Southern Illinois Fairs and Festivals in August 2023
July 30- August 4
Pulaski County Fair
Mounds Illinois
Check out the full schedule here.
Thursday, August 3 6:00 p.m. | Family Fun Night
- Pig Scramble, -Pedal Tractor Pull, -Games & more!, Free Admission
Aug 10th - 20th
Illinois State Fair
Springfield
The annual festival, centering on the theme of agriculture, hosted by the U.S. state of Illinois in the state capital, Springfield. Go to their website for daily event schedules, entertainment and other information
General Information -
https://statefair.illinois.gov
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August 11th and 12th
Peach Festival
Cobden, Illinois
The Cobden Peach Festival will kick-off on Friday, August 11th and run through Saturday, August 12
The festival, sponsored by the Cobden Lions Club, will be held at 117 South Appleknocker Drive.features carnival rides and games, Peach Queen Contest, food and peach cobbler on Fri and Sat. evening. Parade begins at 4:30 on Sat. A 5K run/walk is offered on Sat. morning. Free admission. 618-893-2425
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August 18th0 20th
Balloon Fest
Centralia, Illinois
for more information go to https://centraliachamber.com/balloon-fest
Wednesday, August 16
5:30pm - Crew Training (location TBD)
Thursday, August 17
5:30pm - Evening Flight for Media and Volunteers (location TBD)
Friday, August 18
6:00am - Morning Flight for Media and Volunteers (location TBD)
5:30pm-10:00pm - Tethtered Balloon Rides in Foundation Park
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Foundation Park
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Foundation Park
7:30pm - Drive Through Mini Balloon Glow in Fairview Park (Handicap Accessible)
Saturday, August 19
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (location TBD)
5:30pm-10:00pm - Tethtered Balloon Rides in Foundation Park
5:30pm - Veterans Freedom Flight from Foundation Park
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Foundation Park (All Balloons!)
Sunday, August 20
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (location TBD)
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Foundation Park (Local Balloons)
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Aug 18th- 26th
Union County Fair
Anna City Park
Anna, Illinois
Friday, August 18th:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open Show Registration at the Fair office. Please DO NOT bring your exhibit, only tags will be given out.
7:30 p.m. - Ranch Rodeo in front of the grandstand. Adults $6, children $3
Saturday, August 19th:
8:00 am - 8:45 am - Entries taken for the Junior Horse show in the office.
8:00 am - FFA Livestock Show, Junior Show Arena
9:00 am - Junior Horse Show, Horse Arena, Junior Rules will be enforced.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Junior Entry Registration - BRING your exhibit item with you.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Open Show Registration at the fair office. No exhibits to be placed on this day in open show classes. Only tags will be given. Please DO NOT bring your exhibit, as they cannot be placed in the Exhibit Hall until Sunday.
1:00 pm - Harness Racing - at the Grandstands - Free Admission
3:00 pm - Entry Office closed for Junior entries, to prepare for judging. Open registration still open.
4:00 pm - Judging for Junior Classes N and P and ages 5-8, will be judged in the exhibit hall.
6:00 pm - Gaited and Western Horse Show, in front of the Grandstand. Adults $6, children $3
Sunday, August 20th:
Adult entries will be taken in the office from 10:00-4:00 and can be placed in the brown Exhibit Hall
1:15 pm - Pet Parade Registration, Junior Show Arena
2:00 pm - Pet Parade, Junior Show Arena
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Junior Exhibit Area Open, Exhibit Hall
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Community Worship Service, Grandstand
7:30 pm - Queen Pageant. General Admission Tickets: Adults $8 and children are $5.
Monday, August 21st:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Junior Livestock Registration, fair office.
3:00 pm - Junior Tractor Operators Contest - infield of Grandstand.
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Junior Exhibits in exhibit building open.
5:00 pm - Sale Cattle Weigh-in.
7:00 pm - Meeting for all Junior Livestock Exhibitor's in barn area.
7:00 pm - Truck, Semi, and Farm Stock Tractor Pull. Adults $8, children $5.
Tuesday, August 22nd:
8:00 am - Open Class, Livestock and Exhibit Judging
9:00 am - 4H Livestock Show
10:00 am - Mule/Donkey Halter Classes, Heavy Horse and Mule Barn
10:00 am - Heavy Horse Show Heavy Horse and Mule Barn
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open - Family Night! $15 Armbands!!
6:00 pm - Peewee Showmanship - Junior Show Arena
7:00 pm - Tractor Pull - in front of the grandstands. General admission tickets are available. Adults $8, children $5.
Wednesday, August 23rd:
9:00 am - Open Dairy Judging
9:00 am - Junior Swine and Sheep Judging, Junior Show Arena
11:00 am - Junior Livestock Diary/Beef Judging, Junior Show Arena
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:30 pm - Championship Rodeo - Night 1 - in front of the grandstands. General admission tickets are available. Adults $10, children $5.
Thursday, August 24th:
Veteran's Appreciation Day!!
All Veterans showing veteran's organization membership cards
or wearing a veterans organization cap will be admitted free to the fair
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00 pm - Junior Livestock Auction, Junior Show Arena. (free)
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:30 pm - Championship Rodeo - Night 2 - Presented by Whippoorwill Rodeo. General admission tickets, Adults $10, children $5.
Friday, August 25th:
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:00 pm - Demolition Derby. General admission tickets available, $15 adults, $5 for children.
Saturday, August 26th:
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building open
5:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:30 pm - Demolition Derby, in front of the Grandstand. General Admission tickets available, $15 adults and $5 children.
Sunday, August 27th:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Exhibits to be claimed in the Exhibit Building.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Exhibitor checks available in the fair office.
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Aug 24th-Sep 04
Du Quoin State Fair
Fairgrounds Open:
Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. to Midnight
Weekends: Noon to Midnight
Labor Day: Noon to 9:00 pm
Carnival Open:
Weekdays: 5:00 - 11:00 pm
Weekends: Noon - Midnight
Labor Day: Noon - 9:00 pm
North American Midway CarnivalTake advantage of the discounted ride coupons ($20) beginning July at participating Casey’s Stores. Purchaser will redeem coupons “Good for 1 All-Day Ride Wristband” at the Midway Redemption Booth. Prices during the Fair will be $25 weekdays and $30 on weekends. Single Tickets $1.50; 20 Tickets $25; 50 Tickets $60
Child under 36 inches must be ridden with a PAYING ADULT
Parking
Main Parking Lot (Rt. 14 entrance) $10 daily
Gate 1 Parking Lot (U.S. 51 entrance) $15 daily
Gate 4 Parking Lot (Jackson St. entrance) $10 daily
Gate 1 and/or 4 Parking - (Best Value) $30 Season Pass
Note: All inside public parking (including ADA) - $15; Outside Parking $10
No weather-related reimbursements will be made.
Carnival
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Noon - 11:00 p.m.
Labor Day: Noon - 9:00 p.m.
Advance Sale - Ride Armbands:
Advance Armbands coupons can be purchased for $20 at various participating Casey's Store locations beginning July
rides
Regular Price Armbands & Individual Tickets:
For Purchase During the Fair:
Armbands: $25 Weekdays (good for one day of unlimited rides!)
Armbands: $30 Weekends (good for one day of unlimited rides!)
Individual Tickets: $1.50/ticket (most rides require 3-4 tickets)
Sheet of 20 Tickets: $25
Sheet of 50 Tickets: $60
Child under 36 inches must be ridden with a PAYING ADULT
Highlights
Live Musical Entertainment
Livestock Shows
Harness Racing
Auto Racing
Rodeos
Senior Center with Daily Entertainment
Culinary, Hobbies, Agricultural Exhibits
Free Family Entertainment
Go to the Fair's website for a full schedule and more information.
Pulaski County Fair
Mounds Illinois
Check out the full schedule here.
Thursday, August 3 6:00 p.m. | Family Fun Night
- Pig Scramble, -Pedal Tractor Pull, -Games & more!, Free Admission
Aug 10th - 20th
Illinois State Fair
Springfield
The annual festival, centering on the theme of agriculture, hosted by the U.S. state of Illinois in the state capital, Springfield. Go to their website for daily event schedules, entertainment and other information
General Information -
https://statefair.illinois.gov
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August 11th and 12th
Peach Festival
Cobden, Illinois
The Cobden Peach Festival will kick-off on Friday, August 11th and run through Saturday, August 12
The festival, sponsored by the Cobden Lions Club, will be held at 117 South Appleknocker Drive.features carnival rides and games, Peach Queen Contest, food and peach cobbler on Fri and Sat. evening. Parade begins at 4:30 on Sat. A 5K run/walk is offered on Sat. morning. Free admission. 618-893-2425
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August 18th0 20th
Balloon Fest
Centralia, Illinois
for more information go to https://centraliachamber.com/balloon-fest
Wednesday, August 16
5:30pm - Crew Training (location TBD)
Thursday, August 17
5:30pm - Evening Flight for Media and Volunteers (location TBD)
Friday, August 18
6:00am - Morning Flight for Media and Volunteers (location TBD)
5:30pm-10:00pm - Tethtered Balloon Rides in Foundation Park
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Foundation Park
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Foundation Park
7:30pm - Drive Through Mini Balloon Glow in Fairview Park (Handicap Accessible)
Saturday, August 19
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (location TBD)
5:30pm-10:00pm - Tethtered Balloon Rides in Foundation Park
5:30pm - Veterans Freedom Flight from Foundation Park
7:30pm - Balloon Glow in Foundation Park (All Balloons!)
Sunday, August 20
6:00am - Morning Flight over Centralia (location TBD)
5:30pm - Evening Flight from Foundation Park (Local Balloons)
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Aug 18th- 26th
Union County Fair
Anna City Park
Anna, Illinois
Friday, August 18th:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Open Show Registration at the Fair office. Please DO NOT bring your exhibit, only tags will be given out.
7:30 p.m. - Ranch Rodeo in front of the grandstand. Adults $6, children $3
Saturday, August 19th:
8:00 am - 8:45 am - Entries taken for the Junior Horse show in the office.
8:00 am - FFA Livestock Show, Junior Show Arena
9:00 am - Junior Horse Show, Horse Arena, Junior Rules will be enforced.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Junior Entry Registration - BRING your exhibit item with you.
9:00 am - 4:00 pm - Open Show Registration at the fair office. No exhibits to be placed on this day in open show classes. Only tags will be given. Please DO NOT bring your exhibit, as they cannot be placed in the Exhibit Hall until Sunday.
1:00 pm - Harness Racing - at the Grandstands - Free Admission
3:00 pm - Entry Office closed for Junior entries, to prepare for judging. Open registration still open.
4:00 pm - Judging for Junior Classes N and P and ages 5-8, will be judged in the exhibit hall.
6:00 pm - Gaited and Western Horse Show, in front of the Grandstand. Adults $6, children $3
Sunday, August 20th:
Adult entries will be taken in the office from 10:00-4:00 and can be placed in the brown Exhibit Hall
1:15 pm - Pet Parade Registration, Junior Show Arena
2:00 pm - Pet Parade, Junior Show Arena
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Junior Exhibit Area Open, Exhibit Hall
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Community Worship Service, Grandstand
7:30 pm - Queen Pageant. General Admission Tickets: Adults $8 and children are $5.
Monday, August 21st:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Junior Livestock Registration, fair office.
3:00 pm - Junior Tractor Operators Contest - infield of Grandstand.
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Junior Exhibits in exhibit building open.
5:00 pm - Sale Cattle Weigh-in.
7:00 pm - Meeting for all Junior Livestock Exhibitor's in barn area.
7:00 pm - Truck, Semi, and Farm Stock Tractor Pull. Adults $8, children $5.
Tuesday, August 22nd:
8:00 am - Open Class, Livestock and Exhibit Judging
9:00 am - 4H Livestock Show
10:00 am - Mule/Donkey Halter Classes, Heavy Horse and Mule Barn
10:00 am - Heavy Horse Show Heavy Horse and Mule Barn
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open - Family Night! $15 Armbands!!
6:00 pm - Peewee Showmanship - Junior Show Arena
7:00 pm - Tractor Pull - in front of the grandstands. General admission tickets are available. Adults $8, children $5.
Wednesday, August 23rd:
9:00 am - Open Dairy Judging
9:00 am - Junior Swine and Sheep Judging, Junior Show Arena
11:00 am - Junior Livestock Diary/Beef Judging, Junior Show Arena
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:30 pm - Championship Rodeo - Night 1 - in front of the grandstands. General admission tickets are available. Adults $10, children $5.
Thursday, August 24th:
Veteran's Appreciation Day!!
All Veterans showing veteran's organization membership cards
or wearing a veterans organization cap will be admitted free to the fair
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00 pm - Junior Livestock Auction, Junior Show Arena. (free)
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:30 pm - Championship Rodeo - Night 2 - Presented by Whippoorwill Rodeo. General admission tickets, Adults $10, children $5.
Friday, August 25th:
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building Open
6:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:00 pm - Demolition Derby. General admission tickets available, $15 adults, $5 for children.
Saturday, August 26th:
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Exhibit Building open
5:00pm - 10pm - Carnival Open
7:30 pm - Demolition Derby, in front of the Grandstand. General Admission tickets available, $15 adults and $5 children.
Sunday, August 27th:
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Exhibits to be claimed in the Exhibit Building.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - Exhibitor checks available in the fair office.
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_
Aug 24th-Sep 04
Du Quoin State Fair
Fairgrounds Open:
Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. to Midnight
Weekends: Noon to Midnight
Labor Day: Noon to 9:00 pm
Carnival Open:
Weekdays: 5:00 - 11:00 pm
Weekends: Noon - Midnight
Labor Day: Noon - 9:00 pm
North American Midway CarnivalTake advantage of the discounted ride coupons ($20) beginning July at participating Casey’s Stores. Purchaser will redeem coupons “Good for 1 All-Day Ride Wristband” at the Midway Redemption Booth. Prices during the Fair will be $25 weekdays and $30 on weekends. Single Tickets $1.50; 20 Tickets $25; 50 Tickets $60
Child under 36 inches must be ridden with a PAYING ADULT
Parking
Main Parking Lot (Rt. 14 entrance) $10 daily
Gate 1 Parking Lot (U.S. 51 entrance) $15 daily
Gate 4 Parking Lot (Jackson St. entrance) $10 daily
Gate 1 and/or 4 Parking - (Best Value) $30 Season Pass
Note: All inside public parking (including ADA) - $15; Outside Parking $10
No weather-related reimbursements will be made.
Carnival
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Noon - 11:00 p.m.
Labor Day: Noon - 9:00 p.m.
Advance Sale - Ride Armbands:
Advance Armbands coupons can be purchased for $20 at various participating Casey's Store locations beginning July
rides
Regular Price Armbands & Individual Tickets:
For Purchase During the Fair:
Armbands: $25 Weekdays (good for one day of unlimited rides!)
Armbands: $30 Weekends (good for one day of unlimited rides!)
Individual Tickets: $1.50/ticket (most rides require 3-4 tickets)
Sheet of 20 Tickets: $25
Sheet of 50 Tickets: $60
Child under 36 inches must be ridden with a PAYING ADULT
Highlights
Live Musical Entertainment
Livestock Shows
Harness Racing
Auto Racing
Rodeos
Senior Center with Daily Entertainment
Culinary, Hobbies, Agricultural Exhibits
Free Family Entertainment
Go to the Fair's website for a full schedule and more information.
