Lake County Fairgrounds

Lake County Fairgrounds is a party rental and event venue in Grayslake, IL, serving the local community and surrounding areas with a wide range of event services. Located at 1060 E Peterson Rd, the facility hosts year-round events including the annual Lake County Fair, RV shows, boat shows, antiques and crafts fairs, corporate gatherings, social events, and fun runs. As a multi-purpose exposition and special event center, it features the largest Expo Hall between Milwaukee and Chicago, making it a premier destination for large-scale gatherings. The venue is managed by the Lake County Fair Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1929, which oversees operations and reinvests revenue into event programming and facility improvements. The fairgrounds are known for their strong community ties and long-standing tradition, with roots tracing back to the first Lake County Fair in 1851.

The Lake County Fairgrounds & Event Center is a self-supporting nonprofit that operates independently of government funding, relying on event revenues, membership dues, and facility rentals to sustain its programs. It serves as a hub for regional economic activity, drawing thousands of visitors annually. The site is equipped to accommodate a broad spectrum of events, from agricultural celebrations to trade shows and community fundraisers. Its central location in Grayslake provides easy access to major transportation routes, including interstate highways and commuter rail lines, and is within short driving distance of O’Hare and General Mitchell International Airports, Six Flags Great America, and over 8,000 hotel rooms.

The venue is situated on E Peterson Road, a key thoroughfare in Grayslake, and lies within a well-connected area of Lake County. Its proximity to the Prairie Crossing/Libertyville Metra train station enhances accessibility for visitors traveling from Chicago. The fairgrounds are designed to support large events with ample parking and infrastructure, though some areas are unpaved and may present challenges for wheelchair access. Despite this, the facility remains a trusted, community-focused space for gatherings that span generations. As a cornerstone of regional events, Lake County Fairgrounds stands as a vital and enduring institution in Grayslake.