The Lake County Fair returns with rides, music, food, Grandstand events and much more Wednesday through Sunday, July 23-27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Daily Herald file photo
By the Lake County Fairgrounds
Celebrating its 96th year, the Lake County Fair is back and bigger than ever, promising five days filled with excitement, entertainment and memories for the whole family. Taking place from Wednesday, July 23, to Sunday, July 27, at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, this year’s fair brings a sensational lineup of Grandstand Arena events, including returning favorites and new additions.
Midway rides and games, operated by Skinner’s Amusements, open at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and noon Thursday through Sunday. Tickets are $1 each (number of tickets needed vary per ride) and are available at ticket booths located throughout the Midway. All-You-Can-Ride Wristband specials will be available for $30 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, 1-5 p.m. Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Friday.
Pig racing is just one of the returning attractions at the Lake County Fair in Grayslake. | Daily Herald file photo
An array of Grandstand Arena events are included with fair admission. The lineup features adrenaline-pumping spectacles that aim to have visitors on the edge of their seats:
- Demolition Derby: 6 p.m. Wednesday
- Motocross: 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
- 406FMX High Air Tour: 7 p.m. Thursday
- Monster Truck Throwdown: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
- Pro Bull Riding & Barrel Racing: 3 p.m. Sunday
The Lake County Fair welcomes back several crowd favorites, ensuring nonstop entertainment for fairgoers of all ages. Daily events include:
- Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show (as seen on America’s Got Talent)
- Show Me Swine Pig Races
- Kidbucks Game Show
- John Measner Magic Show
- K9 Demonstration with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office
- Timerbworks Lumberjack Show
- Interactive Bubble Zone
Other returning events include:
- Miss, Junior Miss, and Little Miss Lake County Fair Pageants: 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
- Operation Glow: Taylor Swift Party: 8 p.m. Wednesday
- Flower Hour: A sensory-friendly carnival morning on the opening day of the Lake County Fair, providing a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the rides and games at the Midway carnival. During this time, the Midway Carnival will be exclusively open to those attending Flower Hour. Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
- Bloody Mary Bingo on Sunday
In addition to the returning events, the latest additions to the Lake County Fair’s lineup include:
- The Strolling DJ: Three daily shows. This mobile DJ booth rolls through the fairgrounds, bringing high-energy music, fun vibes, and spontaneous dance parties wherever it goes. You never know when the beat will drop; just follow the sound and join the fun.
- So Hot Glass Live!: Daily glass blowing demonstration
- Swine Jackpot Show: 10 a.m. Friday, July 25. The Swine Jackpot Show brings top competition to the barn with three exciting divisions: Showmanship, Market and Breeding Gilts. Exhibitors will showcase their skills in handling, presenting and evaluating swine as they compete for prizes and bragging rights. Don’t miss this action-packed event that highlights some of the finest pigs and most dedicated youth in the show ring.
Hi Infidelity is among the many musical acts that will perform at the Lake County Fair July 23-27 at the fairgrounds in Grayslake. | Courtesy of Hi Infidelity
The Lake County Fair will include more than a dozen bands performing throughout the event. The eclectic lineup features “Swiftie Nation,” Operation Glow: Taylor Swift Dance Party and Hi Infidelity. Other acts include The Dixon Bandits, Alien Eyes, Brass from the Past, Big Boss and the Toes Band, The Noize, Second Hand Soul, Chapel Hill, School of Rock, Peter and the Versatiles, Blue Marlin, Beyond the Blonde, Gooroos, No Limit, Roger That, Tropixplosion, Chicago Latin Groove and Classical Blast.
Daily admission is $15 for ages 13-64; $5 for ages 6-12 and 65 and older and active military, veterans and dependents with valid ID; and free for ages 5 and younger and active military in uniform with valid ID. Season passes are $55 for ages 13-64 and $20 for ages 6-12 and 65 and older. Admission is free for active military, veterans, dependents and first responders with valid ID on Thursday.
The Lake County Fairgrounds is at 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake. For more information about the Lake County Fair, visit lcfair.com/2025.