Champaign County Fair Fun for Families

Are you ready for some Champaign County Fair action? Here it comes, July 25-Aug. 1

Editor’s Note: Before you go any further, this is the Champaign County Fair in Urbana, Illinois, NOT the one in Ohio. All information subject to change at any time. The official Champaign County Fair website is here and you can follow on Facebook by clicking here.

Are you looking for the schedule for the Champaign County Fair? Jump right to it.

Important things to note about the 2026 Champaign County Fair

Where: Champaign County Fairgrounds, Urbana (behind Carle Foundation Hospital). Free parking is available.
When: Saturday, July 25 through Saturday, Aug. 1. Hours vary by the day. New this year, the fair runs Saturday to Saturday (previously it was Friday through the following Saturday).
How much: Official 2026 pricing coming soon. In 2025, $8 per adult 13 and up; $2 per child ages 6-12; 5 and under free with paid adult. Only cash accepted at the gate.

A Crowd Favorite: Monster Trucks

Catch some BIG monster trucks in action on July 29. Last year, tickets were $10 per person for general admission ($12 for reserved box seats), on top of fair admission.

Another Pick: Rodeo Returns

The rodeo is returning to the fair once again in 2026. Catch it on July 30. This was a popular addition last year, and many fair fans are happy to hear it is returning.

Must Know Info: No Backpacks and Leave Your Food in the Car

The Champaign County Fair has a bag policy. Bags, purses, and clutches measuring 10″ x 10″ are acceptable. Clear bags are not required but are preferred. No backpacks allowed. All persons are subject to screening at the gate. Other than formula in a diaper bag (with your child), any other bags, including coolers with food, must be left in the car. We recommend using a clear small bag for a diaper bag if you want to carry it into the fairgrounds.

General Tips

TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME: You can buy general admission in advance at the fair box office by calling (217) 367-8461.

BUT … BRING CASH! While you can pay ahead with a credit card in advance for things such as grandstand tickets, many food vendors do not take anything but cash and the gate only accepts cash. So if you want to get in, drink your favorite lemon shake-up or eat funnel cakes, be sure to have some green with you. There is an ATM on site that is not operated by the fair; no guarantees that it will be operating (hit or miss in the past, also you can’t access it without getting through the gate).

GET A WRISTBAND IF YOU PLAN TO LEAVE AND RETURN: If you leave the fairgrounds, you will need to have your paper wristband attached to your wrist to re-enter later in the day.

PARKING IS FREE: No extra fee for parking at the fair.

CARNIVAL PRICING AND HOURS: Ride tickets are $1.25 each or 22 tickets for $20 (with the exception of bracelet days and other special events, see below). Rides typically require two tickets. The carnival usually goes until around 10 or 11 p.m. each night; no guarantees on what time exactly it will shut down each night.

Want a deal? Here’s how to make the most of your fair budget:

BRACELET DAYS

If your family loves the midway, then head to the carnival during bracelet days, where you get unlimited rides for $30 (one bracelet per person). To make the most of it, get there when it starts and stay through the end of the bracelet time frame. Bracelet days and times are:

Coming soon!

CARNIVAL FREEBIES and DISCOUNTS

Monday morning from 10 a.m. to noon, is usually preschool day, where the only rides available are in Kiddie Land. Discounted or free tickets will be available for pre-school children only (4 and under generally).

Thursday afternoon from 1-4 p.m. is usually free limited ride booklets at the carnival for kids ages 3-12. Booklets will run out quickly. Additional tickets may be purchased, all rides may not be included.

BUDGET-FRIENDLY EVENTS

All events require standard fair admission.

The Draft Horse Show on July 26 is only a few dollars admission per person.
Harness racing on July 28 in the evening offers free general admission. Get a taste of horse racing right here in Central Illinois.

WE ALSO RECOMMEND

Go see the animals! Animals will start heading to the barns on Sunday, shows start on Monday.
The 4-H animal judging (animals raised by 4-H participants) is usually Thursday, starting at 8:15 a.m. It is free to attend.

CARNIVAL HOURS

*Carnival hours subject to change at the discretion of the owner. Ride end time may vary; rides usually close between 10 and 11 p.m., but may close earlier.

Ride tickets are $1.25 each or 22 tickets for $20, as far as we know

Hours coming soon!

GENERAL FAIR SCHEDULE

All information subject to change at any time.

2026 Schedule of Events – coming soon

Champaign County Fair Preview