One thing about the Midwest? We know how to put on a festival! From blueberry fests to corn fests, there’s so much happening just a drive away from Chicago.
However, nothing truly beats the Illinois State Fair, and luckily for us, it’s officially underway in Springfield.
From August 7 to 17, fairgoers can look forward to a week filled with events, concerts, rides, family fun, and more.
A guide to the Illinois State Fair 2025:
- Thursday, August 7 – County Fairs & Horse Racing Day, Double the Fun
- Friday, August 8 – Agriculture Day
- Saturday, August 9 – Kids Day
- Sunday, August 10 – Veterans & Gold Star Families Day (Free admission for veterans and their immediate families)
- Monday, August 11 – Senior Citizens & Scout Day (Free admission for seniors and scouts in uniform)
- Tuesday, August 12 – Twosday ($2 Admission for seniors and adults)
- Wednesday, August 13 – Governor’s Day
- Thursday, August 14 – Republican Day
- Friday, August 15 – First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day (Free admission for first responders and healthcare workers with ID)
- Saturday, August 16 – Park District Conservation Day
- Sunday, August 17 – Family Day
How much are Illinois State Fair tickets?
Children 12 and under can enter for free. Tickets for adults aged 12 to 59 are $10.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and $5.00 on Sundays to Thursdays.
Illinois State Fair 2025 lineup:
Enjoy one of the free concerts at the Grand Central Stage:
- Thurs. August 7: Everclear
- Fri. August 8: Diamante
- Sat. August 9: Pecos & The Rooftops
- Sun. August 10: Kashus Culpepper
- Mon. August 11: Shake Rattle ‘N Roll (A Doo Wop & Soul Tribute)
- Tue. August 12: Stephen Wilson Jr
- Wed. August 13: Hunter Flynn
- Thurs. August 14: Head East
- Fri. August 15: The Frontmen
- Sat. August 16: Simply Spice (A Spice Girls Tribute)
- Sun. August 17: Twista
The fair’s headliners will perform concerts at the Grandstand, which requires a ticket for admission.
Here’s a list of this year’s headliners:
- August 8: Jake Owen with Jo Dee Messina
- August 9: The Black Crowes
- August 10: Megan Moroney
- August 11: Randy Houser (free concert, no ticket required)
- August 12: Sheryl Crow
- August 13: Snoop Dogg
- August 14: Brad Paisley with Tucker Wetmore
- August 15: The Chainsmokers
- August. 16: Def Leppard
- August 17: Turnpike Troubadours with Whitey Morgan
Where is the Illinois State Fair?
The Illinois State Fair takes place in Springfield, Illinois, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Racetrack.
