The DuQuoin State Fair is an excellent end-of-summer tradition for thousands of Illinois families. It features a carnival, tractor and truck pull show, livestock shows, exhibits, contests, food vendors, and national music stars on the grandstand. The Fair is held for 11 days in the southern Illinois town of Du Quoin, beginning in late August and ending on Labour Day.
DuQuoin State Fair Events and Activities
Each year, a Twilight Parade is held to mark the opening of the annual fair in Du Quoin. The staging area for the parade takes place on the half-mile track. The procession starts from the south end of Pacer Avenue and makes its way to Midway Drive. The parade then goes to the Grandstand, turning north to Main Street, and will end at the half-mile track.
Additionally, fair entertainment includes the RollnUp Beer Tent Stage on Main Street, Grandstand events, Harness Racing, and Motor Sports. Various competitions will also be held throughout the fair, such as Livestock Book, Cooking Contests, Open Air Horse Show, Youth Horse Show, and Miss Pageant Contests.
Fair Hours and Tickets
The fairgrounds run on weekdays from 4 pm to midnight, on weekends from noon to midnight, and on Labor Day from noon to 9 pm. The carnival operates on weekdays from 5 pm to 11 pm, on weekends from noon to midnight, and on Labor Day from noon to 9 pm. In previous years, a ticket cost only $2.
Parking and Camping
There is paid parking available on the fairgrounds: the South Parking Lot (Rt. 14 entrance) is $10 per day, Gate 1 Parking Lot (U.S. 51 entrance) is $15 per day, and Gate 4 Parking Lot (Jackson St. entrance) is $10 daily. Campgrounds are open year-round and cost $25 per night/unit.
DuQuoin State Fair History
The DuQuoin State Fair has been held since 1923 and specialized in harness racing. The mile-long DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack was built on the fairgrounds, which is still used for ARCA and USAC motor sporting events.
