It’s Illinois State Fair time, and we’ve whittled it down to the basics you need to know before you go.
Dates of the Fair: Thursday, August 10 – Sunday, August 20, 2023
Daily Admission: Children 0-12 are free, Adults 13-59 are $10 on Fridays and Saturdays, Adults 13-59 are $5, Seniors (60+) are $3.
Free and Discount Days:
August 13 veterans and immediate families free with proper ID
August 14 seniors and scouts with proper ID or uniform get in free
August 15 $2 admission for seniors and adults
August 18 first responders and healthcare workers with proper ID are free.
Parkiing: Daily parking $5, seasonal parking $40 (Gate 6, lot 18 infield)
Map of Fairgrounds: CLICK HERE
Detailed Daily Schedule: CLICK HERE
Carnival Info
Carnival Hours
Vary by day CLICK HERE
What is a Mega Pass?
It’s a pass that is good for the entire fair for unlimited rides in the Carnival Midway and Adventure Village. It does not include the Sky Glide or Giant Slide and does not include admission to the fair.
What is a Jumbo Pass?
It’s like a Mega Pass BUT it does include the Giant Slide!
Where do I get Mega Passes or Jumbo Passes?
Buy in person at the Emmerson Building on the fairgrounds or call 217-782-6661.
How much do they cost?
Mega passes are $90. Jumbo Passes are $100.
Are there options besides Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes?
Of course! You can also get Carnival Bargain Bracelets that offer one-day unlimited rides (not including the SkyGlide or Giant Slide). They are $35 and only good for the day you purchase them. You can purchase them in the Carnival and Adventure Village ticket booths.
CLICK HERE for all the details about the Carnival include a list of rides.
Now the Really Important Stuff
Which buildings are air conditioned?
Artisans Building, Emmerson Building, Hobbies Arts & Crafts, Illinois Building, Illinois Fire Museum, Kids Korner, Orr Building
What if my child gets lost?
The Lost & Found Children’s Center is south of the Grandstand on Grandstand Avenue.
Who’s playing at the the Grandstand this year?
Friday, August 11 – Old Dominion
Saturday, August 12 – The Doobie Brothers welcomed by 104.5 WFMB and 95Q
Sunday, August 13 – Alanis Morissette welcomed by 99-7 The MIX and Y103
Tuesday, August 15 – REO Speedwagon
Wednesday, August 16 – Alter Bridge
Thursday, August 17 – Tim McGraw welcomed by 104.5 WFMB and 95Q
Friday, August 18 – Chevelle
Saturday, August 19 – Maren Morris
Sunday, August 20 – Nelly welcomed by 99-7 The MIX and Y103
Are there any free concerts?
Yes! It just happens that Neuhoff Media Springfield is sponsoring the Grand Central State in the Reisch Pavilion. Each night the stage features a spotlight artist performance.
| Thursday – 8/10/23 | 7:30 PM | Cooper Alan |
| Friday – 8/11/23 | 7:00 PM | New Medicine |
| Saturday – 8/12/23 | 7:00 PM | HunterGirl |
| Sunday – 8/13/23 | 7:30 PM | The Main Squeeze |
| Monday – 8/14/23 | 7:30 PM | Dueling Pianos International |
| Tuesday – 8/15/23 | 7:30 PM | The Red Clay Strays |
| Wednesday – 8/16/23 | 7:30 PM | Lonestar |
| Thursday – 8/17/23 | 7:30 PM | Avery Anna |
| Friday – 8/18/23 | 7:00 PM | Ward Davis |
| Saturday – 8/19/23 | 7:00 PM | Jump -America’s Van Halen Experience |
| Sunday – 8/20/23 | 7:30 PM | Jake Worthington |
You can also find free music in the Miller Tent and Coors Light Tent. Make sure you look for 104.5 WFMB and 99-7 The MIX as we’ll be broadcasting live from the Miller Tent and Coors Light Tent most afternoons/evenings of the fair.
