Belvidere, Illinois — The Boone County Fair Association invites families from throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the 2026 Boone County Fair, August 11-16, at 8847 Rt 76.
This year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes & Fair Delights!”, highlights the nation’s Semiquincentennial while celebrating one of America’s greatest traditions—the county fair.
The 2026 fair will also commemorate two significant milestones: the 50th Anniversary of the Boone County Fair Draft Horse Show and the 50th Anniversary of the relocation and restoration of the Reed Schoolhouse.
The Draft Horse Show has featured teams of Belgian, Percheron, and Clydesdale breeds from across the country and even Canada throughout the years to become one of the finest events of its kind in the Midwest.
The Reed Schoolhouse is an authentic 19th century Boone County one-room schoolhouse, which continues to serve as a permanent historical exhibit on the fairgrounds and free to tour during the fair.
Grandstand Shows include:
• Tuesday – Queen & Little Miss Pageant
• Wednesday – Banda Nueva Raza
• Thursday – Truck & Tractor Pulls All Day
• Friday – Next Level Professional Bull Riding
• Saturday – Two D&D Professional Rodeos
• Sunday – Two Demo Derbies
Visitors will enjoy 100 acres packed with livestock shows, home arts and agricultural exhibits, hundreds of vendors, free entertainment and attractions, delicious food, and Skinner’s huge midway & carnival.
General admission is just $10 for everyone age 11 and older. Children 10 and under are admitted free every day as well as active military with ID. Seniors age 65 and older receive free admission all day Thursday.
Grandstand show tickets and season tickets go on sale Saturday, July 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Boone County Fairgrounds Ticket Office. Additional ticket office hours, ticket information, and event details can be found at www.boonecountyfair.com
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