2020 Illinois Fishing, Hunting and Outdoors Shows

Expo season is right around the corner and this year's list has some changes to it.  The Pantagraph's Fish and Feather expo will not being happening this year, along with the Elmwood All Outdoors Show.  You can read the Elmwood All Outdoors Show statement here.  

And The Outdoor Sports Group has an inaugural show at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. 

Here is a list of some of the expos we know that are coming up. Send us information for your expo. 

Each show has a clickable link which will take you to their website for more information.

- Let’s Go Fishing Show

Jan. 3 - 5th 2020

Gateway Center

Collinsville, IL

- Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show

Jan. 8 - 12th 2020

McCormick Place -South

Chicago, IL

- Sportsman Show

Jan. 12th 2020

Kane County Fairgrounds

St. Charles, IL

- All-Canada Show

Jan. 9 - 12th 2020

Pheasant Run Mega Center

St. Charles, Illinois

-Northern Illinois Sports Show

Jan. 16 - 19th 2020

Lake County Fairgrounds

Grayslake, IL

-Chicago Muskie Expo

Jan. 17 - 19th 2020

Pheasant Run Resort

St Charles, IL

-Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo

January 23 -26th 2020

Schaumburg Convention Center

Schaumburg, Illinois

-Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show

February 7 -9th 2020

Marion, Illinois

-Tinley Park Fishing Big Show 

February 8-9th 2020

Tinley Park High School

Tinley Park,Illinois

-Rockford Boat, Vacation & Fishing Show

Feb. 7 -9th 2020

Indoor Sports Center

Loves Park, Illinois

- The QCCA Expo Center Outdoor Show

Feb. 13 - 16th 2020

QCCA Expo Center

Rock Island, Illinois 

- 27th Annual Boat Show

Feb. 28 - March 1st 2020

Illinois State Fairgrounds

Springfield, Illinois

-Illinois Deer Classic
March 27 - 29, 2020
Peoria Civic Center

Scheels Fish Fest

March 2020

Springfield

-Northern Illinois Boat Show

March 5 - 8th 2020

New Lake County Fairgrounds

Grayslake, Illinois

-Fish and Hook Sport Show

March 14th 2020

VFW 5788

Lockport, Illinois

-Illinois Deer and Beer Fest

August 29 -30th

Interstate Center

Bloomington, Illinois

-SJR Outdoor Expo

September 2020

BOS Center

Springfield, IL

More shows and dates will be added as they become available. 

Deer and Beer Fest Rivals Fish and Feather Expo

This past weekend organizers opened the doors to the first annual Deer and Beer Fest held at the Interstate Center/ McLean County Fairgrounds.  "We planned this show in Bloomington for the same reason the Deer and Turkey Classic existed here successfully for so long. It’s roughly within an hour drive or less to Peoria, Springfield and Champaign." said Cole Thompson, event organizer.  While I know many people from these cities attended this fest, I also got word from our Chicago area readers that they took the trip down to enjoy a beautiful weekend talking hunting, fishing and the great outdoors as well.

Pumped and ready to start the show!

I've been to several great hunting and fishing shows across the country and in my opinion the Deer and Beer Fest competed with some of the best outdoor shows in Illinois.  Granted it's no SHOT SHOW or ICAST but, the atmosphere and energy was the same.  Not only from attendees but from the vendors themselves looked pumped and ready to go. There is already talk about expanding next year's show to include vendors outside throughout the other parts of the fairground.  "The McLean County Fairgrounds has over 100 acres of outdoor space with 50,000 sq ft indoors, and a 20,000sq ft pavilion area. There’s all kinds of opportunity for growth at this facility" said Thompson.

While many of us are used to our hunting and fishing shows in the winter, August is the month of cabin fever for hunters and that's why it was a great month for the show.   "Hunting season is right around the corner. Hunters are gearing up and ready to spend some cash on what they need or don’t need" said Thompson.  Although shows during the summer may not grow in the hunting community, maybe fishing shows will try this and see how it works on their end.

Attendees had the opportunity to win lots of goodies

As I walked in, it looked like any other show, however like the Energizer Bunny, rows kept going and going.  These rows were filled with quality products along with non-profits and businesses promoting their ideas and chasing the American dream.  Although many attendees came for the great deals on their hunting products, others came for the Big Buck Contest and Trophies of Grace did not disappoint. Luke Brewster's World Record Buck, harvested in Illinois, was also in attendance. Let me just say..WOW.   Nope- not putting a picture up of that monster, because like a sunset or sunrise, it's better in person, trust me!

Just some of the amazing deer on show from Trophies of Grace

If you missed this year don't worry! They'll be back and I'm excited as can be to see how this show grows.  However, I'm a little disappointed in one thing, no gutter guard companies at the show.  I mean, what's an outdoor show without them there?  Just in case some of you can't tell, that's sarcasm.  In all seriousness, this show met and exceeded my expectations and you should plan to take the whole family next year.

I applaud all the workers and vendors for making this an amazing show.   Makes sure to check them out the Deer and Beer Fest on Facebook.  SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!