08/27/2026
FREE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE DU QUOIN STATE FAIR
DU QUOIN, IL – Fairgoers at the 2026 Du Quoin State Fair will find no shortage of free entertainment throughout the grounds.
“Governor Pritzker has made affordability a priority for the Du Quoin State Fair, and our team has looked for every opportunity to deliver on that,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Admission is always free, and with a wide variety of performances and attractions available at no cost, families can enjoy a full day of fun without worrying about their wallets.”
Inside the free entertainment tent, located on the north side of the Midway, music acts for all ages entertain fairgoers looking to get out of the heat and off their feet. This tent offers plenty of room for little ones to move around, and plenty of seating to enjoy your favorite fair food.
Below are some highlights of free fair activities. Visit our website to find even more at About Free Entertainment.
Agri-Bot: a fully interactive educational exhibit that is designed to entertain and inform. This is a transforming Camaro bringing agriculture to life like never before seen. Located off Expo Drive near the Thank a Farmer area, fairgoers can come check it out Monday through Friday, Aug. 31 through Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. and on the weekends at 12 p.m.
Bubble Bus: Make sure to “pop” over to the Bubble Bus on Saturday, August 29 and Saturday, September 5 from 1 to 6 p.m. where a continuous sea of bubbles and music fill the air. Find the bus and so much more at the Free Entertainment Tent.
Duck Derby: This family event begins at 1 p.m. At 3 p.m., a minimum of 5,000 duckies splash into the pond and waddle their way to the finish line at the Lake near the Expo Hall. Don’t forget to adopt your duck.
Fisherman Dan’s OFF THE HOOK Show: Get ready to get “hooked, line and sinkered” with laughter. From contorting his body effortlessly through a tiny fishing net, balancing on his cutting board, straitjacket escape atop a 7-foot unicycle, Fisherman Dan does not disappoint. Catch his OFF THE HOOK Show on Main and Grandstand Avenue throughout the Fair.
Illinois Product Expo: Bringing together vendors with free food samples, kettle corn, soaps, lip balm, essential oil products, birdhouses, wood & gourd crafts, honey, jelly, salsa, seasonings, coffee, herbal tea and so much more. The Illinois Product Expo will be at the Expo Hall Friday, Sept. 4, 5–9 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Fairgoers can explore a 2,800-gallon Native Fish Aquarium, meet Conservation Police Officers, and explore so much more of the great outdoors! Events will be hosted on August 29 and 30 from 1–3 p.m. and 4–7:30 p.m., September 4 from 4–7:30 p.m., Sept. 5 from 1–3 p.m. and 4–7:30 p.m., Sept. 6 from 1–3 p.m. and 5–7:30 p.m., and Sept. 7 from 12–2 p.m.
Luca Chainsaw Carving: View custom carvings, signs and on-site art. Luca creates stunning chainsaw signs to catch the attention of passersby and add a touch of rustic charm to any setting. Find him Aug. 28, 29 and Sept. 1 through Sept. 4 at the Thank a Farmer location. Aug. 30 and Sept. 5-6 at the Midway Ave. location.
Monster Trucks: Performing FULL THROTTLE Monster Trucks will have their trucks parked by the asphalt pad near the beer tent for free photo opportunities from Aug. 28–31.
Pompeyo’s Dog Show: You won’t want to miss these paw-some performers! Watch as talented pups bring high-flying jumps, unbelievable tricks, plenty of personality and entertainment the whole family will love. These rescue dogs of all sizes are carefully trained to their natural abilities and individual talents and have delighted audiences all over the world. Two shows a day with three shows on the weekend, located just off Expo Drive.
Pro Wrestling Epic: You don’t want to miss out on this epic high-flying, body-slamming entertainment located on Grandstand Avenue. Friday, Aug. 28 following the parade; and Monday, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m.
The Rusty Truck Vintage Market: Shop this vintage market Friday, August 28 from 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, August 29 from 12–10 p.m.; and Sunday, August 30 from 12–8 p.m. Shop local and support small businesses.
Saluki Central at the Fair: If you are looking for information about SIU Carbondale, Saluki Central is the place to go. The SIU Alumni Association will provide information and swag; University Bookstore will have Saluki apparel and gifts. Saluki Athletics will feature ticket promotions and sales and will be located at the south Roundhouse on Grandstand Avenue. The Roundhouse will be open August 25 to 28 from 4–9 p.m., August 29 to 30 from 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and on September 7 from 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Scronce Caricature Art: Erin Scronce is a local caricature artist who will be creating quick 10-minute drawings during the Fair. Stop by and check out her artwork and become her next project. Located on Grandstand Avenue.
Show-Me Safari’s Petting Zoo: Interact with a variety of animals in a safe, educational environment. Located on Expo Drive. Open at 4:00 p.m. on August 28 and 11 a.m. during rest of the fair.
Thank-a-Farmer: A free educational hands-on exhibit. Children of all ages become farm hands as they experience the agricultural process from beginning to end. Fairgoers can check out this exhibit starting at 11 a.m. on weekends, or 4 p.m. from Aug. 31 through Sept. 4, located on Expo Drive.
Xtreme Strong Man: This impressive exhibit blends raw physical power with entertainment, such as pulling vehicles using a mouth harness, breaking chains with his chest, driving nails and juggling massive tires. This exhibition can be seen three times a day on the asphalt pad located off North Main Street next to the beer tent beginning Thursday, Sept. 3.
Wander Community Arts: A free, interactive art area where kids, as well as adults, can create, learn and express creativity, located at the SIU Dome on Main Street north. Open weekdays 5–9 p.m.; Weekends 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Labor Day 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
The Du Quoin State Fair runs from August 28 through September 7. Admission to the fair is free, and parking is free on August 28. For remaining fair dates, parking is $15 for Gate 1, and $10 for all other gates. Please visit dsf.illinois.gov for additional information.
