SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois State Fair is almost here, and we’ve packed this year with more flavor, fun, and fair favorites than ever before. Whether you come for the thrills, the eats, or the entertainment, you’re in for something unforgettable. Here’s your exclusive look at what’s waiting just beyond the gate.
We’ve got some big new additions this year—including a few you definitely haven’t seen before:
Dolly Days: Celebrate imagination and reading with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library inside the Sensory Station. Storytimes daily at 2 p.m.
Dill-inois State Fair Pickleball Showdown: Whether you’re smashing serves or just here for the puns, this brand-new competition is a big dill! Register now or come and watch the competition Saturday, August 16 in the Orr Building starting at 10 a.m.
Cheer & Dance Competition: Watch squads bring the heat in a high-energy showcase of spirit and skill Sunday August 17 in the Illinois Building starting at 2 p.m. Best in Show will be awarded in each division based on audience participation, so make sure to bring your friends and families to cheer for these competitors!
Craft Beer Competition: Raise a glass to local flavor and see who hops away with the top prize, because *you* are the judge. August 8 & 9 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in The Shed, buy a pint or snag a “Sample Pass” to sip your way across 10 different 5-ounce samples from some of the best breweries Illinois has to offer!
They’re back! The Budweiser Clydesdales return to stomp through the fairgrounds in majestic fashion. Don’t miss your chance to see them up close in Barn 118 at Avenue of Flags.
From rodeo thrills to rock-and-roll, our lineup is stacked:
Grandstand Highlights: Jake Owen, The Chainsmokers, Def Leppard, The Black Crowes and more! 🎫 Get your tickets now at Ticketmaster.
Arena Action: Monster Trucks, Tractor Pulls, and Demo Derby Cars—bring your earplugs and your adrenaline. 🎟️ Grab tickets now!
Free Concert Series: Enjoy 11 nights of free concerts under the Reisch Pavilion on the Grand Central Stage! Check out the line up: https://statefair.illinois.gov/entertainment/freestages/risingstar.html
Hungry for something new? This year’s food lineup features must-try vendors, including but not limited to:
Cheesed Out – grilled cheese with attitude
Eggroll LOVE – fusion flavor in a crispy wrap
Jerk Joint – Caribbean spice meets fairground fun
Mr. Pork Belly – pork perfection, every way you can imagine
Don’t miss the Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food contest on Friday, August 8 to see who walks away with the coveted culinary bragging rights!
Every single day brings something new—and it won’t cost you a anything extra:
Big Top Adventures Circus – high-flying thrills under the tent
Boom! LED Percussion Light Hype Show – music, lights, and energy
Off Axis Stunt Show – high-flying acrobatics meets BMX, parkour, and jaw-dropping tricks
Extreme Dog Stunt Show – fast-paced canine stunts that’ll leave you cheering
Free stages all over the fairgrounds with magicians, contests, and musical rising stars
Don’t forget to hop on a *FREE* tram to help you navigate the fairgrounds. Running all 11 days of the Illinois State Fair.
Snag your Mega Pass ($80) or Jumbo Pass ($90) before they go up to $100/$110 on August 1. That’s unlimited rides for all 11 days of the fair, so don’t wait! 🎟️ Get your passes now!
For more information, visit www.statefair.illinois.gov