County Fairs in Illinois
Illinois has one of the most active county fair circuits in the Midwest. The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs coordinates 80+ county and district fairs annually, and the Illinois State Fair in Springfield has been running since 1853. Held each August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, the state fair draws 600,000+ visitors over 11 days, with an Artisan Market running under the Department of Agriculture tent during the first weekend.
The Heart of Illinois Fair in Peoria, running since 1949, is one of the largest standalone county fairs in the state. The Winnebago County Fair near Rockford draws 165,000+ visitors. With 102 counties, Illinois county fairs range from small rural agricultural shows in the southern part of the state to large multi-day events in the Chicago suburbs and Central Illinois.
Top County Fair Events in Illinois
- Illinois State Fair — Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield; August 2026; 11 days; 600,000+ visitors; Artisan Market under the Department of Agriculture tent
- Heart of Illinois Fair — Peoria County Fairgrounds, Peoria; July 14-18, 2026; running since 1949; one of the largest standalone county fairs
- Winnebago County Fair — Pecatonica (near Rockford); August 19-23, 2026; 165,000+ visitors
- DuPage County Fair — Wheaton; late July; one of the larger suburban county fairs in the Chicago metro
What to Expect
Illinois county fairs follow the classic Midwest format: livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, carnival midways, live entertainment, demolition derbies, and home arts judging. Craft and home arts exhibits include quilts, baked goods, canning, needlework, and woodworking. The Illinois State Fair's Artisan Market specifically showcases handmade goods from Illinois makers. Fair season peaks in July and August across the state.
Rural Illinois has strong German, Swedish, and Scandinavian heritage influences in its craft traditions, visible at county fairs across the northern and central parts of the state. Admission varies from free at smaller fairs to $5-10 at larger events. The Galena Country Fair in October, while not technically a county fair, carries a similar community-oriented spirit with 100+ handmade vendors.
Popular Cities for County Fairs
- Springfield — Illinois State Fair and the Old Capitol Art Fair
- Chicago — Gateway to suburban county fairs in DuPage, Kane, and Will counties
For a full overview of craft events in the state, visit the Illinois craft shows page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Illinois State Fair?
The Illinois State Fair runs 11 days in August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. It has been held since 1853 and draws 600,000+ visitors. The Artisan Market under the Department of Agriculture tent runs during the first weekend of the fair.
How many county fairs does Illinois have?
Illinois has 102 counties and the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs coordinates 80+ county and district fairs annually. Fair season runs primarily from late June through September, with peak activity in July and August.
Do Illinois county fairs have craft exhibits?
Yes. Most Illinois county fairs include home arts competitions and craft vendor areas. The Illinois State Fair features a dedicated Artisan Market. Home arts judging covers quilts, baked goods, canning, and needlework. Larger county fairs often include vendor tents with handmade goods from local artisans.