Your Illinois State Fair Guide

The Illinois State Fair is one of the most attended events of the year in Springfield, Illinois. Enjoy 10 days of thrills, excitement, and attractions the whole family will enjoy. 

Grandstand Stage

Who's playing at the Grandstand this year?

The Grandstand stage has been host to many famous acts throughout the years and this year's schedule proves this year will be no different. Grandstand shows are designed to cater to everyone's unique musical tastes. Gates open one hour prior to show. Here's a breakdown of who's playing and when:  

Friday, August 14, 8:00 PM - Bailey Zimmerman

Saturday, August 15, 8:00 PM - Lainey Wilson

Sunday, August 16, 8:00 PM - Matchbox Twenty

Monday, August 17, 8:00 PM - 38 Special

Tuesday, August 18, 8:00 PM - Ziggy Marley

Thursday, August 20, 8:00 PM - The Avett Brothers

Friday, August 21, 8:00 PM - Ella Langley

Saturday, August 22, 8:00 PM - The Chicks

Sunday, August 23, 8:00 PM - Shinedown with From Ashes to New

What Grandstand tickets are available?

General Track Ticket areas are General Admission and are standing room only, which means no chairs are permitted. Grandstand also offers Blue Ribbon Zone seating, which are premium reserved tickets that include a bar stool seat at a high top table and a dedicated server. Drinks must be purchased for this seating.

For an additional $30, attendees will have the amazing opportunity to attend an exclusive pre-show party which includes early entry, food, entertainment and giveaways. Limited tickets available. 

All tickets are available online through Ticketmaster or through the Grandstand box office (open 8 AM to 5 PM on weekdays). 

Major Rides & Attractions

What is there to do? 

When it comes to activities, the fun-derful opportunities never end. 

• Butter Cow - Using 500 pounds of unsalted butter, the Butter Cow is a life-sized sculpture that's crafted by hand and has become an unofficial icon of the fair since the 1920's. Don't miss the unveiling inside the the Dairy Building. 
• Route 66 Experience - Take a walk through iconic Illinois Route 66 from Chicago to the Chains of Rocks Bridge and learn about the communities and attractions along the way in microform. Don't miss the Neon Sign Park!
• Conservation World - Take a trip into the wilderness to discover 30-acres of rolling hills and woodlands bringing the northwest corner of the fairgrounds to life and showing off the many vast wonders of the nature that surrounds you.
• Happy Hollow - Featuring water conservation, dinosaurs, exotic animal shows and even a strongman competition, Happy Hollow is home to many shows and events and a must-stop for any and all attendees. 
• Kid's Korner - Relax in the cooling station while your kids get face-painted and draw their own mural in this family-friendly area that's just for the kids. 
• Giant Slide - Emblazoned with the historic Route 66 logo, this fan favorite ride is one of the most recognizable features of the fairgrounds and is loved by kids and adults alike.

FREE Entertainment

What are the freebies?

Here's a quick roundup of the many shows, events and activities that are fun and totally FREE: 

• Apex Stage - Discover talented and hopeful youths and maybe tomorrow's biggest stars.
• Busch Light Tent - The Busch Light Tent provides live music and good times on the Avenue of Flags. 
• Coors Light Tent - Head over to the Coors Light Tent for live entertainment.
• Expo Building Stage - Explore a wide variety of shows, contests and talents - and don't miss the shopping and exhibits, too! 
• Grand Central Stage - Each night the stage will feature a spotlight artist performance and a wide variety of talent. 
• Hobbies, Arts, and Crafts: - A wide variety of shows, contests, and demonstrations await you at this stage. 
• Illinois Building - The Senior Center features interactive and informative displays and entertainment geared towards seniors. 
• Lincoln Stage - Across from The Shed, Lincoln Stage hosts a variety of top entertainers and contests. 
• Miller Tent - Shows, talents, and lots of good vibes will take place at this stage. 
• Surfside Social Club on Route 66 - By day, it's a laid-back social hub to enjoy a cold drink and live entertainment. As the sun sets, the energy turns up--neon lights glow, live music hits, and the Beer Garden comes alive.
• Village of Cultures - This stage is an opportunity for fairgoers to experience many cultural groups as they showcase the traditions of their countries as well as make available a wide variety of food with an international flair.

For more information on free activities and shows, head over to Free Entertainment Stages.

Auto Racing Events & Info

What racing events are scheduled?

Not only is Grandstand the stage for today's hottest musical acts at the fair, but it's also home to many auto and horse racing events. 

Saturday, August 22, 2:00 PM - USAC Bettenhausen 100

Sunday, August 23, 1:09 PM - ARCA 100 + Sportsman Nationals

What do racing tickets cost? 

Advanced ticket prices are on sale now for $25 per adult. Children (11 and under) are $10. Tickets are available in-person, by phone by calling the Illinois State Fair ticket office and online. 

If you're looking to opt for a pit pass, tickets are $40 per adult and are only sold on the day of the event. Two-day pit passes are available for $50. Infield tickets are also available and includes fair entrance fees for $20 per adult. Children under 5 are FREE.

Harness Racing

As mentioned, Grandstand is also the place for equine racing events. Known as one of the fastest dirt tracks globally, the Illinois racetrack hosts a large venue for great horse racing at this year's event. Plus, horse enthusiasts will get the chance to wager on their favorites and witness a possible Illinois record be broken. 

For more information regarding post times, entry fees and a full schedule list, head over to Harness Racing.  

Ticket Info & Prices

What does the fair cost? 

Tickets are $5 for individuals (13-59) from Sunday through Thursday and $10 on Fridays and Saturdays. Children under 12 are FREE and tickets for seniors who are 60 and older are $3.

Daily parking will be $5 and seasonal parking will be available for $40 at Gate 6.

How do the MEGA & JUMBO passes work?

You can opt for the 2026 MEGA Pass, which offers unlimited rides for ALL eleven days of the fair. Please note the MEGA Pass does not include Sky Glide or Giant Slide and does not include admission to the fair. Tickets are now available online or in-person in the Emmerson Building.  

The 2026 JUMBO Pass is perfect if you wish to elevate the fun at the fair this year to the max. The pass is perfect for unlimited rides for every day of the fair and includes the Giant Slide, too! Tickets are available online, as well, or in-person at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Looking for places to stay while visiting the fair? Springfield has the perfect array of diverse hotels and lodgings to suit the economic needs and preferred stays of all visiting families, couples and individuals alike. 

Comfort Inn & Suites® - Comfort takes a kitschy and historic form for fair-goers when visiting this Comfort Inn. It is just a 5 minute walk from the historic Route 66 and situated by the delicious Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum. Don't forget to check out the largest outdoor Route 66 shield in the US!

Crowne Plaza Springfield Conference Center - Fair-goers looking to unwind after the festivities will find solace at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center, which offers a fitness center, sauna, sundeck, and more. Plus, if you're looking to make the most of your trip to the fair this summer, Crown Plaza is also mere minutes away from the splashtastic waters of Knight's Action Park. 

Inn at 835 - Springfield's only nationally landmarked inn, the Inn at 835 is the perfect resting spot for history and architecture buffs among fair visitors. There are 4 rooms with beautiful verandas that provide an excellent place to relax and take in the nearby surroundings, which includes the Old State Capital. 

Pasfield House Inn - All that walking and thrill-seeking may require a more luxurious stay at the Pasfield House Inn. This historic bed and breakfast offers hospitality in a grandeur way by offering six roomy guest suites and is within walking distance of the Illinois State Museum. 

President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Go ham for Abraham when you visit the State Fair by staying at this beautiful, presidential-themed hotel, which is also a mere 5 minutes away from the beloved Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. 

Du Quoin State Fair

Looking to make the most of your trip? Check out the Du Quoin State Fair by US Route 51 from August 28 - September 7, 2026 and don't miss performances by Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard, Randy Houser, and more. Tickets are now available.