PLAN YOUR VISIT
HOURS
Wednesday, July 24: 10:00am - 10:00pm
Thursday, July 25: 10:00am - 10:00pm
Friday, July 26: 10:00am - Midnight
Saturday, July 27: 10:00am - Midnight
Sunday, July 28: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Expo Hall Hours:
Wednesday - Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Livestock Barn Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday: 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Gates open at 8:00am for livestock events
Rides & games open at:
Wednesday: 1:00pm - close
Thursday-Sunday: Noon - close
TICKETS
2024 Tickets - Admission prices include Grandstand & Arena events!
Adult (age 13+): $15.00
Children (ages 6-12): $5.00
Children (age 5 and under): Free
Seniors (age 65+): $5.00
Adult Season Pass (age 13+): $55.00
Child Season Pass (ages 6-12): $20.00
Senior Season Pass (age 65+): $20.00
Active Military in Uniform: Free
Active Military, Veterans & Dependents w/valid military ID: $5.00
Military Appreciation Day - Thursday 7/25: Free for first responders, active military, veterans & dependents w/ valid military ID
MIDWAY RIDES & GAMES
The Midway, operated by Skinner's Amusements, opens at 1pm on Wednesday, and noon Thursday-Sunday.
Ride costs vary per ride. Tickets are available at tickets booths located throughout the Midway. Due to safety reasons, single riders are not permitted.
ALL-YOU-CAN-RIDE WRISTBAND SPECIAL: $25.00
WEDNESDAY 7/24: 5:00PM - 9:00PM
THURSDAY 7/25: 1:00pm - 5:00PM
FRIDAY 7/26: 1:00pm - 5:00PM
All-You-Can-Ride Wristbands are ONLY valid at the above posted times - no exceptions. Ride wristbands do not include fair admission and are available for purchase at the Midway ticket booths.
FLOWER HOUR at the Midway Carnival
The lights and sounds of the Lake County Fair will be a little lower on the opening morning of the fair. With hundreds of things to do, see or eat, the Fair might be overstimulating to some, so we are bringing it down a notch or two during Flower Hour!
The Lake County Fair is proud to bring back a sensory-friendly carnival morning on the opening day of the Lake County Fair, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm, providing a welcoming environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the rides and games at the Midway carnival. Our team has worked closely with local organizations and experts to create an inclusive experience that minimizes sensory triggers and provides accommodations such as reduced noise levels, shorter lines, and calming areas. We look forward to providing a fun and enjoyable experience for all fairgoers.
FAIRGROUNDS MAP
DIRECTIONS & PARKING
The Lake County Fair takes place at the Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center, located at 1060 East Peterson Road, Grayslake IL 60030.
Free & Preferred parking lots are accessed from Midlothian Road - just North of Peterson Road.
Commercial/Livestock parking lot is accessed from Peterson Road.
FREE Parking
Parking is FREE in the grass lot.
When you enter the Fairgrounds from Midlothian Road, follow the signs to STAY RIGHT for the free parking lot.
PREFERRED Parking
$10.00/day
Preferred Parking Lot is a paved lot located by the East Main Gate
In order to keep traffic flowing, please have your payment ready
When you enter the Fairgrounds from Midlothian Road, follow the signs to STAY LEFT for the Preferred Parking lot.
No re-entry permitted
Complimentary accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis in Preferred Lot
VISITOR INFORMATION
ADA ACCESSIBILITY
The Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center is mostly ADA accessible, although some areas of the property are unpaved and therefore difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.
Designated accessible parking for vehicles bearing valid Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disability parking placards or license plates is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the paved main parking lot located in the front of the Event Center.
Wheelchair rental is not available.
LOCATION
The Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center, located in Grayslake, Illinois, is conveniently located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee with easy access to interstate expressways, O’Hare and General Mitchell International Airports. We are walking distance from two commuter rail lines to Chicago and just a short drive from major shopping centers, Six Flags Great America and over 8,000 hotel rooms.
The Prairie Crossing/Libertyville Metra train station is short walk or drive from the Lake County Fairgrounds. Metra North Central Service (NCS) and Metra Milwaukee District North (MD-N) lines stop at this station.
SERVICE ANIMALS
NO DOGS/PETS ALLOWED. Neither vendors nor the public are allowed to bring pets onto the grounds under any circumstance, for liability reasons, except for licensed service dogs.
SMOKING POLICY
The Event Center is a smoke and vape free building. Designated smoking areas are located outside the building.
Allowed & Prohibited Items
The Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center has a set of rules in place to ensure a safe environment for all guests.
The following items are ALLOWED:
Collapsible chairs (allowed in all areas EXCEPT the Grandstand Arena)
Strollers
Wheelchairs and motorized scooters
Factory-sealed bottled water for personal consumption
The following items are PROHIBITED:
Weapons, illicit drugs, and other contraband
Bicycles (bicycle parking is available at the main gate - bikes are not allowed inside the gate)
Other personal transport devices (skateboards, rollerblades, segways, hoverboards, etc)
Coolers (exceptions will be made if for medication purposes)
Pets
Outside food
Outside beverages (empty water bottles are allowed - water fountains are available at the fairgrounds)
Unauthorized promotional/vending items
Professional video and audio recording devices without a media pass
Drones
Tailgating is prohibited in fairgrounds parking lots
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does it cost to park?
Parking is FREE is the north/grass lot. If you wish to park closer to the gate, PREFERRED PARKING is available for $10/day.
What bands are playing this year?
Visit the Schedule of Events page - COMING SOON!
Can I visit the fair in the morning and come back in the evening?
Yes - please make sure you retain your ticket and get a handstamp for re-entry before you leave.
How can I save money at the fair?
CLICK HERE to visit our “Penny Pincher” page to see all the best deals and discounts!
How much do the rides cost?
Costs per ride vary, and you can purchase ride tickets at several booths throughout the Midway.
Are there all-you-can-ride wristbands?
Yes, but only on select dates and times. CLICK HERE for more info!
How much are tickets?
CLICK HERE for prices and ticket information. We encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance. Please note that processing fees apply for all online and credit/debit card purchases.