The Biggest State Fair in Illinois is Happening This Weekend—Here’s What to Know
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 Source: https://secretchicago.com/biggest-state-fair-in-illinois-2025/