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McHenry County Fair 2026

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Look-a-like Contest

We've been getting a lot of questions about live m

We've been getting a lot of questions about live music at the fair this year, and we've got good news!

Instead of one separately ticketed concert, we're bringing you TWO FREE live concerts included with your general fair admission in the Grandstands Beer Garden!

🎤 Friday, August 7 | 9:00 PM
Fresh off the rodeo, Alex Miller takes the stage with his authentic country sound. Known for songs like "More Country Than You" and "When God Made the South", Alex is sure to keep the country party going all night long.

🎸 Saturday, August 8
The Feudin' Hillbillys hit the stage to close out Saturday night with an energetic show packed with country favorites, pop hits, classic rock, '80s anthems, and even a little funk. They're a crowd favorite and one you won't want to miss!

The best part? Both concerts are included FREE with your general admission ticket. Come for the fair, stay for the music, and make it a weekend to remember!

🚨 ATTENTION ALL DRONE OWNERS 🚨 To ensure the safe

🚨 ATTENTION ALL DRONE OWNERS 🚨

To ensure the safety, privacy and enjoyment of all attendees, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – commonly referred to as drones – are strictly prohibited on the entire Fairgrounds.

This policy applies to all individuals, including the general public, vendors, media, and private security personnel, unless explicit written authorization has been granted by MCFA and Event Management in coordination with law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if applicable,

The McHenry County Sheriff have all required approvals and licenses to operate a drone on the McHenry County Fairgrounds and may do so during the fair for public safety purposes.

Thank you for your understanding.

Show off your creativity by designing a new barn q

Show off your creativity by designing a new barn quilt for the McHenry County Fair! Contest entries may be submitted throughout fair week and must be received by the final day of the fair.

Selected designs will be considered for new barn quilts that will replace retired displays in 2027.

Barn quilt design templates are available now at the Fair Office, can be picked up during the fair, or downloaded and printed from our website here:https://mchenrycountyfair.com/fair/2026-barn-quilt-design-contest/

Have questions? We'd be happy to help. Contact the Fair Office for more information.

We're only 2 weeks away from this year's Fair, and

We're only 2 weeks away from this year's Fair, and the Food Eating Contests are back! Whether you're a milk-chugging machine, pizza pro, corn-on-the-cob champion, or donut-devouring legend, we've got a contest for you.

📅 Contest Schedule

🥛 Tuesday, August 4 | 7:00 PM
Milk Chugging Contest
Presented by McHenry County Farm Bureau

🍕 Wednesday, August 5 | 7:00 PM
Pizza Eating Contest
Presented by Antioch Pizza

🌽 Thursday, August 6 | 7:00 PM
Corn Eating Contest
Presented by Cody's Farm Market & Jablonski Concessions

🍩 Sunday, August 9 | 10:00 AM
Donut Eating Contest
Presented by Country Donuts

Age Groups:
• 5-8
• 9-13
• 14-17
• 18+

Only the first 8 registrants in each age group will compete, so don't wait to sign up.

https://mchenrycountyfair.com/food-eating-contests/

LAST DAY TO REGISTER!! Today is the final day to

LAST DAY TO REGISTER!!

Today is the final day to register for all of the Exhibition events at the 2026 McHenry County Fair!

You can register online here until midnight tonight: https://mchen.fairwire.com/

Or in person today at the fairgrounds from 11am - 2pm.

Give us a call at 815-338-5315 if you have any questions, and happy showing!

🌾 NEW EVENT! 🌾 ROUND BALE RUMBLE is coming to the

🌾 NEW EVENT! 🌾

ROUND BALE RUMBLE is coming to the McHenry County Fair!
Wednesday, August 5th following the Draft Horse Pulls

Gather your team of 2-4 people and race head-to-head, pushing a massive round hay bale down the course in a winner-take-all tournament.

FREE to sign-up
Cash Prizing
Tournament Bracket
Fast. Fun. Competitive.

Stay tuned for registration details!

Do you have a special talent? Here's your opportun

Do you have a special talent? Here's your opportunity to show it off!

2026 McHenry County Fair Talent Show!
August 7, 2026 | 7:00PM

Step into the spotlight at the McHenry County Fair’s thrilling talent contest! Show off your skills, dazzle the crowd, and seize your moment of fame on stage. Join us for a celebration of talent and creativity like no other! For over 60 years the McHenry County Fair Talent Contest has shown off the great skills, passion, creativity, and uniqueness of our community's youth.

For more information or to register, visit https://mchenrycountyfair.com/talent-contest/

2026 Quad Racing at the Fair! Thursday, August 6th

2026 Quad Racing at the Fair!
Thursday, August 6th | 6:30pm

The following classes have been announced for this year's flat-track quad racing event at the fair!

$20 per class entry

And just a reminder, these events are open to EVERYONE! Pros, amateurs, anyone in the community can bring in a machine and race it!

Classes
- Kid's Quads
- Utility Quads
- Powder Puff Quads - Open
- SXS
- 4-Cycle Sport Quads
- 2-Cycle Sport Quads
- 2 & 4-Cycle Sport Quads - Open
- Golf Carts
- Zero-turn Mowers
- Power Wheels

For more details or to sign up to race, reach out to Greg Marsch At (217) 825-3256 and marsch8211@yahoo.com. Or Kathy Painter At (217) 494-5122 and kathy4388@yahoo.com

Happy Fourth of July from the McHenry County Fair!

Happy Fourth of July from the McHenry County Fair!

Today we celebrate freedom, community, and the traditions that bring us together. We hope your day is filled with family, friends, great food, and plenty of fireworks!

And the celebration doesn't stop there... we're just 30 days away from the 2026 McHenry County Fair!

The countdown is on, and tickets are available here: https://mchenrycountyfair.com/tickets/

Have a safe, fun, and happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙

🐑 HOLD ON TIGHT… Mutton Busting registration ope

🐑 HOLD ON TIGHT... Mutton Busting registration opens June 15! 🐑

Think your little cowboy or cowgirl has what it takes to hang on and ride for glory at the McHenry County Fair? Registration for this year's Mutton Busting competition opens June 15, and spots are limited to the FIRST 20 riders!

Before registering, be sure to review all rules and requirements here:
https://mchenrycountyfair.com/mutton-busting/

Want a reminder when registration goes live? Comment below and we'll make sure you're notified!

Demolition Derby returns to the McHenry County Fai

Demolition Derby returns to the McHenry County Fair on Sunday, August 9!

Presented by 4WD Promotions, this fan-favorite event brings together fearless drivers, hard hits, and nonstop action as competitors battle it out for derby glory. The rules are simple: keep moving, keep hitting, and be the last vehicle running!

Whether you're a longtime derby fan or experiencing the excitement for the first time, this is one grandstand event you won't want to miss.

Grab your friends, grab some fair food, and join us for one of the loudest and most exciting nights of the fair!

Tickets are on sale now. Get yours before they're gone!

USE CODE: FAIR26 to get $5 off per ticket for a limited time!

https://mchenrycountyfair.ticketspice.com/demo-derby-2026

Did you know your artwork can get you into the fai

Did you know your artwork can get you into the fair for FREE?

Simply download one of our McHenry County Fair coloring pages, color it in, and bring it with you to the fair! Children who bring a completed coloring page will receive FREE admission with a paid adult admission.

It's super easy:
• Download your coloring page here: https://mchenrycountyfair.com/fair/free-child-entry-coloring-book-page/
• Color it however you like
• Bring it to the fair and enjoy free admission with a paid adult

The countdown to fair week is on, and this is the perfect way to get the kids excited for all the rides, animals, fair food, exhibits, and family fun waiting August 4-9!

See you there!

Registration for all 2026 McHenry County Fair exhi

Registration for all 2026 McHenry County Fair exhibitions is officially OPEN!

Whether you're showcasing livestock, displaying your photography, baking your favorite recipe, exhibiting homegrown produce, or entering one of the many other fair competitions, now is the time to secure your spot.

Find exhibitor information, premium books, rules, and registration details here:
https://mchenrycountyfair.com/exhibitors/

Entries close July 19, 2026. Don't wait until the last minute!

The McHenry County Fair community is saddened to h

The McHenry County Fair community is saddened to hear of the passing of Orion Samuelson, a true voice of rural America.

For decades, Orion shared the stories of farmers and agricultural communities through his work on WGN Radio, always championing county and state fairs and the traditions they represent.

Orion made several visits to the McHenry County Fair over the years, and in 2023 we were honored to dedicate Building D in his name in recognition of his lifelong support of agriculture and rural communities.

His voice and passion for agriculture will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire agricultural community.

⏰ Don’t forget… we’re springing forward this Sunda

⏰ Don’t forget… we’re springing forward this Sunday! ⏰

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2:00 AM on Sunday, so be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour before you head to bed Saturday Night.

Longer days mean we’re one step closer to fair season and those late summer nights at the McHenry County Fair.

Set those clocks and get ready to spring into brighter days! 🌷

New year, New Fair. Happy new year to everyone out

New year, New Fair.
Happy new year to everyone out there!

We had an amazing fair last year and we're gearing up for 2026 to be our best year yet!

Mark your calendars for the 2026 McHenry County Fair, August 4th - 9th, 2026 (Only 213 days away!)

Oh, and sign up for our email newsletter on our website to be notified when anything new gets added to this year's agenda.

Cheers to 2026!

Happy first day of fall! What better way to soak i

Happy first day of fall! What better way to soak in the season then with a homemade apple pie, like this "Winning Apple Pie" recipe from The Farmer's Almanac. Full recipe in the comments.

Think you got a better recipe? Share it with us. Better yet, bring it to The McHenry County Fair next year and compete in our Foods exhibition — open to all ages and types of bakers!

LEARN MORE about our Open Foods and Jr. Foods exhibitions and all exhibitions at mchenrycountyfair.com/exhibitors

Next Saturday is a late night flea market by Zurk

Next Saturday is a late night flea market by Zurko Promotions. Open 3 PM to midnight, stop by to check out all the unique offerings and maybe even come home with something truly one-of-a-kind!

Today, we pause to remember and honor those we los

Today, we pause to remember and honor those we lost on September 11, 2001. We also want to thank and honor all first-responders who showed up that day and every day.

Happy National 🐓 Month to all of our poultry farme

Happy National 🐓 Month to all of our poultry farmers!

Did you know that in 2024 Illinois produced 1,910 MILLION eggs ?!?! 😮 As a top 20 egg producing state those chickens and other poultry keep our farmers busy. So make sure to make time this month to say thank you!

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CONTACT

Address
P.O.Box 375
11900 Country Club Road
Woodstock, IL 60098

Phone Number
815-338-5315

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