Heart of Illinois Fair 2023
The 2023 Heart of Illinois Fair will run Tuesday, July 18 through Saturday, July 22 at Exposition Gardens on Northmoor Road in Peoria. In its 74th year, the Heart of Illinois Fair has been a Peoria area staple for many decades. The grounds originally were out in the country and it was a major feat to convert the farmland it was originally into the fairgrounds and buildings we know today. Until the late 70s, the fair coincided with Caterpillar’s annual 2 week closure back in the day when there was no internet, cell phones, streaming entertainment, DVDs or CDs that we are used to today.
The Fair is organized and managed by a group of dedicated volunteers who work year-round to schedule the various elements from agriculture, to the Pageants, the carnival, the food, entertainment and all the other elements that happen during the fair.
Heart of Illinois Fair 2023 Attractions
New for 2023 are several attractions which are included with your Fair entry fee: The High Flying Pages Thrill Show performing their 30 min thrill show featuring the High Flying Trapeze and Globe Of Death. These artists have been entertaining internationally as part of circuses, fairs & festivals for over 30 years.
Safari Sam and Oscar the Awesome Ostrich will also be on hand roaming the fairgrounds interacting with fairgoers posing for selfies, stealing kisses and snacks and charming kids and adults alike.
The Noah’s Way Exotic Petting Zoo featuring their barnyard animals petting zoo plus Unique Twist Balloon Artists will on hand throughout the Fair.
The motorsports competitions will include tractor pull on Tuesday and Wednesday, a stock semi-truck pull on Thursday, and demo derbies with multiple categories on Friday & Saturday nights.
The traditional livestock competition will include beef, dairy, sheep, swine and junior swine. And home arts competitions in garden and ag products, floriculture, textiles, photography, food and hobbies will also be a part of the Heart of Illinois Fair.
Heart of Illinois Fair 2023 Live Entertainment
On Tuesday, July 18th, the Mobile Open Mic Night will begin at 8 pm. On Wednesday, July 19th you’ll be able to watch Todd’s Spectacular Light and Music Show at 8 pm. On Thursday, July 20th, the band Still Shine will perform at 8 pm. Broken Mojo will perform on Friday, July 21 at 8 pm and on the final night of the Fair, the band Hindsight will perform at 8 pm. All live performances will take place on the Entertainment Stage.
Make sure to visit the Dog House which is included in your gate admission in the Dog Barn with Dog Shows and dogs available for adoption. Check the Entertainment section of the HOI Fair website for a detailed schedule.
Heart of Illinois Fair 2023 Hours, Tickets & Discounts
The Heart of Illinois Fair will be open 4 – 10 pm on weekdays and Noon – 11 pm on Saturday. Admission to the fair is $8 through July 17th, or $10 at the gate. A five day gate ticket is $30 through July 17th. Kids under 6 are free, kids aged 6 – 12 are $5 and active duty military personnel with military ID are free. A carnival mega pass which includes unlimited rides for the entire fair is $60 (a $70 discount – does not include gate admission) through July 17th. Daily carnival arm bands are $25 from 4 – 10 pm Tuesday through Friday and $30 from Noon – 5 pm and $30 for 6 – 10 pm on Saturday in advance. Advance tickets are available at https://www.heartofillinoisfair.com
