About Elkhart County 4-H Fair
The Elkhart County 4-H Fair fills the fairgrounds on County Road 34 in Goshen for nine days each summer and draws an average of about 200,000 people. The fair's roots go back to 1851, when it was held on the courthouse lawn in Goshen. It has been held every year at the present grounds since 1908, 4-H joined in 1927, and the fair marked its 150th edition in 2023.
In 2026 the fair runs Friday, July 24, through Saturday, August 1, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Days revolve around the youth exhibits and livestock barns, with the dairy, swine, lamb and poultry barns and Ag Hall all part of the grounds. The grandstand hosts headline concerts along with a demolition derby, rodeo, tractor pull and monster trucks, and there is a carnival midway, a long food row and programs at Heritage Park.
Outside fair week the grounds stay busy with RV rallies, auto events and community gatherings. Public RV camping runs March 1 through November 30, except on blocked dates, which in 2026 include July 6 through September 7 around the fair. Back-in sites with water and 30 amp power are $40 a night and water, sewer and 50 amp sites are $53, plus tax, by reservation through the office.
Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender Farm & Apothecary in LaGrange is about 35 minutes east, a quieter stop to add after a day at the fair.
What to do
- Walk the 4-H livestock barns and youth exhibits in late July
- Catch a grandstand concert, rodeo, tractor pull or demolition derby
- Eat your way down the fair's food row
- Ride the carnival midway
- Camp in an RV on the grounds between March and November
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Fair runs nine days in late July (July 24–August 1, 2026); public RV camping March 1–November 30 outside blocked dates
- Hours
- 2026 fair: daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m., July 24–August 1
Tips for your visit
- Grandstand shows are ticketed separately, so buy those in advance for headline acts
- RV campers need a reservation and should bring a Y-valve, since most water hydrants are shared
- Public RV camping is not available during fair season (July 6–September 7 in 2026)
Pair it with a lavender farm
Bloomfield Schoolhouse Lavender Farm & Apothecary · about 35 minutes away
After a morning at the fair, drive about 35 minutes east to LaGrange to browse Bloomfield Schoolhouse's lavender goods.
Getting there
Questions
When is the 2026 Elkhart County 4-H Fair?
Friday, July 24, through Saturday, August 1, 2026, open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Can I camp at the fairgrounds?
Yes. Public RV camping runs March 1 to November 30 except blocked dates, at $40 or $53 a night plus tax in 2026; reservations are required and tents are not allowed.
How old is the fair?
The first Elkhart County fair was held in 1851, and the 150th fair took place in 2023.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of LaGrange & Shipshewana, Indiana
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
