Heart of Illinois Fair – 75 Years
The 2024 Heart of Illinois Fair celebrates 75 years running Tuesday, July 16 through Saturday, July 20 at Exposition Gardens on Northmoor Road in Peoria. With lots of live entertainment, you’ll find motor sports with tractor and truck pulls plus the demolition derby on Saturday night. The Miss HOI Fair Queen Pageant will take place on Tuesday at 6 pm in the Opera House.
The competitive events and livestock show are a staple of the HOI Fairs throughout the years. The various categories of the competitions include: beef, dairy, sheep, swine and junior swine plus home arts competitions in garden and ag products, floriculture, textiles, photography, food and hobbies.
And Fair Food Favorites will also be on hand for this iconic anniversary of the HOI Fair including Lemon Shake Ups, Funnel Cakes, Elephant Ears, Cotton Candy, Corn Dogs plus Pineapple Drinks and other Local Favorites.
Heart of Illinois Fair Special Attractions
New this year, is the Dinosaur Expedition, which will allow kids and parents to encounter life-size dinosaurs up to 35 feet high and 90 feet in length. Representing the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, the immersive exhibit will transport your family to a bygone era to a unique experience. This remarkable experience offers an authentic voyage into history, immersing you in the captivating world where Earth’s mightiest beings once roamed.
Attractions that are included with your Fair entry fee include:
 High Flying Pages Thrill Show |
Safari Sam and Oscar |
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UKC All-Breed Dog Show |
The High Flying Pages Thrill Show who have entertained internationally as part of circuses, fairs & festivals for over 30 years, will present their 30 min thrill show featuring the High Flying Trapeze and Globe Of Death.
Safari Sam and Oscar the Awesome Ostrich will be back again this year roaming the fairgrounds. He will pose for selfies, as well as steal 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.
And in the Dog Barn Exhibit Building you’ll find the UKC All-Breed conformation dog shows include tiny and giant breeds competing for championship points and the coveted title of Best of Show. There’s also a Best Puppy in Show competition.
2024 Heart of Illinois Fair Live Entertainment
On Tuesday, July 16th, you can participate in the Listening Room Mobile Open Mic Night will begin at 8 pm. On Wednesday, July 17th back by popular demand, the Bob Fish, Sound and Light at 8 pm. On Thursday, July 18th, the band Ryan Byfield and the Nuclei will perform at 8 pm. Broken Mojo will perform on Friday, July 19 at 8 pm and on the final night of the Fair, Harlem Hayfield will perform at 8 pm. All live performances will take place on the Entertainment Stage. All this is included with your gate admission.
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 15th, or $10 at the gate. A five day gate ticket is $30 through July 15th. Kids under 6 are free, kids aged 6 – 12 are $5. Advance tickets are available at https://www.heartofillinoisfair.com
