May 24, 2026 — The countdown has begun for the 170th Annual Macon County Fair, taking place May 31 through June 7 at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Decatur.
The fair will feature carnival rides, games, food and commercial vendors, livestock shows, harness racing, and grandstand events throughout the week. Gate admission is $5 per person, with children under 4 admitted free. Parking will be available on the fairgrounds.
New this year, the public may enter competitions in categories including potted houseplants, cut flowers, corn, soybeans, oat seeds, and culinary items such as breads, rolls, muffins, pies, cakes, brownies, canned vegetables, jams, and marmalades. Winners may receive ribbons and premium money. Entry forms and additional information are available on the fair website.
SUNDAY
The fair begins Sunday, May 31 with the Jr. Jackpot Beef Show at the Dipper Barn. Steers and heifers will be judged beginning at 10:30 a.m., continuing for approximately half the day.
MONDAY
The Downstate Classic Harness Racing will be held Monday, June 1 at 4:30 p.m. in the grandstand. Admission is $10 for adults and children 12 and older, $6 for children ages 5–11, and free for children under 4. Attendees are encouraged to wear derby hats, with a gift basket awarded through a drawing.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday, June 2, Illinois Standardbred Association (ISA) Harness Racing begins at 10:30 a.m. in the grandstand. Admission is $5 per person.
WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, June 3, commercial and food vendors, along with carnival rides, will open at 5:00 p.m.
Rabbit judging begins at 6:00 p.m., with a second rabbit show scheduled for Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m.
The Macon County Queen Pageant will be held Wednesday evening in the grandstand. The Little Miss pageant begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Junior Miss and Miss pageants at 7:15 p.m. Twenty-four contestants are expected. Admission is $7 per person, with children 2 and under admitted free.
Also new this year, a Macon County Fair King and Queen will be selected based on fundraising totals, with a donation deadline of June 3.
Fireworks will follow the pageant in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
THURSDAY
On Thursday, Pride of the Prairie Peewee Showmanship and Junior Market Goat Shows begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by the Jr. Jackpot Market Goat Show at 6:00 p.m.
Ranch Horse Sorting will also take place at 6:00 p.m. in the horse arena.
Country artist Bayker Blankenship will perform in the grandstand. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
On Friday, June 5, the T & A Bucking Bulls rodeo begins at 7:00 p.m. in the grandstand. Sheep riding for children ages 8 and under (70-pound limit) will be offered, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m.
A country line dancing event will follow from 8:00 to 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Saturday events begin with poultry judging at 8:00 a.m., followed by exhibition bird judging and a rabbit show at 9:00 a.m.
The Decatur Trail Riders Horse Memorial Jackpot Speed Show begins at 11:00 a.m. in the East Arena. The Beer & Bags Tournament begins at noon.
Additional activities include a Touch-A-Truck display, a children’s education area open from noon to 3:00 p.m., and 4-H and agricultural education exhibits available throughout the fair.
The ITPA Truck and Tractor Pulls begin at 7:00 p.m. in the grandstand. Admission is $15 for adults and children 12 and older, $6 for ages 5–11, and free for children under 4. Pit passes are $25, and infield parking is $50 per vehicle.
A karaoke competition will follow at approximately 9:00 p.m., with a $100 first-place prize.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, June 7, the Jr. Jackpot Swine Show begins at 9:00 a.m., including a hog calling contest with youth and adult divisions and a $10 entry fee.
The Tot-Rod Kids Pedal Pull begins at 1:00 p.m., with registration opening at 12:30 p.m. for children ages 3–12.
The Sale of Champions begins at 4:00 p.m. in the Dipper Barn, recognizing grand and reserve champion exhibitors. Winning bids are awarded to exhibitors for educational purposes.
The fair concludes with a demolition derby beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the grandstand, preceded by Kid’s Power Wheels events at 5:00 p.m. Admission follows the same pricing structure as Saturday’s grandstand event.
Additional attractions throughout the week include carnival rides, antique tractor displays, food vendors, commercial exhibits, and a virtual reality harness racing experience under the grandstand. Fair schedules, tickets, and updates are available at www.maconcountyfair.com and through the Macon County Fairgrounds Facebook page.
