily entertainment includes the Skerbeck Entertainment Group Midway, featuring dozens of family-friendly and thrill-inducing rides; cheese sculptor, Nancy Baker; Antique Village; Whispering Pines Petting Zoo; Department of Natural Resources Pocket Park; sand sculpting by the Art Club, known for their local Bigfoot statues; Miracle of Life exhibit and Growing UP Foresters; Dominguez Royal Legacy Circus; bingo tent; red, white and brew beer tent; art in the Ruth Butler Building; and world-record holding toys from Bay College.
Starting Tuesday doves will be released daily outside the poultry barn at 3 p.m.
This year, the new “donkey cart people mover” will provide transportation to guests of all ages between key areas of the grounds. Gold cart shuttles will also be available along the route.
Parking is free, though donations to volunteers with the Knights of Columbus are welcome. Daily and weekly admission tickets are available online at upstatefair.net and at the gate.
For those interested in going on the rides supplied by Skerbeck Entertainment Group, wristbands -- which cover all but one ride -- and individual tickets are sold from a booth on the grounds and online.
The U.P. State Fair got its start in 1928, when it was held in mid-September. In its nearly 100-year history, the fair has only been cancelled due to three major events -- World War II, the polio epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tagline for the 2026 fair is “United in Fun,” celebrating America’s 250th birthday this year. Like in previous years, each day of the fair features a different theme, bringing a unique experience to the festivities.
This year’s grandstand entertainment includes Phil Vasser, Wednesday, Tia Wood, Thursday, Daughtry Friday and UPW Pro Wrestling Sunday.
For more information visit upstatefair.net