This guide was researched in spring 2026. Timing below describes when events usually happen, not confirmed dates. For this year's dates, prices and vendor details, see the listed upcoming events or check the organizer's website before you go or apply. How we verify events

County Fairs in Illinois

Illinois has an active county fair circuit, with dates published each year by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois State Fair in Springfield has been held since 1853. Held each August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (August 12–22 in 2027), the state fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, and the Department of Agriculture tent hosts a pop-up Illinois Product Store.

The Heart of Illinois Fair in Peoria runs five days each July at Exposition Gardens. The Winnebago County Fair in Pecatonica, near Rockford, runs five days in mid-August. 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 (August 12–22 in 2027); held since 1853; Illinois Product Store in the Department of Agriculture tent
Heart of Illinois Fair — Exposition Gardens, Peoria; mid-July; five days
Winnebago County Fair — Pecatonica (near Rockford); mid-August; five days
DuPage County Fair — Wheaton; July 23–26 in 2026

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 Illinois Product Store showcases goods from Illinois product vendors. 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 120+ hand-selected 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 in August at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield (August 12–22 in 2027). It has been held since 1853 and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

How many county fairs does Illinois have?

Illinois has 102 counties, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture publishes the annual county fair schedule. 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's Department of Agriculture tent hosts an Illinois Product Store. Home arts judging covers quilts, baked goods, canning, and needlework. Larger county fairs often include vendor tents with handmade goods from local artisans.