The Illinois State Fair has announced that for the 2026 State Fair season the Fair will be offering digital ticketing.
The Fair did a trial run of this in 2025 and believe it proved successful.
The State Fair believes this change will streamline access, enhance security, and position the Illinois State Fair in a way that meets the expectations of today’s families.
As far as what fairgoers need to know about the change, they should download their tickets before arriving at the fairgrounds or save tickets to their mobile phone’s e-wallet for quick and easy entry.
Special Passes, however, like Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes must be redeemed at the Illinois State Fair administration offices for a photo identification card. Passes can be redeemed starting in June 2026.
