Illinois's fair and festival season runs from January through December, but it peaks in August — when 93 fairs and festivals take place — followed by July and September. Across the year, Illinois hosts 511 dated events in our directory.
Month by month in Illinois
- January — 4 events (see all)
- February — 2 events (see all)
- March — 3 events (see all)
- April — 2 events (see all)
- June — 82 events (see all)
- July — 89 events (see all)
- August — 93 events (see all)
- September — 85 events (see all)
- October — 64 events (see all)
- November — 50 events (see all)
- December — 37 events (see all)
When to go
If you want the biggest choice of events, aim for August, July and September — together they account for 267 of Illinois's 511 dated events. Late summer and early fall skew toward agricultural and country fairs timed to the harvest, while spring and early summer lean toward food, music, and cultural festivals.
Frequently asked questions
What month has the most fairs in Illinois?
August, with 93 fairs and festivals — the busiest month of the Illinois season.
When does fair season start in Illinois?
Events begin as early as January and run through December, with the heaviest concentration in August, July and September.
How many fairs and festivals are in Illinois?
Our directory lists 511 dated fairs and festivals across Illinois for the 2026 season, plus recurring events with dates still to be announced.
