Champaign County Fair Returns with Weeklong Lineup of Livestock Shows, Carnival Rides, and Grandstand Events
The Champaign County Fair is back in Urbana from July 25 through August 1, with a full week of livestock shows, motorsports, carnival rides, and family-focused programming to the fairgrounds.
The 2026 fair opens Saturday, July 25, with Military Day. Gates open at 10 a.m., followed by exhibit judging in Kesler Hall and the opening of the carnival at noon. The evening concludes with a demolition derby at 5 p.m.
Sunday, July 26, marks Western Day, featuring an open horse show at 9 a.m., carnival rides beginning at noon, and a draft horse show at 4 p.m.
Monday, July 27, is Kids Day, highlighted by livestock events including swine, dairy, and sheep shows in the morning. Preschool-aged children can participate in Kiddie Land rides from 10 a.m. to noon. The day concludes with the Queen and Little Miss Pageant at 7 p.m.
Senior Citizen Day takes place Tuesday, July 28, with morning livestock events, senior-focused activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and harness racing in the evening. The carnival opens at 5 p.m., with an unlimited ride bracelet available that night.
Wednesday, July 29, centers on Livestock Day, featuring junior livestock shows throughout the morning and afternoon. The evening’s main attraction is the monster truck show at 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 30, is designated as 4-H Day, with livestock shows beginning at 8:15 a.m. The rodeo returns to the fairgrounds at 7 p.m. as a featured evening event.
On Friday, July 31, the fair continues with evening carnival rides and a motocross event at 7 p.m.
The fair concludes Saturday, August 1, with First Responder Day. Events include an IPA tractor pull at noon, live music in the afternoon, and an evening tractor and semi-truck pull at 6 p.m. The carnival will again offer an unlimited ride bracelet from noon to 5 p.m.
Throughout the week, the carnival operates daily, with extended hours into the evening. Livestock shows, including 4-H competitions, run across multiple days, highlighting local agricultural participation.
Admission is required for entry, with additional ticketed grandstand events scheduled most evenings.
