PLAN YOUR VISIT
HOURS & TICKETS
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HOURS & TICKETS *
HOURS
Wednesday, July 29: 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday, July 30: 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday, July 31: 12:00pm - 11:00pm
Saturday, August 1: 10:00am - 11:00pm
Sunday, August 2: 10:00am - 8:00pm
Expo Hall Hours:
Wednesday - Friday: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm
Livestock Barn Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday: 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Commercial gate (Peterson Road) opens at 8:00am for livestock events
Rides & games open at:
Wednesday: 1:00pm - close
Thursday - Sunday: Noon - close
Flower Hour: Wednesday from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Rides & games open exclusively for our friends with sensory needs & their families
TICKETS
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 7/30: Free for first responders, active military, veterans & dependents w/ valid military ID
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$30.00
WEDNESDAY 7/29: 5:00PM - 9:00PM
THURSDAY 7/30: 1:00pm - 5:00PM
FRIDAY 7/31: 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.
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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 29, 2026, 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 and shorter lines. We look forward to providing a fun and enjoyable experience for all fairgoers!
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Tickets are $1/each, number of tickets needed vary per ride.
Tickets are available at tickets booths located throughout the Midway.
Due to safety reasons, single riders are not permitted.
The Midway, operated by Skinner's Amusements, opens at 1pm on Wednesday, and noon Thursday-Sunday.
MIDWAY RIDES & GAMES
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MIDWAY RIDES & GAMES *
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
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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 rentals are not available.
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1060 East Peterson Road, Grayslake Illinois 60030
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.
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NO DOGS/PETS ALLOWED.
Neither vendors nor the public are allowed to bring pets onto the grounds under any circumstance, for liability reasons. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are permitted.
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The Event Center is a smoke and vape free building. Designated smoking areas are located outside the building.
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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
Your Questions, Answered
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Yes, daily tickets can be purchased upon arrival. Cash or card are accepted.
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Parking is FREE is the north/grass lot. If you wish to park closer to the gate, PREFERRED PARKING is available for $10/day.
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Visit the Schedule of Events page - CLICK HERE
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Yes - please make sure you retain your ticket and get a handstamp for re-entry before you leave.
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CLICK HERE to visit our “Penny Pincher” page to see all the best deals and discounts!
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Item descriptionThe event is rain or shine. Pop into our Expo Hall for some air conditioning, or coverage from rain. We recommend you come prepared with sunscreen, hats, umbrellas or ponchos. Certain activities may be paused or cancelled for safety reasons if severe weather occurs.
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Costs per ride vary, and you can purchase ride tickets at several booths throughout the Midway.
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Yes, but only on select dates and times. CLICK HERE for more info!
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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.
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Included with admission:
Come check out the pavilions competitions, the livestock competitions and the barns, our 2 stages with rocking bands, Show Me Swine Pig Races, the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show, Timberworks Lumberjack Show, John Measner Magic Show, Lake County Sheriff’s K9 Demo, Wheels of Agriculture, Magical Bubbles, Farm Heritage, Miller’s Petting Zoo, The Strolling DJ, the Lake County Fair Queen Pageant, the Blue Ribbon Stage and more!