It’s only April, but the Wisconsin State Fair (August 6-16) is already in a mood. How can we tell? Because today, the State Fair announced its Sporkies and Drinkies finalists for 2026. That’s an early announcement! (Not that we’re complaining.)

Yes, it’s time to ponder, drool over, and/or worry about the State Fair’s annual weird-and-wacky food/drink-stuff competition that tasks local eateries and bars to come up with, well, weird-and-wacky food/drink-stuff. And you better believe this year’s competition features some doozies.

So without further ado/worrying, here are the eight Sporkies and four Drinkies finalists for 2026, with blurbs and photos courtesy of the Fair. All of the dishes and drinks will be available during the Fair, and winners will be announced after a panel of celebrity judges samples each on August 4. And yes, as always, we’ll sample them, too.

SPORKIES FINALISTS

Bayou Crunch Cup
Exotic Meat Grill
Bayou Crunch Cup is a towering cup of southern comfort, stacked with crispy sidewinder fries, Cajun slaw and tender alligator nuggets. Breaded crawfish bites and a rich comeback sauce add a bold, zesty kick in every layer. Finish this dish off with pickled okra and a whole crawfish on top for big bayou flavor and a true Fair wow factor.

Cream City Cone
WürstBar
The Cream City Cone is a handheld creation that delivers a flavorful, fully loaded bite from the top down. This warm, buttery pretzel cone is dipped in Milwaukee Pretzel Company Dill Pickle Mustard, packed with a savory mix of bratwurst, sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheddar, and then topped with a breaded white cheddar cheese curd and more mustard. It’s a brat … in a cone … and somehow, it all makes perfect sense!

Tinga Tango Chicharrones
Blue Moon Tavern at the Park
Tinga Tango Chicharrones is a dish created to be the ultimate sweet-heat showstopper. A savory stack of house-made crispy honey-habanero pork rinds topped with smoky chicken tinga, tangy pickled red onions, creamy queso fresco, cotija cheese, sweet and spicy candied jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Finished with a drizzle of silky cilantro-lime crema and served with vibrant salsa verde for dipping, drizzling, and devouring.

Porky Puff
Bud Pavillion
The Porky Puff is a golden, flaky puff pastry filled with tender pulled pork, house-made zesty peach filling, layered with creamy garlic and herb cheese for a rich, savory bite. Baked until light and crispy, finished with a drizzle of hot honey, and a sprinkle of mustard seeds, this Puff delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and tang. Handheld and packed with bold flavor, it’s an easy-to-eat indulgence that hits every note in one irresistible square!

Deep-Fried Horchata Balls
Badger Bites
Deep-Fried Horchata Balls are an indulgent, sweet luxury! These bites are dusted in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with rich dulce de leche sauce, chocolate sauce, then topped with mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut and sweet fried plantain chips for the ultimate dessert!

Sweet Lemon Berry Cheese Curds
Saz’s BBQ
Sweet Lemon Berry Cheese Curds feature Ellsworth Creamery white cheddar cheese curds fried to crispy, cheesy perfection then tossed in a cinnamon-sugar mix. Add a sweet raspberry sauce over the cheese curds and finish the dish with a side of homemade sweet lemon zest cream whip for a dish that is somehow sweet, salty and crisp, but also so refreshing.

Al Pastor Pizza
Charlie’s Pizza
The Al Pastor Pizza is loaded with tender, marinated al pastor pork, melty mozzarella cheese, and juicy pineapple for the perfect balance of savory and sweet. It’s finished with fresh cilantro, white onion, lime and a signature special sauce, bringing a bright, zesty kick to every bite. Crafted on a perfectly crisp crust, this pizza delivers bold, unforgettable flavors in every bite.

Birria Flamin’ Bombs
Fiesta Grill & Cantina
The Birria Flamin’ Bombs were created as a crazy twist on a fan-favorite meal that showcases rich, delicious flavors! These crispy bombs are filled with slow-cooked beef birria, cilantro, onion, and melted mozzarella cheese, then coated in a savory seasoned breadcrumb blend and served with a birria consommé for dipping with a side of creamy chipotle aioli.

DRINKIES FINALISTS

Hot Honey Chicken Lemonade
Deep-Fried Mashed Potatoes On-a-Stick
Sip on fresh-squeezed lemonade, sweetened with Mike’s Hot Honey and garnished with two sweet hot honey battered chicken nuggets. Did we mention that the iced Hot Honey Chicken Lemonade is served with honey popping juice pearls, too? The mix of hot, sweet and cold has never tasted better!

Tilt-a-Spritz
Old Fashioned Sipper Club
Tilt-a-Spritz is a playful nod to the State Fair’s iconic SpinCity! And like the ride itself, it’s designed to be an experience from the very first moment. The bright ruby grapefruit and key lime juices deliver a vibrant citrus flavor with ginger beer effervescence for a crisp finish. Sealed in a smoke box with hickory and torched rosemary, open the door to reveal a dramatic cloud before the first sip.

Color-Changing Swamp Juice
All Things Jerky
Color-Changing Swamp Juice brings a splash of fun as Fairgoers inject the “swamp potion” into the blue raspberry lemonade and watch it change colors right before their eyes! Gummy gators lurk below while candy frogs hop on top for a wildly playful treat as the swamp comes alive with a crackling Pop Rocks rim.

Cookie Butter Coffee Float
Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts
Follow the cookie butter craze to the Cookie Butter Coffee Float! This float blends delicious vanilla ice cream and cookie butter-infused iced coffee to create a refreshing, indulgent drink. Topped with a Biscoff cookie crumble rim, drizzled with cookie butter drizzle and garnished with a Biscoff cookie – yum!