County Fair Guide

McHenry County Fair

Woodstock, Illinois

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2026 Dates

August 4–9, 2026

Duration

6 days

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Size

medium

By the Numbers

The McHenry County Fair draws an estimated 75,000 to 80,000 visitors over its six-day run each August, according to the fair board — a crowd the board has described as growing every year. It's one of the larger county fairs in the Chicago exurbs, held at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock.

Source: Daily Herald

McHenry County Fair Overview

In Woodstock, the McHenry County Fair is a six-day early-August celebration in the scenic lake district of northeastern Illinois, drawing large crowds from this fast-growing county northwest of Chicago.

Good to Know

Woodstock is the seat of McHenry County and was the filming location for the movie Groundhog Day — the county's chain lakes and farms attract visitors from throughout northern Illinois.

Highlights

Expect livestock judging, 4-H and FFA competitions, carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, local food vendors, and the community spirit of this popular suburban and agricultural county.

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