Du Quoin State Fair announces 2026 theme days
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
DU QUOIN, Ill., (KBSI) — The Du Quoin State Fair has announced its theme days for the 2026 fair, highlighting veterans, agriculture, first responders, tourism and other groups throughout the 11-day event.
“Our theme days give visitors a chance to celebrate something that connects them to the Du Quoin State Fair,” Fair Manager Luke Davison said. “We want every guest to feel welcome and leave with memories that bring them back year after year.”
The 2026 theme days are:
* Friday, Aug. 28 — Family Night
* Saturday, Aug. 29 — Governor’s Day
* Sunday, Aug. 30 — Veterans Day
* Monday, Aug. 31 — Agriculture Day
* Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Republican Day
* Wednesday, Sept. 2 — Senior Day
* Thursday, Sept. 3 — Sponsor Appreciation Day
* Friday, Sept. 4 — Illinois Tourism Day
* Saturday, Sept. 5 — Coal Heritage Day and SIU College Day
* Sunday, Sept. 6 — First Responders Day
* Monday, Sept. 7 — Labor Day
The fair will officially open Friday, Aug. 28, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The Twilight Parade will begin at 6 p.m.
Sam Kuhnert of NubAbility will serve as grand marshal of the parade.
Admission to the fair is free. Parking will also be free Aug. 28.
For the remaining fair dates, parking will cost $15 at Gate 1 and $10 at all other gates.
More information is available at the Du Quoin State Fair website.
