Sandwich Fair is well over a century old and has become a valued tradition in Illinois. It’s time to start making plans for September, as this historic county fair has been a source of fun and entertainment for generations of Illinoisans. Save the date and set aside the entire weekend of Sept. 4-8, 2024. Then grab your family and friends for a fun-filled weekend at the DeKalb County Fair.

Better known as the Sandwich Fair, the DeKalb County Fair was established in 1888.
sandwich fair
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
It was first held in September of that year on 20 acres of land.
The fair is held annually from the Wednesday through Sunday following Labor Day.
sandwich fair
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
It's one of the oldest county fairs in the country and an event that tens of thousands of people look forward to each year.
As it enters its 136th year, the best fair in Illinois spans across much of the 185 acres of the Sandwich Fairgrounds.
sandwich fair
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
Over the course of four days, visitors will enjoy an array of attractions, food, rides, entertainment, and so much more. This fair has it all.
Vendors and exhibitors come to the Sandwich Fair from all over the Midwest to display their wares, and plenty of musicians spend the weekend here entertaining the crowds.
sandwich fair
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook

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Concerts will be held at the Ag Land and Home Arts Stages.
sandwich fair
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
Among the most popular events at the Sandwich Fair is the Demolition Derby. Tickets must be purchased online before the start of the fair.
sandwich fair
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
In addition to the car race, fair attendees may also purchase tickets for the Friday night concert and the Truck and Tractor Pulls.
In addition to all the fun, there will be plenty of agricultural exhibits including antique farm displays, horse shows, and livestock judging.
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
Of course, whenever you attend a county fair, you must ride the rides at one of the best festivals in Sandwich, Illinois!
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
Wristbands may be purchased ahead of time and are worth getting if you intend to ride more than five rides; otherwise, you can pay per ride.
An inaugural Sandwich Fair event this year is the Shake Up Shuffle. It takes place on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Sandwich Fair Association Fund.
The Sandwich Fair Association- Sandwich, Illinois/Facebook
Come one, come all to the Sandwich Fair this September 4-8, 2024! We hope to see you there!

Sandwich Fair offers more information on its website. You can also follow the Facebook page of the Sandwich Fair for any updates. Are you planning on attending this fun festival? If you’ve been to this historic fair in the past, please tell us all about it in the comments below!

Discover more fun things to do in Sandwich, Illinois. And if you’re traveling through, find a place to stay on Booking.com.

You Can Hike To A Creek, Go Antiquing, And Drink Margaritas In Sandwich, Illinois

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Fairs In Illinois

Carolyn Harmon | June 06, 2024

What are some other fairs in Illinois I can attend?

  • Morton Pumpkin Festival (Morton): For almost 60 years, this festive event has welcomed autumn in the most delightful ways. Compete in the Pumpkin Tennis Open, the Big Wheel Race, the Pumpkin Weigh-Off, and the Pumpkin Decorating Contest.
  • Midwest Wizard of Oz Festival (Tinley Park): Shop at the Emerald City Vendor Area, watch the costumed characters perform the "Spirit of Oz," wear a costume of your own, and walk along the Yellow Brick Road. The kids really benefit from the Odyssey Fun Farm offering sweet animals to meet, a corn maze, and inflatables.
  • Milk Days (Harvard): Have you ever attended a parade that lasted more than two hours? This is your chance. Afterward, you can get on a carnival ride, play some games, eat delicious fair food, and await the evening fireworks. And enjoy all of the references to Harmilda the Cow, the mascot of Harvard's annual Milk Day.

Where is another one of the best fairs in Illinois?

  • Fall Festivals: This list of seven fantastic street fairs in Illinois will leave you wanting more. Mole de Mayo is all about this delectable Mexican sauce and it is celebrated with a cook-off. Slather it over some delicious food and hang around for the wrestling matches. Do Division Street Fest offers a variety of food and music with two live and local music stages. One of the main events is provided by local business owners who host sidewalk sales and organize Do Fashion, a runway fashion show.

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