Du Quoin
Illinois
DuQuoin State Fair
The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds has been “home” to many things and events in its nearly century lifetime. Huge camping rallies, national car shows and races, horse events of all kinds, rodeos, livestock shows, reunions, motorcycle races, weddings, tractor pulls -- you name it, it’s probably been held at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. The most popular and by far the best-known event, is the Du Quoin State Fair, which has been owned and operated by the State of Illinois since 1986.
The Fair started back in the spring of 1923 when a group of successful and ambitious Du Quoin business leaders came up with an idea to sponsor an event that would attract people from all over Southern Illinois. Several of the business leaders also owned horses and needed a convenient place for them to compete. Not shy about making big claims, even from the very start, the group called it “The Du Quoin State Fair” because they wanted it to become as nice, as attractive, and as well accepted in the area as the Illinois State Fair in Springfield. And that happened quickly -- crowds were estimated at 50,000 to 60,000 in the first few years of the Fair during the 1920s.
Now, with its sights set on reaching the century mark in the not-too-distant future, the Du Quoin State Fair continues to make an impact on the region. Millions have passed through its gates throughout the years, as more than an estimated 300,000 do so each year for the Fair itself. For many years -- 1957 through 1980 -- it was “Home of the Hambletonian”, harness racing’s Kentucky Derby. Almost equally important, auto racing has been an attraction for many years, as the Du Quoin State Fair hosts legendary racecar drivers each year. Hundreds of prominent entertainers, including Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Liza Minnelli, Sonny & Cher, Johnny Carson, Carol Channing, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Roy Clark, Lynn Anderson, and Tammy Wynette, have appeared on stage at the Du Quoin State Fair throughout the years. It proudly has become Southern Illinois’ most popular attraction, as it has appeal to all ages and fans of all types of events.
Recent News
DuQuoin State Fair 2023
Schedule: Friday, August 25, 2023 Family Night presented by KGMO 5:00pm - 11:00pm: Carnival 6:00pm: Twilight Parade 7:00pm: Fairytales On Ice Saturday, August 26, 2023 Governor’s Day presented by The Stratemyer Media Group 12:00pm…
Read More »Record Attendance For The 2022 Du Quoin State Fair
Attendance Grew 13.5% from 2021 DU QUOIN, IL –The 2022 Du Quoin State Fair saw a spike in attendance with 171,102 people attending the 100th Anniversary of the Fair, up 13.5% from 2021 attendance numbers (150,186). This is the third Fair in…
Read More »DuQuoin State Fair 2022
Schedule: Friday, August 26, 2022 Family Night presented by KGMO 4:00 pm: DockDogs® - Onsite Reg./Practice - Heartland Coca-Cola Expo Area 4:00 pm: Show-Me Safari Petting Zoo - Expo Drive 5:00 pm: DockDogs® - Big Air WAVE #1 - Heartland…
Read More »Lainey Wilson Rounds Out The Pepsi Mid America River Radio Grandstand
Du Quoin, IL – The Du Quoin State Fair is excited to announce the final act for the Pepsi Mid America River Radio Grandstand. ACM New Female Artist of the Year, Lainey Wilson will headline the grandstand Thursday, September 1. The…
Read More ».38 Special to Headline the Roll-n-Up Beer Tent Stage to Kick Off the 100th Du Quoin State Fair
Du Quoin, IL – The Du Quoin State Fair announced .38 Special will give the 100th anniversary of the fair a rocking start when they headline the Roll-n-Up Beer Tent Stage on Friday, August 26. The Southern rock band will perform hits like Hold…
Read More »Now Hiring Seasonal Employees For Du Quoin State Fair
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture is seeking individuals for seasonal employment at the Du Quoin State Fair. Temporary employees are needed for the following areas: maintenance, customer service, cashier, ticket sales,…
Read More »Du Quoin State Fair Celebrating The 100th With $100,000 Standardbred Purse Increase
Du Quoin, IL – To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Du Quoin State Fair, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is increasing purse money by $100,000, which will be split between four championship races. The Governor’s Cup…
Read More »Tickets on Sale Thursday, May 19 at 10 A.M. for 2022 Pepsi Mid America River Radio Grandstand Concert Series
100 Days Out: Buy your concert tickets and enjoy some fair food DU QUOIN, IL – Excitement is building for the 100th anniversary of the Du Quoin State Fair. Tickets for the highly anticipated Pepsi Mid America River Radio Grandstand concert…
Read More »Du Quoin State Fair Announces Highly Anticipated Grandstand Lineup
Tickets Go on Sale May 19th Du Quoin, IL – The Du Quoin State Fair is excited to announce six acts scheduled to perform at the Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand. In addition to the Harness Racing, the ARCA and USAC races, the grandstand will…
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