The McHenry County Fair

06/15/2026

This year's mutton bustin registration is now closed. If you signed your kid up, rest assured, they're in! We'll reach out to get you the waiver and rules.

06/09/2026

🐑 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!

06/06/2026

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

06/04/2026

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!

06/02/2026

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/

If you have any questions, please contact the fair office at 815-338-5315. We have extended hours to allow for in-person submissions!

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

05/06/2026

Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls… with only 90 days left, the countdown to summer fun officially begins NOW!

🎉 Tickets are ON SALE for the 2026 happening August 4–9, 2026! 🎉

Get ready for 6 days packed with thrills, horsepower, hometown tradition, fair food, live entertainment, carnival rides, and memories the whole family will love.

2026 Grandstand Schedule:
Tuesday – Miss McHenry County Fair Pageant
Wednesday – Draft Horse Pulls & Veterans Salute
Thursday – Quad Racing by Kickabuda Promotions
Friday – Next Level Bull Riding Rodeo & Alex Miller Afterparty
Saturday – Tractor & Truck Pulls & Feudin’ Hillbillies Afterparty
Sunday – Demolition Derby by 4WD Promotions

PLUS tons of daily FREE events, livestock shows, carnival rides, incredible fair food, exhibits, music, and so much more!

🎟️ Grab your tickets now before the best seats are gone: 🎟️
mchenrycountyfair.com/tickets

We’ll see you at the fairgrounds!

Your ticket to experience the carnival rides, fair foods, view exhibitions, and attend all general fair events. Tickets priced for Adults, Children, Seniors or Veterans. SEASON PASS option for six days of fair fun!

04/01/2026

✨ Registration is NOW OPEN ✨

Are you ready to step into the spotlight, build confidence, and represent the McHenry County Fair? The Miss McHenry County Fair Pageant is an incredible opportunity to grow, make lifelong memories, and be part of a proud local tradition.

Open to young women ready to shine and make a difference in our community.

Ready to take the first step?

👉 Register here: https://form.jotform.com/missmchenrycountyfairpageant/2026-ENTRY

👉 Learn more: mchenrycountyfair.com/miss-mchenry-county-fair/

We can’t wait to see who will wear the crown in 2026

04/01/2026

✨ NEW EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT ✨

We’re excited to introduce a brand new competition at this year’s McHenry County Fair…

The First Annual Chicken Karaoke Contest

Does your bird have what it takes to be the most talented chicken in McHenry County? Choose their favorite song, start practicing, and get them prim and proper for their big debut!

Auditions open soon.

Happy April Fools’ Day from the McHenry County Fair!