The smell of funnel cake creeps over the land, attracting people far and wide. Engines growl as demolition derby cars smash into each other with violent force. Screams echo as people spin in every direction on their conquest for thrill and adrenaline.

There is only one setting that this describes. The annual Du Quoin State Fair has finally made its way back to southern Illinois, and this year provides a wide assortment of activities for attendants to partake in.

The fair will run from Aug. 22 to Sept. 1 and is located on 750 acres in Du Quoin off of U.S. Highway 51 North.

This guide will provide a rundown of some of the major events taking place at this year’s fair.

Free music will be available to enjoy at the Beer Tent and Free Entertainment Tent. The fair will also hold various agricultural expos throughout the duration and plenty of motor sports. As always, various food vendors will be set up throughout the grounds as well as carnival rides for those of you who are thrill-seekers.

The Grandstand will play host to the biggest musical acts and events the fair has to offer. Below is a list of Grandstand concerts and events with correlating dates of occurrence and ticket prices.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office on site or by phone. The office will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday during the fair. To contact the office for phone payments, call 618-542-1515.

For more information visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture website.

Harness Racing

Aug. 22/7:00 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Harness Racing

Aug. 23/Noon

Tickets: Free

Foreigner

Aug. 23/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30/$25

Harness Racing

Aug. 24/Noon

Tickets: Free

Kenny Rogers

Aug. 24/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30/$25

Travis Tritt

Aug. 25/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30/$25

The Jon Henninger Band

Aug. 26/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10

USA Championship Wrestling Aug. 27/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $20/$10

.38 Special

Aug. 28/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30

Rodney Atkins

Aug. 29/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30/$25

KC & The Sunshine Band

Aug. 30/7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $30

USAC Car Racing

Aug. 31/8 p.m.

Tickets: $30

ARCA Car Racing

Sept. 1/12:15 p.m.

Tickets: $30

Nico & the Gringos

Sept. 1/7 p.m.

Free