If you click on the links in this post, we may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post, at no extra cost to you. You can read the full disclaimer here.
The 2025 Illinois State Fair will be returning to the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, from August 7 to August 17, 2025. The State Fairgrounds will be open from 7 am to midnight during the fair. And we can show you how you can save money on the fair.
The Grandstand at the State Fairgrounds was rebuilt in 1927. During the State Fair, it will hold concerts as well as horse and automobile races. The north and south interiors will hold vendors, organizations and displays.
The Arena is home to rodeo, motocross, motorcycle races, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies and more.
A wide variety of shows and contests will be happening on the free entertainment stages. And don’t miss the annual twilight parade.
Happy Hollow is transformed into a 900 seat big top circus. You’ll see jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists and more in free performances at 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm daily.
Village of Cultures will have food from 15 nationalities and two beer booths. They will be open from 10 am to 10 pm and live entertainment will start at noon each day.
The Illinois State Fair offers quality rides that everyone can enjoy. There are rides for kids and their families. And thrill seekers will find plenty of rides to enjoy.
Almost everyone loves to eat at the State Fair because their food is fun food! I’m talking corn dogs, funnel cakes, fried pickles, lemonade, popcorn, fried oreos, cotton candy – it’s all delicious! You’ll find the foods you expect to see plus some you never heard of. Be adventurous and expand your palate!
There are several ways you can save money on the Illinois State Fair and we’d like to go over these with you.
Spring Sale
There is a Spring Sale that will go through July 31, 2025, on Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes.
You can buy a Mega Pass which is good for unlimited rides all days of the fair. The pass also includes Main Carnival Midway and Adventure Village. It does not include Sky Guide, Giant Slide or gate admission to the fair. It will cost $80 through July 31 and after that the price will increase.
The Jumbo Pass will cost $90 if purchased by July 31. It is good for unlimited rides all days of the fair. It is good for the Main Carnival Midway, Adventure Village and the Giant Slide. It does not include Sky Guide or gate admission to the fair.
Gate Admission
Children (ages 12 and under) get free admission to the State Fair.
Adults (ages13 to 59) have $10 admission on Friday and Saturday. The admission will be $5 on Sunday through Thursday.
Seniors (ages 60+) will pay $3 for admission each day.
Free Day
Sunday, August 10 is free for veterans and their immediate families with proper ID.
Monday, August11 is free for Seniors and Scouts with proper ID.
Tuesday, August 12 is $2 admission for Seniors and Adults
Friday, August 13 is free for First Responders and Healthcare Workers with proper ID.
Arena Events
Arena events include
- 8/7 – Monsters of Destruction: Monster Truck Show at 7:30 pm
- 8/8 – John Owens Concert at 8 pm
- 8/9 – Rodeo at 7:30 pm
- 8/9 – The Black Crowes Concert at 8 pm
- 8/10 – Megan Moroney – Sold Out
- 8/11 – Truck & Tractor Pulls at 7:30 pm
- 8/12 – Truck & Tractor Pulls at 7:30 pm
- 8/12 – Sheryl Crow at 8 pm
- 8/13 – Truck & Tractor Pulls at 7:30 pm
- 8/13 – Snoop Dogg at 8 pm
- 8/14 – Brad Paisley at 8 pm
- 8/15 – The Chainsmokers Concert at 8 pm
- 8/16 – USAC Silver Crown Series at 2 pm
- 8/16 – Demolition Derby at 5 pm
- 8/16 – Def Leppard Concert at 8 pm
- 8/17 – ARCA Menards Series at 1 pm
- 8/17 – Turnpike Troubadours at 8 pm
Book these here to get the lowest available price.