McHenry County Fair Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of the McHenry County Fair?
The 2023 McHenry County Fair dates are August 1 - August 6.

What are the hours of the annual McHenry County Fair?
The grounds of the McHenry County Fair are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Fair Office: hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the McHenry County Fair. The Fair Office is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm or by appointment on a regular basis.

Carnival Hours: The daily hours of DRS Skinner Amusements vary by day. On Tuesday the carnival opens at 4 pm, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday the carnival opens at 1 pm and on Saturday and Sunday the carnival opens at noon. The carnival stays open until at least 9 pm on weekdays and 10 pm on Friday and Saturday and closes at 6 pm on Sunday. If the carnival is still busy it will stay open later than listed.

Barns and Buildings: Hours vary. The animal exhibit barns are open all day, with varying hours of closure in the evening.

Commercial Building Hours: Indoor commercial vendors are required to open at 10 am and close at 9 pm on the weekdays an open 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, they will be open from 10 am to 8 pm on Sunday, though many have extended hours.

Please note that hours are subject to change without notice.

Where is the McHenry County Fair located?
The McHenry County Fair is located at the corner of IL Route 47 and Country Club Road in Woodstock, Illinois. Street address: 11900 Country Club Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098

Do you have a general admission policy? Any other restrictions?
Yes, please read our General Admission Policy.

What are the age qualifications for tickets and how much is admission to this year's McHenry County Fair?
Adult tickets are for Ages 13 years old and up.
Senior Citizen (Ages 65 years old and up) ticket specials are $5 every day of the fair.
Junior tickets are for Ages 6-12 years old.
Children 5 years old and younger are FREE.
TICKETS: General Admission Daily ticket and 6-Day General Admission Season Pass ticket prices can be found on our Admission Prices page.

What is the daily McHenry County Fair schedule?
(tba)

Do you rent wheelchairs?
No wheelchairs or electric scooters are available for rental at this time.

Are there carnival wristband days?
Yes! Carnival Wristbands are available on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday from 1 to 4:30 pm ONLY. They can be purchased at the carnival ticket booth for $25.00 on any of those days.

Are there carry in food and beverage restrictions?
No carry in alcohol allowed. Thank you for supporting our fine food and beverage purveyors, who McHenry County Fair officials have carefully reviewed and selected. The McHenry County Fair food and beverage vendors offer a wide variety of scrumptious fair delicacies and refreshing drinks; something for everyone!

How can my business and/or organization partner with the McHenry County Fair?
McHenry County Fair Sponsorship Opportunities, please see our Sponsorship page.

How can I volunteer at the McHenry County Fair?
The McHenry County Fair welcomes individuals, families, groups, businesses, and organizations as volunteers to assist in the success of the annual McHenry County Fair. Contact the Fair Office at (815) 338-5315 or mcfaoffice@mchenrycountyfair.com to connect.

Are dogs and other pets allowed on the Fairgrounds?
No dogs and/or other pets and/or animals are allowed on the Fairgrounds during the McHenry County Fair, with the exceptions of ADA service dogs or animals approved of an exhibition.

We value all of our visitors to the McHenry County Fairgrounds. The McHenry County Fair follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals. A service animal is one that is trained to do work, perform tasks and assist individuals with disabilities.

Due to the nature of some attractions at the McHenry County Fair and Fairgrounds, service animals are not permitted on rides or attractions, and may be restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns.
Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.

ADA regulations state that the specific work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to a person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals according to the ADA. Therefore, emotional support animals are not permitted.

How do I enter exhibits in the McHenry County Fair?
We have many methods of registration. You'll want to see our Exhibitors page, where you will find a list of all of the different items and livestock that can be exhibited as well as links to the fair book pages that will include all the details you need to enter at the McHenry County Fair.

How much is general parking at the McHenry County Fair?
General parking at the McHenry County Fair is FREE!

Where can I find information regarding HORSE SHOWS held during the McHenry County Fair?
Show bills for horse shows held during the McHenry County Fair can be found HERE.

THANK YOU for your interest in and support of the McHenry County Fair, presented by the McHenry County Fair Association, a 501(c)(3). We look forward to welcoming you soon!