The Illinois State Fair is an annual event that showcases the best of the state, from agriculture and livestock to food and entertainment. This exciting event draws millions of visitors each year, providing a chance to experience Illinois’s rich culture and heritage.

In this article, we will provide all the essential information you need to know about the Illinois State Fair 2024, including dates, location, ticket prices, and some highlights of the fair. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with fun, food, and entertainment!

The Illinois State Fair 2024 will take place from Thursday, August 8th, to Monday, August 19th, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois. The fairgrounds are easily accessible by car, public transportation, or even plane, making it convenient for visitors from all over the state and beyond.

Illinois State Fair 2024 Dates

Save the dates for 12 days of fun!

• When: August 8th – 19th, 2024
• Where: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
• Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for children
• Hours: 7am – 11pm daily
• Grandstand Shows: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and more!
• Special Events: Demolition Derby, Truck Pull, Baby Contest
• Food and Drinks: Corn dogs, funnel cakes, and much more!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Illinois State Fair 2024!

When: August 8th – 19th, 2024

Mark your calendars for 12 days of fun and excitement at the Illinois State Fair 2024! This annual extravaganza will take place from Thursday, August 8th, to Monday, August 19th, 2024, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.

The fairgrounds will be buzzing with activities from morning till night. Gates open daily at 7am and close at 11pm, giving you ample time to explore everything the fair has to offer. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, an animal enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun family day out, the Illinois State Fair has something for everyone.

Admission to the fair is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are admitted free. You can purchase tickets online or at the gate. Once inside, you’ll have access to all the exhibits, shows, and entertainment the fair has to offer, including concerts, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, food vendors, and more.

One of the highlights of the Illinois State Fair is the Grandstand Concert Series. This year’s lineup includes country music stars Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, as well as pop sensation Taylor Swift. Tickets for the Grandstand shows are sold separately from fair admission tickets, so be sure to purchase yours in advance to avoid disappointment.

With its wide range of attractions and entertainment, the Illinois State Fair 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Mark your calendars and get ready for 12 days of fun and excitement!

Where: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield

The Illinois State Fairgrounds is a sprawling 366-acre complex located in Springfield, Illinois, the state capital. It is home to a variety of buildings and facilities, including the Grandstand, the Coliseum, the Exposition Building, and the Orr Building. The fairgrounds also features a large midway, a livestock show area, and numerous food and beverage vendors.

The Illinois State Fairgrounds is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or even plane. If you’re driving, you can take Interstate 55 or Interstate 72 to Springfield. Once in Springfield, follow the signs to the fairgrounds. There is ample parking available on-site for a fee.

If you’re taking public transportation, you can take the Amtrak train to Springfield and then take a taxi or bus to the fairgrounds. You can also take the Greyhound bus to Springfield and then transfer to a local bus that will take you to the fairgrounds.

If you’re flying, the closest airport to the Illinois State Fairgrounds is Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI), which is located about 10 miles from the fairgrounds. You can take a taxi or Uber from the airport to the fairgrounds.

Once you arrive at the fairgrounds, you’ll find a wide range of attractions and entertainment to enjoy. Be sure to check out the Grandstand shows, the livestock competitions, the agricultural displays, the food vendors, and the midway.

With its convenient location and abundance of things to see and do, the Illinois State Fairgrounds is the perfect place to host the Illinois State Fair. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor from out of town, you’re sure to have a great time at the fair.

Admission: $12 for adults, $6 for children

Admission to the Illinois State Fair 2024 is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are admitted free. This admission ticket gives you access to all the exhibits, shows, and entertainment the fair has to offer, including concerts, livestock competitions, agricultural displays, food vendors, and more.

• Adults: $12

  Anyone aged 13 and over is considered an adult and must pay the full admission price of $12.

• Children: $6

  Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are eligible for the discounted admission price of $6.

• Children under 5: Free

  Children under the age of 5 are admitted to the fair for free.

• Grandstand Shows:

  Admission to the Grandstand shows is not included in the general admission ticket price. Tickets for the Grandstand shows are sold separately and range in price from $20 to $100.

You can purchase tickets online or at the gate. If you purchase your tickets online, you can save money on the admission price. You can also purchase a Mega Pass, which gives you unlimited admission to the fair for all 12 days, as well as access to the Grandstand shows. The Mega Pass is a great option for families who plan on attending the fair multiple times.

Hours: 7am – 11pm daily

The Illinois State Fair 2024 will be open daily from 7am to 11pm. This gives you plenty of time to explore everything the fair has to offer, from the livestock competitions to the food vendors to the Grandstand shows.

• Early risers:

  If you’re an early riser, you can take advantage of the fair’s early opening hours to beat the crowds and get a head start on your day.

• Night owls:

  If you’re a night owl, you can stay at the fair until closing time and enjoy the evening entertainment, including the Grandstand shows and the midway rides.

• Families:

  The fair is a great place for families to spend a day together. With something for everyone to enjoy, you can easily spend an entire day at the fair without getting bored.

• Special events:

  The fair also hosts a number of special events throughout the day, including parades, concerts, and livestock competitions. Be sure to check the fair schedule to see what special events are happening on the day you plan to visit.

With its long hours and variety of attractions, the Illinois State Fair 2024 is the perfect place to spend a summer day or evening.

Grandstand Shows: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and more!

The Illinois State Fair 2024 Grandstand Concert Series is a star-studded lineup that features some of the biggest names in country music and beyond. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

• Brad Paisley:

  Country music superstar Brad Paisley is known for his energetic live shows and his chart-topping hits, including “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “Mud on the Tires,” and “Then.” Paisley is sure to put on a show that will have the whole crowd singing and dancing.

• Carrie Underwood:

  Carrie Underwood is one of the most successful country music artists of all time, with seven Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades to her name. She is known for her powerful vocals and her hits, including “Before He Cheats,” “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and “Something in the Water.” Underwood’s Grandstand show is sure to be a night to remember.

• More to come:

  The Illinois State Fair Grandstand Concert Series lineup is still being finalized, but there are sure to be more big names announced in the coming months. Keep an eye on the fair’s website for updates.

Tickets for the Grandstand shows are sold separately from fair admission tickets. Prices range from $20 to $100, depending on the artist and the seat location. Tickets can be purchased online or at the fairgrounds.

Special Events: Demolition Derby, Truck Pull, Baby Contest

In addition to the Grandstand shows, the Illinois State Fair 2024 will also feature a variety of special events, including the Demolition Derby, the Truck Pull, and the Baby Contest.

• Demolition Derby:

  The Demolition Derby is a classic fairground event that pits drivers against each other in a battle of destruction. Drivers compete to be the last car standing, and the crowd cheers them on as they smash into each other. The Demolition Derby is always a popular event, and it’s sure to be a highlight of the 2024 Illinois State Fair.
• Truck Pull:

  The Truck Pull is another popular fairground event that showcases the strength of both man and machine. Teams of drivers compete to pull a heavy sled a certain distance in the shortest amount of time. The Truck Pull is a great way to see some of the most powerful trucks in the country, and it’s sure to get the crowd excited.

• Baby Contest:

  The Baby Contest is a fun and heartwarming event that celebrates the cutest babies at the fair. Babies are judged on their overall appearance, personality, and stage presence. The Baby Contest is a great way to show off your little one and maybe even win a prize.

These are just a few of the many special events that will be happening at the Illinois State Fair 2024. Be sure to check the fair schedule to see what other events are happening on the day you plan to visit.

Food and Drinks: Corn dogs, funnel cakes, and much more!

No visit to the Illinois State Fair is complete without trying some of the delicious food and drinks that are available. From classic fairground favorites to unique and innovative dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

• Corn dogs:

  Corn dogs are a classic fairground food that consists of a hot dog on a stick, coated in a cornmeal batter and deep-fried. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and they’re always a popular choice at the Illinois State Fair.

• Funnel cakes:

  Funnel cakes are another fairground favorite. They’re made from a batter that is poured into a hot oil funnel, creating a crispy, funnel-shaped pastry. Funnel cakes can be topped with a variety of things, such as powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or fruit.

• Pork chop on a stick:

  Pork chop on a stick is a unique and delicious Illinois State Fair food. It consists of a pork chop that is marinated and grilled, then served on a stick. Pork chop on a stick is a great way to get your protein fix at the fair.

• Elephant ears:

  Elephant ears are a large, flat pastry that is made from a dough that is fried and then coated in cinnamon sugar. Elephant ears are a popular choice for breakfast or a snack at the fair.

These are just a few of the many food and drink options that will be available at the Illinois State Fair 2024. Be sure to come hungry and thirsty, and be prepared to try something new!

FAQ

Have questions about the Illinois State Fair 2024? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Question 1: When and where is the Illinois State Fair 2024?
Answer 1: The Illinois State Fair 2024 will take place from Thursday, August 8th, to Monday, August 19th, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois.

Question 2: How much is admission to the Illinois State Fair 2024?
Answer 2: Admission to the fair is $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. Children under 5 are admitted free.

Question 3: What are the hours of the Illinois State Fair 2024?
Answer 3: The fair is open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Question 4: What are some of the highlights of the Illinois State Fair 2024?
Answer 4: Some of the highlights of the fair include the Grandstand shows, the livestock competitions, the agricultural displays, the food vendors, and the midway.

Question 5: Who is performing at the Grandstand shows in 2024?
Answer 5: The Grandstand Concert Series lineup for 2024 has not been announced yet, but it is sure to feature some of the biggest names in music.

Question 6: What are some of the special events happening at the Illinois State Fair 2024?
Answer 6: Some of the special events happening at the fair include the Demolition Derby, the Truck Pull, and the Baby Contest.

Question 7: What kind of food and drinks can I find at the Illinois State Fair 2024?
Answer 7: You can find a wide variety of food and drinks at the fair, including classic fairground favorites like corn dogs, funnel cakes, and pork chop on a stick, as well as unique and innovative dishes from local vendors.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ: We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about the Illinois State Fair 2024. For more information, please visit the fair’s official website.

Now that you know the basics about the Illinois State Fair 2024, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Illinois State Fair 2024:

Tip 1: Plan ahead.
Check the fair’s website or social media pages to see what events and activities are happening on the day you plan to visit. This will help you make the most of your time at the fair.

Tip 2: Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking at the fair, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You don’t want to be blisters ruining your day.

Tip 3: Bring sunscreen and a hat.
The Illinois sun can be strong, especially in August. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat.

Tip 4: Stay hydrated.
It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Bring a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.

Tip 5: Take breaks.
There’s a lot to see and do at the fair, but it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. Find a shady spot to rest and refuel before continuing your exploration.

Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a fun and safe visit to the Illinois State Fair 2024.

Now that you know how to prepare for your visit and what to expect at the fair, you’re ready to experience all that the Illinois State Fair 2024 has to offer.

Conclusion

The Illinois State Fair 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. With 12 days of fun and excitement, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

From the Grandstand shows to the livestock competitions to the food vendors, the Illinois State Fair has it all. And with free admission for children under 5, it’s a great value for families.

So mark your calendars and get ready for the Illinois State Fair 2024. It’s going to be a summer you won’t forget.

We hope to see you there!