Get Ready for Fun: Your Essential Guide to the Illinois State Fair 2023!
The anticipation is building for one of Illinois' most cherished annual traditions: the Illinois State Fair! A vibrant celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit, the Illinois State Fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its historic grounds in Springfield. More than just a collection of rides and food stalls, it's a testament to the state's rich farming heritage, offering a diverse array of attractions from thrilling concerts and competitive livestock shows to delectable fair food and educational exhibits. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned fairgoer, the 2023 event promises eleven days of unforgettable experiences for all ages. Get ready to mark your calendars, because we're diving into everything you need to know about dates, tickets, location, and those all-important discount opportunities for the upcoming Illinois State Fair.
Illinois State Fair 2023: Dates & Location
The Illinois State Fair is set to light up Springfield for 11 exciting days in 2023. Mark your calendars for
Thursday, August 10th through Sunday, August 20th. This mid-August timeframe has been a long-standing tradition, perfect for soaking up the last days of summer with family and friends.
The heart of the action, as always, is the historic Illinois State Fairgrounds. You'll find the main entrance at
801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Ill. Getting there is relatively straightforward, especially for those traveling by car. The fairgrounds are conveniently located approximately two miles from the Sangamon Avenue exit (100B) off Interstate 55. Simply follow the signs, which will be prominently displayed as you get closer to Springfield. The fairgrounds are open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight during the event, giving you ample time to explore all the attractions. To make the most of your visit, we highly recommend checking the official Illinois State Fair website for a detailed map of the sprawling 366-acre grounds before you arrive. This can help you navigate the various zones, from the livestock barns to the Grandstand, with ease.
Tickets & Admission for the Illinois State Fair 2023
Planning your visit to the Illinois State Fair involves understanding the admission structure. Entry tickets are separate from specific event tickets (like concerts) and parking, so it's wise to budget for each component.
Here's a breakdown of the daily admission prices:
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Adults (ages 13 to 59): $5 per person from Sunday through Thursday, and $10 per person on Friday and Saturday.
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Seniors (60 years of age and older): A reduced rate of $3 per person.
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Children (ages 12 and under): Enjoy free admission every day of the fair!
For frequent visitors or those planning multiple days at the fair, discount admission booklets offer significant savings:
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11-Day, Any-Day Adult Admission Booklet: $45. This pass provides access for one adult for any 11 days of the fair, a great value if you plan to visit more than a few times.
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10-Day, Any-Day Senior Admission Booklet: $30. Similarly, this pass offers excellent savings for seniors planning multiple visits.
Important Note on Parking: A parking fee of $5 is required upon entry. For those who anticipate multiple visits or prefer the convenience of pre-paid parking, an all-season parking pass is available for $40. These can typically be purchased at Gate 6 in the Lot 18 infield. Keep in mind that admission tickets do not include event tickets (such as Grandstand concerts or arena shows), which must be purchased separately.
Maximize Your Savings: Illinois State Fair 2023 Discount & Free Admission Days
One of the best ways to enjoy the Illinois State Fair without breaking the bank is to take advantage of the specially designated discount and free admission days. These opportunities are a fantastic way for specific groups to experience the fair's magic. We’ve broken down each special day so you can plan accordingly:
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Sunday, August 13th: Veterans Day
* Veterans and their immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) receive free admission to the fairgrounds.
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Tip: Be sure to bring proper identification, such as a valid military ID, DD-214, or veteran's designation on a driver's license.
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Monday, August 14th: Seniors and Scouts Day
* Seniors aged 60 and over receive free admission.
* All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, along with their troop leaders, also enjoy free admission.
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Tip: Seniors should have identification ready to verify age. Scouts are encouraged to wear their uniforms or present official scouting identification for free entry.
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Tuesday, August 15th: $2 Tuesday
* This is a fantastic day for everyone to save! Admission is discounted to just $2 for both adults and seniors.
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Insight: This day often sees increased crowds due to the general discount, so plan to arrive early if you want to beat some of the rush.
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Friday, August 18th: First Responders & Healthcare Workers Day
* As a thank you for their incredible service, first responders (police, fire, EMTs) and healthcare workers receive free admission.
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Tip: Valid professional identification (e.g., department ID, hospital badge) will be required at the gate.
These special days are an excellent opportunity to experience the Illinois State Fair at a reduced cost or even for free. For more in-depth strategies and a comprehensive look at all the ways to save, don't miss our detailed guide:
Save Big at the Illinois State Fair: 2023 Ticket Deals & Free Days.
Experience the Fair: Grandstand Concerts, Thrilling Rides & Agricultural Wonders
The Illinois State Fair is renowned for its incredibly diverse range of attractions, ensuring there's something to captivate every visitor. Beyond the general admission, many of the fair's signature experiences, particularly evening entertainment, require separate tickets.
Grandstand Concerts and Arena Events
The Grandstand is the epicenter of major musical performances, hosting a star-studded lineup each year. While specific artists change annually, the Grandstand consistently features national touring acts across various genres. Similarly, the Multi-Purpose Arena hosts a high-octane schedule of events, from competitive harness racing – a long-standing tradition at the fair – to crowd-favorite demolition derbies and professional rodeos. These events truly showcase the competitive spirit and thrilling entertainment aspects of the fair. Remember, tickets for these shows are sold separately and do not include general fair admission. It’s always a good idea to purchase these tickets well in advance, as popular shows often sell out.
Carnival Rides and Thrillville
For adrenaline junkies and families alike, the carnival rides are a quintessential part of the Illinois State Fair experience. Thrillville offers a dazzling array of classic rides, modern marvels, and plenty of games to test your skills. For those who can't get enough spins and drops, Bargain Bracelet unlimited ride wristbands are available for $35, which can be purchased on-site daily at the Carnival and Adventure Village ticket booths. However, a few iconic attractions like the Giant Slide ($4 per slide, per person) and the Sky Glide are not included with any unlimited ride packages and require separate tickets. For a complete rundown of all the thrilling attractions and performance schedules, check out our guide:
Illinois State Fair 2023: Your Guide to Rides, Concerts & Events.
Agricultural Heritage & Education
At its heart, the Illinois State Fair remains an annual agricultural exposition, celebrating the state's deep farming roots. Visitors can explore vast livestock barns, witness competitive shows where exhibitors vie for prestigious awards, and learn about modern agricultural practices. Conservation World offers interactive exhibits focused on Illinois' natural resources, while the Village of Cultures showcases the diverse ethnic traditions that enrich the state. These areas provide invaluable educational opportunities, reminding us of the fair's foundational purpose.
Fair Food & Shopping
No visit to the Illinois State Fair is complete without indulging in the iconic fair food! From classic corn dogs and funnel cakes to unique culinary creations, the aroma of delicious treats fills the air. Explore countless vendors offering everything from refreshing lemonades to deep-fried delights. Beyond the food, numerous vendors offer crafts, souvenirs, and agricultural products, providing ample opportunities for unique shopping.
Planning Your Visit: Essential Tips for the Illinois State Fair 2023
To ensure you have the best possible experience at the Illinois State Fair, a little pre-planning goes a long way.
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Download the Map: The fairgrounds are expansive. Download a digital map or grab a physical one upon entry to help you navigate and prioritize your must-see attractions.
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Arrive Early: Especially on weekends or discount days, arriving close to opening time (7 a.m.) can help you beat the crowds, find better parking, and get a head start on popular attractions.
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Comfort is Key: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Consider bringing a small backpack for essentials like sunscreen, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and hand sanitizer.
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Stay Hydrated: August in Illinois can be hot. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Many vendors offer beverages, and you can often find water fountains.
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Budget Wisely: Decide on your budget for food, rides, games, and souvenirs before you go. This helps prevent overspending.
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Check the Schedule: With so much happening, consulting the daily schedule for specific events like livestock shows, entertainment stages, or demonstrations can help you plan your route efficiently.
Conclusion
The Illinois State Fair 2023 promises to be another spectacular celebration of Illinois culture, agriculture, and community spirit. From the thrilling rides and Grandstand concerts to the educational exhibits and mouth-watering fair food, there truly is "a little something for everyone." With convenient dates from August 10th to 20th, a central location in Springfield, and a variety of ticket options and discount days, planning your visit has never been easier. Don't miss out on this cherished annual event – gather your family and friends, embrace the vibrant atmosphere, and create lasting memories at the Illinois State Fair!
