How Illinois County Fairs and Youth Shows Work
Illinois has more than 100 fairs each summer. AgriNews' 2026 lineup lists 105 entries, including the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair. Many are run with University of Illinois Extension 4-H and local FFA chapters, and every fair publishes its own book. Ownership dates, tagging, weigh-ins and sale rules differ, so your fair's book always wins over a general guide. Dates below are as printed and can change.
2026 Fair Dates
A sample from the AgriNews list, in calendar order:
- Macon County Fair: May 31 to June 7
- Sangamon County Fair: June 10 to 14
- Knox County Fair: July 6 to 11
- Grundy County Fair: July 8 to 12
- Hancock County Fair: July 11 to 18
- Marshall-Putnam Fair: July 12 to 19
- Fulton County Fair and Racing: July 20 to 25
- Madison County Fair: July 21 to 26
- Champaign County Fair: July 25 to August 1
- Lake County Fair: July 29 to August 2
- McLean County Fair: July 29 to August 2
- Effingham County Fair: August 1 to 8
- Logan County Fair: August 2 to 9
- Williamson County Fair: August 8 to 15
- Illinois State Fair: August 13 to 23
- Du Quoin State Fair: August 28 to September 7
- Sandwich Fair: September 9 to 13
The Illinois Department of Agriculture also posts a 2026 County Fair Schedule on its fairs page. Several counties run a separate junior fair or 4-H show, such as the Tazewell 4-H Show and Jr. Fair (July 27 to 29) and the La Salle County Jr. Fair (July 9 to 12).
Who Can Show
Age rules are set locally. The LaSalle County 4-H Show and Junior Fair book uses ages 8 to 18 as of September 1 of the previous year, with Cloverbuds at 5 to 7 and Junior, Intermediate and Senior showmanship at 8 to 10, 11 to 13 and 14 to 18. Projects must be enrolled by April 1, and livestock enrollment is due on or before the animal's possession date (LaSalle County book). At the Du Quoin State Fair, junior exhibitors must be at least 8 and under 21, must personally care for and show their animals, and may be asked for proof of age.
Ownership and Tagging
- LaSalle County: beef heifers owned and cared for since June 1; steers owned by February 1; purebreds registered in the exhibitor's name with no partnerships.
- Illinois State Fair market steers: owned since February 1, 2026 and weighed, tattooed and EID tagged between January 31 and February 28.
- State Fair market sheep and meat goats: owned by May 15, 2026, with self-nomination between March 15 and May 15 using a photo of a readable scrapie tag.
- State Fair swine: barrows and gilts owned by June 1, 2026; regular barrows need ear notches and the 840 tag number at entry.
- Cattle and swine need a USDA "840" ear tag that reads visually and electronically (Lake County and Du Quoin both say so).
Source for the State Fair figures: the 2026 Illinois State Fair Junior Show requirements.
Training and Entry Deadlines
YQCA is required for 4-H exhibitors of dairy, beef, swine, sheep and goats, and QA&E for horse, rabbit, poultry, llama/alpaca and companion animal exhibitors. Lake County sets June 1 as the deadline to finish training, at $13 in person or $12 virtual (Lake County). LaSalle County opens online FairEntry June 1 to June 22 and will not approve entries without YQCA. For the State Fair junior show, entry fees are due June 1 for horses and July 15 for all other livestock.
Weights, Health and Drug Rules
The Du Quoin premium book is detailed, so use it as a model and read your own book for yours:
- Junior beef steers must weigh at least 900 pounds; market lambs must be slick shorn before weigh-in.
- Animals generally need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection; Illinois calves under 6 months are exempt.
- Scabies, mange, active ringworm, soremouth or multiple visible warts keep an animal out.
- Call the Illinois State Veterinarian at 217-782-4944 before giving any medication.
- A positive drug test means disqualification even if the exhibitor did not know; a first offense brings a three-year ban, with a lifetime ban for drugs prohibited under 21 CFR 530.41.
LaSalle County adds that in-state health papers must be digital starting July 1, 2026, and bans tranquilizers and injectable drugs on any exhibited animal. See the Du Quoin 2026 livestock book.
State Fair and Sales
The Illinois State Fair runs August 13 to 23, 2026 at the fairgrounds in Springfield. The 4-H General Project Show is August 14 to 16 in the Orr Building, with the junior livestock show running alongside it and a full week of horse shows. At Du Quoin, entries close August 3, and late entries cost $50 per head through August 8. Sale rules are local: Tazewell holds a Youth Project Auction on July 29, Peoria County holds its livestock auction at Raber Packing Co., and Lake County had its auction date as TBD. Check your fair book for buyer, premium and release details.
Tips for First-Time Exhibitors
- Mark enrollment, YQCA, entry and weigh-in dates the day you get the book.
- Keep ownership papers, tags and health papers in one folder.
- Print two copies of any training certificate, as Lake County asks.
- Ask your Extension office or ag teacher before treating any animal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Illinois fairs are there?
AgriNews' 2026 list has 105 entries, including both state fairs.
When is the Illinois State Fair?
August 13 to 23, 2026, in Springfield.
Do I need YQCA?
Yes for dairy, beef, swine, sheep and goat exhibitors in 4-H at the fairs covered here. Complete it before your county deadline.
Can a first-time exhibitor show at the State Fair?
Only after meeting that show's requirements. Ask your county Extension office about nominations and qualifying.
Illinois Listings Covered by This Guide
- Du Quoin State Fair
The Du Quoin State Fair runs an 11-day schedule in southern Illinois, with the 2027 fair set for August 27 through September 6. The fairgrounds are open 8 a.m. to midnight and the fair has a campground inside Gate 3.
- Martinsville Agricultural Fair
Martinsville Agricultural Fair takes place in Martinsville; the most recent dates were May 24-31, 2026. Held each year, it gives local exhibitors and visitors a county-level fair stop on the Illinois summer circuit.
Martinsville, IL Official event details - Greene County Agricultural Fair
One of the earliest fairs on the Illinois calendar, the Greene County Agricultural Fair opens in late May at the Carrollton fairgrounds. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 26-30, 2026.
123 N. Route 108, Carrollton, IL Official event details - Macon County Fair
Macon County Fair in Decatur is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 3700 N. Westlawn Ave.. Held each year; the most recent dates were May 31 to June 7, 2026.
3700 N. Westlawn Ave., Decatur, IL | Organizer: Macon County Fair Official event details - Macoupin County Fair
Macoupin County Fair in Carlinville is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 21368 State Rte 4. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 2 to June 6, 2026.
21368 State Rte 4, Carlinville, IL | Organizer: Macoupin County Fair Official event details - Pike County Fair
Pike County Fair in Pleasant Hill is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 210 W. Clay St.. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 2 to June 6, 2026.
210 W. Clay St., Pleasant Hill, IL | Organizer: Pike County Fair Official event details - Hamilton County Fair
Hamilton County stages one of the longer fairs in the state, ten days in early June along Route 14 West at McLeansboro. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 4-13, 2026.
Route 14 West, McLeansboro, IL Official event details - Sangamon County Fair
New Berlin hosts the Sangamon County Fair each year; the most recent dates were June 10-14, 2026, a fair stop for families, 4-H and FFA exhibitors and other Illinois fairgoers.
New Berlin, IL Official event details - Ford County Fair
The Ford County Fair brings a full week of county fair activity to the fairgrounds in Melvin each June. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 13-20, 2026.
329 E. Third St., Melvin, IL Official event details - Perry County Fair
Perry County Fair in Pinckneyville is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 711 Fairground Road. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 13 to June 20, 2026.
711 Fairground Road, Pinckneyville, IL | Organizer: Perry County Fair Official event details - Henry County Fair
The Henry County Fair is held at the Cambridge fairgrounds in mid-June and hosts the county's 4-H livestock shows and junior auction. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 16-21, 2026.
311 E. North St., Cambridge, IL Official event details - Henry County 4-H Fair Livestock Shows
The Henry County Fair in Cambridge, June 16 to 21, hosts 4-H swine, beef, sheep, goat, bucket calf, horse, rabbit and poultry shows plus a Junior Livestock Auction on Thursday evening.
Cambridge, IL | Organizer: Illinois Extension Henry County 4-H Official event details - Western Illinois Fair
Griggsville hosts the Western Illinois Fair each year; the most recent dates were June 17-21, 2026, a fair stop for families, 4-H and FFA exhibitors and other Illinois fairgoers.
Griggsville, IL Official event details - Piatt County Junior Fair
Piatt County Junior Fair in Cerro Gordo is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 523 S. Jefferson St.. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 18 to June 21, 2026.
523 S. Jefferson St., Cerro Gordo, IL | Organizer: Piatt County Junior Fair Official event details - Piatt County Jr. Fair
The Piatt County Jr. Fair is an annual Illinois fair in Cerro Gordo, most recently held June 18-21, 2026, with exhibits and community activities typical of a local agricultural fair.
Cerro Gordo, IL Official event details - Jasper County Fair
Jasper County's fair opens on a Sunday in late June at the Fairground Avenue grounds in Newton and runs through the following Saturday. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 21-27, 2026.
- Cass County Fair
A June fair in Virginia, one of the earliest county fairs of the Illinois summer. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 23-27, 2026.
Virginia, IL Official event details - Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair
Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair in Sullivan is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 4-H Center, 1400 N CR 1500 E. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 26 to June 27, 2026.
4-H Center, 1400 N CR 1500 E, Sullivan, IL | Organizer: Moultrie-Sullivan Junior Fair Official event details - Randolph County Fair
Held each year in Sparta, the Randolph County Fair most recently ran June 26-28, 2026. Check with the fair board for the next schedule before planning a visit.
Sparta, IL Official event details - Schuyler County Fair
Rushville hosts the Schuyler County Fair each year; the most recent dates were June 28-July 4, 2026, a fair stop for families, 4-H and FFA exhibitors and other Illinois fairgoers.
Rushville, IL Official event details - Montgomery County Fair
Montgomery County Fair in Butler is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 300 Water St.. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 24 to June 28, 2026.
300 Water St., Butler, IL | Organizer: Montgomery County Fair Official event details - Vermilion County Fair & Expo
The Vermilion County Fair & Expo is an annual Illinois fair in Oakwood, most recently held June 24-28, 2026, with exhibits and community activities typical of a local agricultural fair.
Oakwood, IL Official event details - The New Wayne County Fair
The New Wayne County Fair takes place in Fairfield; the most recent dates were July 5-11, 2026. Held each year, it gives local exhibitors and visitors a county-level fair stop on the Illinois summer circuit.
Fairfield, IL Official event details - Fisher Community Fair
The Fisher Community Fair is an annual Illinois fair in Fisher, most recently held July 5-11, 2026, with exhibits and community activities typical of a local agricultural fair.
Fisher, IL Official event details - Knox County Fair
The Knox County Fair opens on a Monday in early July at the Knox Highway 9 grounds in Knoxville. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 6-11, 2026.
- Mercer County Fair
Mercer County Fair in Aledo is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 848 170th St.. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 7 to July 11, 2026.
848 170th St., Aledo, IL | Organizer: Mercer County Fair Official event details - Morgan County Fair
Morgan County Fair in Jacksonville is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 110 N. Westgate Ave.. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 7 to July 12, 2026.
110 N. Westgate Ave., Jacksonville, IL | Organizer: Morgan County Fair Official event details - Washington County Fair
County fair held on E. Holzhauer Drive in Nashville, Illinois, running July 7 through 11 in 2026. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 7-11, 2026.
810 E. Holzhauer Drive, Nashville, IL Official event details - Franklin County Fair
The Franklin County Fair runs nine days in July at the fairgrounds on Ken Gray Parkway in Ina, southern Illinois. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 9-17, 2026.
486 N. Ken Gray Pkwy., Ina, IL Official event details - La Salle County Junior Fair
La Salle County's junior fair is a youth-focused four-day event on 4-H Road in Ottawa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 9-12, 2026.
1578 4-H Road, Ottawa, IL Official event details - La Salle County Jr. Fair
La Salle County Jr. Fair takes place in Ottawa; the most recent dates were July 9-12, 2026. Held each year, it gives local exhibitors and visitors a county-level fair stop on the Illinois summer circuit.
Ottawa, IL Official event details - Massac County Youth Fair
Massac County Youth Fair in Metropolis is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 4476 Korte Road. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 10 to July 19, 2026.
4476 Korte Road, Metropolis, IL | Organizer: Massac County Youth Fair Official event details - Hancock County Fair
The Hancock County Fair takes over the grounds on First Street in Augusta for most of a week in mid-July. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 11-18, 2026.
94 First St., Augusta, IL Official event details - Lawrence County Junior Fair
The Lawrence County Junior Fair centers on youth exhibits and runs six days at the 4H Road grounds in Sumner. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 11-16, 2026.
1117 4H Road, Sumner, IL Official event details - McDonough County Fair
McDonough County Fair in Macomb is a summer county fair with 4-H and junior exhibits at 3028 W. Jackson St.. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 11 to July 14, 2026.
3028 W. Jackson St., Macomb, IL | Organizer: McDonough County Fair Official event details - Warren County Fair
Roseville hosts the Warren County Fair each year; the most recent dates were July 11-18, 2026, a fair stop for families, 4-H and FFA exhibitors and other Illinois fairgoers.
Roseville, IL Official event details - Lawrence County Jr. Fair
Held each year in Sumner, the Lawrence County Jr. Fair most recently ran July 11-16, 2026. Check with the fair board for the next schedule before planning a visit.
Sumner, IL Official event details - Wabash County Junior Fair
The Wabash County Junior Fair is an annual Illinois fair in Mt. Carmel, most recently held July 11-17, 2026, with exhibits and community activities typical of a local agricultural fair.
Mt. Carmel, IL Official event details - Georgetown Fair
The Georgetown Fair is an annual Illinois fair in Georgetown, most recently held July 11-18, 2026, with exhibits and community activities typical of a local agricultural fair.
- Clinton County Fair
A week-long county fair in Carlyle, in the Clinton County seat region east of St. Louis. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 12-18, 2026.
Carlyle, IL Official event details
Plus 77 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Illinois directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.