County fairs are a summer staple in the Hoosier State. From 4-H projects and livestock to carnival rides and fair foods, there’s no shortage of fun experiences to be had at these gatherings across Indiana. Fair season in Indiana culminates with the Indiana State Fair, set for August 7-23 in Indianapolis.
Here’s your guide to northern Indiana county fairs you need to have on your radar this fair season.
Northern Indiana County Fair Cheat Sheet:
County | City | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
LaPorte | LaPorte | July 11-18 | Indiana’s oldest county fair |
Kosciusko | Warsaw | July 12-18 | Livestock and carnival rides |
Newton | Kentland | July 13-18 | Pumpkin contests |
Marshall | Argos | July 18-24 | Agricultural showcase |
Blackford | Hartford City | July 20-27 | 4-H and carnival rides |
Fulton | Rochester | July 11-18 | Autocross and demolition derby |
Benton | Boswell | July 14-19 | Agricultural showcase |
Elkhart | Goshen | July 24-August 1 | Concert series |
Tippecanoe | Lafayette | July 17-25 | Crafts and livestock |
Jasper | Rensselaer | July 25-August 1 | Grandstand events and fireworks |
Adams | Monroe | July 19-23 | Community fun |
Lake | Crown Point | August 7-16 | Petting zoo and fireworks |
Here’s a deeper dive on some of the fairs outlined above.
LaPorte County Fair
Website: https://lpfair.com/
When: July 11 - July 18
Where: LaPorte County Fairgrounds, 2581 IN-2, LaPorte, IN 46350
Special Offer: Free admission to veterans and active-duty military members on the fair's military appreciation day
The LaPorte County Fair is Indiana’s oldest county fair. Pioneerland, first introduced to LaPorte County Fair attendees in 1995, is one of the most unique attractions at the fair. It includes a log cabin, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse, post office, general store, farm bureau cabin, artisan barn, washhouse and other buildings depicting the 1800-1840s time period.
The grandstand hosts live music throughout fair week—check the lineup each summer.
Kosciusko County Fair
Website: https://newtoncountyfair.weebly.com/
When: July 12 - July 18
Where: Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E Smith St., Warsaw, IN 46580
Special Offers: Children aged 9 and under receive free admission; admission is $3 for seniors 65 and up; grandstand seating is free all week
The annual Kosciusko County Fair includes grandstand entry with the price of admission. Catch Xtreme Monster Madness (monster trucks) and the annual truck and tractor pulls during fair week.
Newton County Pun’Kin Vine Fair
Website: https://newtoncountyfair.weebly.com/
When: July 13 - July 18
Where: Newton County Fairgrounds, 12189 Punkin Vine Rd, Kentland, IN 47951
The annual Newton County Pun’Kin Vine Fair has grandstand events all week long, highlighted by a rodeo, dirt drag racing, and a demolition derby. Tickets are required to attend all grandstand events.
Blackford County Fair
Website: https://www.facebook.com/blackford4h/
When: July 20 - July 27
Where: Blackford County Fairgrounds, 310 E Park Ave, Hartford City, IN 47348
Enter the Cornhole Tournament, check out the Dress the Rabbit Contest in the Rabbit Barn, and don't miss the Kiddie Tractor Pull and the always-entertaining Kiss A Pig in the Show Arena.
Benton County Fair
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BentonCountyINFair/
When: July 14 - July 19
Where: Benton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2743 West State Road 352, Boswell, IN 47921
The BBQ Bash Cookout kicks off the fair, and other highlights include the Antique Tractor Parade and Go-Kart Races from the grandstands.
Elkhart County 4-H Fair
Website: https://www.4hfair.org/
When: July 24 - August 1
Where: Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Rd 34, Goshen, IN 46528 Special Offers: $5 admission, $5 food deals and FREE big wheel rides from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18
This is one of the nation’s biggest county fairs, welcoming an average of 200,000 attendees annually, and its grandstands concert series rivals that of any county fair in the state. The grandstand concert lineup is announced each summer. Those in the grandstands can also enjoy a drone show, rodeo, and demolition derby.
Tippecanoe County 4-H Fair
Website: https://tippe4hfair.org/
When: July 17 - July 25
Where: Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette, IN 47905
Special Offer: “Last Night Fair Special” means every carnival ride takes just one ticket on the fair's final night
Livestock shows take place every evening in the Coliseum, and during fair week there are three contests in the Coliseum you’ve got to see: pie eating, animal calling, and greased watermelon (it’s the unknown of what it is that’s intriguing).
Lake County Fair
Website: https://www.lake-county-fair.com/
When: August 7 - August 16
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S Court St., Crown Point, IN 46307
This is the only Indiana county fair that overlaps entirely with the Indiana State Fair, but for Hoosiers in the region that can’t make it to the state fair in Indianapolis, the Lake County Fair is a great alternative. The first Lake County Fair took place in 1852, and it has grown to become one of Indiana’s best county fairs. Grandstands events include monster truck shows, micro wrestling, and a demolition derby.
Fair-goer Checklist:
Check the forecast to know if inclement weather could interrupt fair plans.
Pack sunscreen and bug spray – you’ll be outdoors for hours!
Purchase carnival ride wristbands and parking in advance; they’re often discounted online.
The heart of county fairs are the 4-H barns and exhibits. Show them some love!
Most fair websites have some sort of special offer; take advantage before going!
Planning a Trip Down South?
If you're heading south, check out our full guide to Southern Indiana County Fairs for even more fried food, tractor pulls, and 4-H showcases across the Hoosier state.
Or explore other summer events and hidden gems in Southern Indiana to plan your road trip right.