About This Festival

The St. Joseph County 4-H Fair is a traditional agricultural and community fair held annually at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 Ironwood Road in South Bend, Indiana. The 2025 fair marks its 100th anniversary, running from June 27 to July 5, celebrating a century of this local heritage event.

The fair has a vibrant community atmosphere with a broad range of activities and entertainment including:

  • Live music performances
  • Free daily entertainment
  • Carnival rides offering traditional fair fun
  • Commercial and craft vendors showcasing local products and crafts
  • 4-H exhibits and shows featuring youth agricultural projects and competitions
  • Antique tractor displays reflecting the region’s agricultural history
  • Youth Talent Contest
  • Parades and a Queen Pageant
  • Open class exhibitions and Little Hands activities for younger children

The fairgrounds are fully handicapped accessible and offer camping opportunities, enhancing the visitor experience. Admission requires a charge, ensuring the fair’s sustainability and quality programming.

The overall vibe of the event is festive, community-centered, and family-friendly, blending agricultural traditions with entertainment and local culture.

Rough Schedule Highlights (2025)

  • The fair runs daily from June 27 through July 5, with a mix of concerts, contests, rides, and exhibitions.
  • The Youth Talent Contest, parades, and the Queen Pageant occur on specific dates within this period.
  • Live music and free entertainment are scheduled throughout the day.
  • Specific show and exhibit schedules, including 4-H competition times, can be found on the official fair website.

History and Founding

  • The St. Joseph County 4-H Fair was founded a century ago to promote youth development through agricultural education and community engagement.
  • It has grown from a purely agricultural showcase to a broader community fair with entertainment, crafts, and cultural events while maintaining strong 4-H youth involvement.
  • It remains a key annual event for St. Joseph County, fostering community pride and youth development.

This event combines the traditional agricultural fair spirit with modern-day family entertainment, making it a significant cultural and social highlight of the South Bend area each summer.