2026 Fair Guide

Ford County Fair

  • (June13th-June 20th): Expect petting zoos, carnival rides, fair food, and more fun throughout the week.
  • Sat June 13th Clay Walker with Walker Montgomery – Ticket Info
  • Sun June 14th Jackpot Cattle Show
  • Monday June 15th Queen Pagent
  • Tuesday June 16th – Armband Night at The Carnival, Family Night & Car show featuring classic, custom and exotics!
  • Wednesday June 17th Antique Tractor Show
  • Thursday June 18th Tractor Pulls
  • Friday June 19th Resurrection: A Tribute To Journey – Ticket Info
  • Saturday June 20th Horse Show and Demo Derby

Piatt County Trail Blazers Rodeo

This extremely popular event continues to draw both contestants and spectators from throughout the US, Canada and Australia & the rodeo is still growing.  The Piatt County Trail Blazers are the perfect blend of tradition and modern conveniences for everyone who visits the grounds. It is truly a great spot for both riders and their horses. So, grab your cowboy hat and jeans and mark your calendars. Bring the whole family to the 71st Annual Piatt County Trail Blazers Rodeo on Thursday, Friday & Saturday,  June 25, 26, and 27, 2026 for the best in EXCITING & FUN FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT!

Vermilion County

Unlimited carnival rides with your $10 Admission, a queen pageant, rodeo, demolition derby, and family ticket bundles available. Camping spaces available call Toby Brown (217) 304-2275

  • Thursday June 25th Live Pro Wrestling
  • Friday June 26th Junkyard Grand Prix
  • Saturday June 27th Barnyard Follies $ The Demolition Derby
  • Balloons Over Vermilion (July 11–12): Hot air balloon launches, balloon glows, kids’ games, and food vendors at the regional airport.

Iroquois County

Agriculture education is a key component to the Fair.  The Fair provides a “Home” for the 4-H, Vocational Agricultural, Junior and Open shows.  They continue to grow crops and raise animals so their children will gain life lessons while learning about Agriculture.

Champaign County

  • More details added when available
  • Dates: The fair will run for nine days, starting on July 24 and concluding on August 1, 2026.
  • CCFA – Home

Coles County Fair

  • July 26th to August 2nd, 2026

Illinois State Fair

The Illinois State Fair is an annual 11-day event held each August.  The Illinois State Fair is situated on 366-acres in Springfield, Illinois. This family-friendly event celebrates Illinois agriculture through competitions, exhibits and entertainment.  Learn more about our annual event by visiting, www.statefair.Illinois.gov

  • August 13th -23rd, 2026–Ticket Information
  • State Fair Purchase Page
  • Friday August 14th – Bailey Zimmerman
  • Saturday August 15th – Lainey Wilson
  • Sunday August 16th – Matchbox Twenty
  • Friday August 21st – Ella Langley
  • Saturday August 22nd – The Chicks
  • Sunday August 23rd – Shinedown

Additional Noteworthy Events in the Region (Bonus)

Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair

The Old Capitol Art Fair is a juried fair dedicated to top quality and media variety, including acrylic, ceramics, glass, oil, metal, fiber, sculpture, wood, jewelry, drawing, photography, mixed media, watercolor and more.

Prairie Arts Festival

An outdoor fine art & fine craft exhibition and sale featuring artists, food truck vendors, live entertainment and children’s activities. Free admission and parking.

Fiddle and Jam Weekend

This year’s Fiddle & Jam weekend is packed full of open jams, workshops, concerts, and a focus on
women in midwestern fiddling.

Ancestral Echoes 3rd Annual Music & Glamping Fest

Immerse yourself in a soulful experience where ancestral rhythms, international house music, and nature come together in perfect harmony. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a journey.

June 19–21st, at Boots & Saddle Riding Ranch in Pembroke Township, IL

Saybrook Stars and Stripes Car Show

Enjoy a Car Cruise, Car Show, Door Prizes and Fireworks Finale

56th Annual Broom Corn Festival

  • National Broom Sweeping Contest, massive parade,5k & 10k race and three days of festivities.
  • More Details

Tolono Fun Days (June 27–28): Lighted golf cart parade, family movie night, and more.

Georgetown Fair (July 11th-18th)

Horse shows, queen pageant, rodeo, demo derby, and carnival.

Fisher Fair (July 6–12): Carnival, queen pageant, pedal pull, ax throwing, rodeo, demo derby, and food vendors like Kona Ice.

Historic Farm Days in Penfield (July 10–13): Tractor pull, blacksmith demos, corn crib activities, and vintage machinery displays.

Mattoon Bagelfest (July 15–19)

This year’s Main Stage lineup brings something for everyone — kicking things off Thursday, July 16th with Sidewalk Prophets for a FREE Christian concert, followed by country favorite Scotty McCreery on Friday, July 17th, and legendary rock band Jefferson Starship on Saturday, July 18th. Tickets go on sale April 3rd, so mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend full of great music, great food, and Bagelfest fun!

Philo Sesquicentennial (July 17–20): Tractor displays, 5K, talent show, helicopter exhibit, inflatables, and fireworks.

Sidney Fun Daze (July 25–26): Kiddie tractor pull, inflatables, parade, and live music.

St. Joseph Community Festival (August 7–9): Fish fries, carnival, kids’ games, and community fun.

Champaign‑Urbana Days (August 8–9): Live music, food, marketplace, inflatables, face painting, and more.

Mansfield Homecoming (August 15–17): Carnival, kids’ games, tractor pull, car/motorcycle show, free entertainment.

Le Roy Fall Festival

(August 18-22nd): Food, carnival rides, games, nightly entertainment, and a “Special Person’s Day.”

FAIRBURY FAIR

Celebrating 150 YEARS – Entertainment:

  • Thursday Big Daddy Weave
  • Friday Blackhawk and Shenandoah

Mahomet Music Festival

(August 22–23): Beyond the music, the Mahomet Music Festival is a true weekend long celebration featuring:

  • FREE live music​
  • Food Court & Street Vendors
  • Mahomet Lions Club’s Beverage Garden
  • Carnival Rides
  • Community Parade
  • Cornhole Tournament
  • V.I.P. Party Tent
  • And so much more for all ages to enjoy!

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Watseka Family Festival Aug 27th -29th, 2026

Entertainment:

  • Thursday Night: All Faith Christian Service Featuring Faith on Fire Band & A Natural High
  • Friday Night: The Kentucky Headhunters and Confederate Railroad
  • Saturday Night: Rodney Atkins and Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery
    • On Friday and Saturday check out the Tailgate Treasures Craft Show.

Hoopeston National Sweetcorn Festival

(August 28–September 1): Carnival, demolition derby, grand parade, and free sweetcorn cooked on-site.

Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival (August 30–September 1): Parade, pony rides, inflatables, tractor pull, music, and face-painting.

Tuscola Fun Day

(August 30) Downtown Tuscola will be the place to be on Saturday, August 30, as the city hosts its 2nd Annual Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The all-day event promises free family-friendly entertainment, live music, games, and much more.

With free entry, visitors can enjoy a packed schedule of activities including a golf cart parade, vendors, inflatables, face painting, live music, and kids crafts and contests. Other highlights include photo ops, shopping, and plenty of yummy food and drinks to go around.

Benton County Fair

September 25th – October 3rd

Carnival, Food Trucks, Petting Zoo, Livestock Exhibitors, Live Entertainment and more.