Illinois State Fair

06/19/2026

🏇 Feel the thunder of the hooves and the excitement of the race!

Harness Racing returns to the Illinois State Fair, giving fairgoers the chance to watch some of Illinois' finest horses compete on the fastest dirt track in the world. Best of all, admission to the races is FREE, and pari-mutuel wagering is available for fans looking to test their luck.

Whether you're a lifelong racing fan or experiencing the sport for the first time, there's nothing quite like the sights, sounds, and speed of Harness Racing at the Illinois State Fair.

Who are you bringing to the track? 🏇💨 Learn more at https://statefair.illinois.gov/entertainment/harnessracing.html

06/18/2026

🤠 Hold on tight—the Illinois State Fair Rodeo is riding into The Arena for two action-packed nights!

Presented by Wooten Rodeo Co., Rodeo Nights return Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14, 2026. Watch top cowboys and cowgirls compete in thrilling rodeo events

🚪 Gates open at 6:30 PM
🕢 Show starts at 7:30 PM
🎟️ $10 Adults | $5 Children
⚠️ Fair admission is NOT included with event ticket
📍 The Arena

Bring the family and experience one of the Fair's most exciting traditions! This is a general admission seating event, so grab your tickets at Ticketmaster.com and get ready for a wild ride.

06/17/2026

🎤✨ Think you've got what it takes to shine on the Illinois State Fair stage? We KNOW you do!

Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, or perform with a group, this is your chance to showcase your talent in front of a live audience at the Illinois State Fair.

Divisions include:
🎶 Vocal Solo
🎤 Vocal Group
🎸 Instrumental
💃 Dance Solo
🕺 Dance Group

Categories are available for performers 12 & under and ages 13–18.

Don't miss your shot at Fair fame 🌟 All entries must be turned into the Special Events Office by close of business on July 22, 2026. Visit StateFair.Illinois.gov to learn more.

06/16/2026

Fast-rising country duo Lakeview is bringing their high-octane sound to the Grand Central Stage as part of the Illinois State Fair Free Concert Series — and you can see them FREE with fair admission.

Known for blending the grit of modern country with the intensity of metalcore, Lakeview — Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy — have racked up more than 140 million streams and built a passionate fanbase across the country. After touring their debut album worldwide and sharing stages with artists like Nickelback, Staind, Dustin Lynch, and Warren Zeiders, the duo is ready to bring the party to Springfield.

🗓️ Sunday, August 16
⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Grand Central Stage
🎟 FREE with fair admission

06/16/2026

🎟️ Mega & Jumbo Pass Holders: Mark Your Calendars!

Pass redemption began yesterday, June 15, 2026, at the Illinois State Fair Credentials Office during regular office hours (Monday–Friday, excluding holidays).

To know before you visit:
✅ You'll need the digital ticket from your Etix confirmation email
✅ The passholder must be present
✅ A photo will be taken and your printed Mega or Jumbo Pass will be issued on-site

⚠️ Important: Mega and Jumbo Passes cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced, so please keep your pass in a safe place once issued.

Can't find your Etix confirmation email? Look up your order here: statefair.illinois.gov/etix.html

Need assistance? Contact the Credentials Office:
📧 [email protected]
📞 (217) 782-0775

Thank you for your patience as we continue our transition to the new Etix digital ticketing system. We can't wait to see you at the 2026 Illinois State Fair!

06/15/2026

🍝 Munchie Monday: Twisted Pasta 🍝

Pasta... but make it fair food. 😏

From their famous garlic bread pasta cones and hearty pasta bowls to spaghetti grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade meatballs, and scratch-made sauces, they're serving Italian comfort food with a fair-food twist.

Whether you're team marinara, team alfredo, or just here for the carbs, this is one stop you'll want on your Fair food bucket list.

📍Find Twisted Pasta on Grandstand Ave. just south of the Grandstand & north of tunnel to the infield
🍝 Which would you try first: a pasta cone, a pasta sandwich, or a classic bowl?

06/13/2026

💰 Want to save money before you even walk through the gates?

An Illinois State Fair Admission Bundle is just $45 for 11 admissions — that's less than $4.10 per visit! 🎟️

And Seasonal Parking is only $40 for all 11 days — about $3.64 per day! 🚗

Whether you're coming for the food, rides, concerts, livestock shows, or all of the above, buying ahead means more money left for corn dogs and lemon shake-ups. 🌽🍋

Get your bundles now and start saving before the Fair begins!

06/12/2026

🎩✨A fan favorite is returning to the Illinois State Fair!

Keep an eye out for Kardenni, whose blend of magic, storytelling, and audience interaction has amazed fairgoers year after year. Catch him during scheduled stage performances or as he roves the fairgrounds performing incredible close-up magic right before your eyes.

The best surprises at the fair are free—and sometimes they're magical. ✨

06/12/2026

👍UPDATE: The Box Office is open today, Friday June 12th!

⚠️⚠️⚠️
Overnight weather events have resulted in a loss of power to the Fairgrounds today, June 11. Power is not expected to be restored until this evening.

Accordingly, access to the Emmerson Building and Grandstand Box Office is restricted at this time.

06/12/2026

💥 Crashes. Smashes. Total mayhem. 🤯

The Demolition Derby returns to The Arena on Saturday, August 22, and it's one of the loudest, wildest nights of the Illinois State Fair!

🏁 Power Wheels Derby – 5:00 PM
🚗 Demolition Derby – 6:00 PM
🚪 Gates open 1 hour before the event

Grab your tickets now through Ticketmaster and get ready for an evening of flying fenders, crunching metal, and nonstop excitement!