County fairs in Illinois have become an annual tradition that unites communities to share fun, food and entertainment. Dozens of counties from across Illinois host these vibrant celebrations each year; for 2024’s fair season to start early summer and last all through fall is expected.
The 2024 Illinois County Fair schedule includes over 100 fairs spanning from June to September. Some early fairs to mark on your calendar are the Hamilton County Fair in McLeansboro from June 8-15 and the Henry County Fair in Cambridge from June 18-23. July sees a flurry of activity with events like the Grundy County Fair in Morris from July 3-7 and the Heart of Illinois Fair in Peoria from July 16-20.
For those who can’t get enough fair fun, the season continues into late summer and early fall. The Sandwich Fair in DeKalb County runs from September 4-8, offering one of the last chances to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of an Illinois county fair in 2024. These events showcase local agriculture, provide family-friendly entertainment, and celebrate the unique character of each county.

Overview of 2024 Illinois County Fair Dates
County fairs across Illinois typically take place throughout the summer and early fall of 2024, offering livestock shows, carnival rides, live music performances and food for attendees to sample at local stands. Dates can differ by county – some fairs lasting less than a week while others might run for several.
Schedule by County
Several Illinois counties have announced their fair dates for 2024:
- Grundy County Fair: July 3-7 in Morris
- Hamilton County Fair: June 8-15 in McLeansboro
- Hancock County Fair: July 17-21 in Augusta
- Henry County Fair: June 18-23 in Cambridge
- Stephenson County Fair: July 23-27 in Freeport
The Heart of Illinois Fair in Peoria runs from July 16-20. The Sandwich Fair in DeKalb County is set for September 4-8.
Opening and Closing Days
Illinois county fairs typically open on a Wednesday or Thursday and close the following Sunday, providing visitors with ample time to attend over an entire weekend.
Some fairs, like Hamilton County’s, span over seven days while others, like Grundy County’s, run for only five. Stephenson County Fairs begin on a Tuesday and end the following Saturday.
Opening days often offer special events or discounts. Many fairs end their first or final weekends with thrilling attractions like demolition derbies or big name musical acts that attract big crowds.

Table of Events:
County | Fair Name | Dates | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Hamilton County | Hamilton County Fair | June 8-15 | McLeansboro |
Henry County | Henry County Fair | June 18-23 | Cambridge |
Grundy County | Grundy County Fair | July 3-7 | Morris |
Peoria County | Heart of Illinois Fair | July 16-20 | Peoria |
Hancock County | Hancock County Fair | July 17-21 | Augusta |
Stephenson County | Stephenson County Fair | July 23-27 | Freeport |
DeKalb County | Sandwich Fair | September 4-8 | Sandwich |
Planning Your Visit
Getting ready for an Illinois county fair in 2024 takes some preparation. Here’s what you need to know about tickets, attractions, and travel tips.
Ticket Information
County fair ticket prices differ across Illinois. Most fairs provide daily admission as well as multi-day passes; adults typically pay $5-$10 daily admission; kids under the age of 12 usually gain free or discounted entry; however, some fairs also host special days offering reduced admission prices.
Senior citizens and veterans may get free admission on certain days; please visit the fair’s website to confirm pricing details and offers. Many fairs also provide online ticket sales in order to minimize waiting lines at their gates.
Some events at the fair may require separate tickets – for concerts or rodeos for instance – so make sure that these can be bought early, as popular shows often sell out quickly.
Attractions and Events
Illinois county fairs offer a mix of entertainment, agriculture, and fun. Most fairs feature:
- Livestock shows and auctions
- Carnival rides and games
- Live music performances
- Food vendors with local specialties
- Arts and crafts exhibits
- Tractor pulls and demolition derbies
Many fairs host special events like beauty pageants, talent shows, and cooking contests. Check the fair schedule to plan your visit around your favorite activities.
Kids can enjoy petting zoos, face painting, and 4-H displays. For adults, beer gardens and wine tastings are common at larger fairs.
Accommodations and Travel Tips
Plan ahead if you are visiting from out of town; book hotels close to the fairgrounds as they fill quickly during the fair season.
Parking at a fair can be challenging. To help minimize traffic jams and ensure smooth journeys to and from, look for off-site lots with shuttle services to avoid traffic gridlock. Some fairs even provide preferred parking at a cost.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen; fairs may involve lots of walking. Also, bring cash as not all vendors accept cards.
Find out if there are any rules regarding outside food and drinks before attending. Many fairs allow visitors to bring water bottles. Consider packing a small cooler or backpack full of supplies as you might also require snacks during your time there.