Illinois State Fair 2023: Your Ultimate Guide to Rides, Concerts & Events
Get ready to mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable summer experience because the **Illinois State Fair** is just around the corner! This beloved annual tradition, steeped in rich agricultural heritage and community spirit, transforms Springfield, Illinois, into a vibrant hub of entertainment, education, and delicious food. Running from
August 10th to August 20th, 2023, the fair promises eleven days of fun-filled activities for every age and interest. Whether you're a thrill-seeker eager for carnival rides, a music lover looking forward to top-tier concerts, or a family seeking wholesome educational experiences, the **Illinois State Fair** truly offers something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the fairgrounds, maximize your fun, and ensure you don't miss a beat at this year's grand celebration.
Essential Information for Your Illinois State Fair Visit
Planning your visit to the **Illinois State Fair** is the first step to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Knowing the fundamental details about dates, location, hours, and ticketing will set you up for success.
Dates, Location, and Hours
The 2023 **Illinois State Fair** will run from
Thursday, August 10th, through Sunday, August 20th. Its historic grounds are located at
801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Ill. For those traveling by car, the fairgrounds are conveniently situated approximately two miles from the Sangamon Avenue exit at 100B off of Interstate 55, making it easily accessible from various parts of the state and beyond. The fairgrounds themselves are a sprawling 366-acre expanse, offering ample space for all attractions. Each day of the fair, the gates swing open bright and early at
7 a.m. and remain open until midnight, giving you plenty of time to explore, enjoy, and make lasting memories. We recommend arriving earlier in the day to beat the biggest crowds, especially if you plan to visit popular attractions or secure premium parking spots.
Navigating Tickets and Admission
Admission to the **Illinois State Fair** is straightforward, with options designed to accommodate various visitor types and budgets. Standard admission for adults (ages 13 to 59) is $5 per person from Sunday through Thursday, increasing to $10 on Fridays and Saturdays. Seniors aged 60 and older receive a discounted rate of $3. Best of all, children aged 12 and under enjoy
free admission every single day!
For frequent visitors or those planning an extended stay, discount admission booklets offer excellent value. An 11-day, any-day adult admission booklet is available for $45, while seniors can purchase a 10-day, any-day admission booklet for $30. It's important to remember that these admission fees are separate from any tickets required for specific grandstand concerts or special events. Therefore, if you're attending a show, you'll need to purchase your fair admission separately.
Parking is available on-site for a fee of $5 per day. If you're a true fair enthusiast planning multiple visits, an all-season parking pass can be a smart investment at $40, available for purchase at Gate 6 in the Lot 18 infield. For a deeper dive into all the essential details about dates, ticket options, and location, be sure to check out our dedicated guide:
Illinois State Fair 2023: Dates, Tickets, Location & Discounts.
Unlock Savings: Illinois State Fair Discount Days
One of the best ways to experience the **Illinois State Fair** without breaking the bank is by taking advantage of its special discount and free admission days. These thoughtfully planned days offer significant savings for various community groups.
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Sunday, August 13th: Veterans Day
Veterans and their immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) receive free admission with proper identification. It's a wonderful opportunity for the fair to honor those who have served.
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Monday, August 14th: Senior Citizens and Scouts Day
Seniors aged 60 and older, along with all scouts (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) in uniform or with proper identification, are granted free admission. This day celebrates wisdom and community involvement.
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Tuesday, August 15th: Twosday!
Admission is significantly discounted on this day, with adults and seniors alike paying just $2 to enter the fairgrounds. It’s arguably one of the best value days to visit the **Illinois State Fair**.
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Friday, August 18th: First Responders and Healthcare Workers Day
The fair extends its gratitude to first responders and healthcare workers by offering them free admission with proper identification. This is a fantastic initiative to recognize their tireless efforts in our communities.
Remember to bring appropriate identification (such as a veteran ID, scout uniform, or work ID) to qualify for these special offers. Planning your visit around these days can lead to substantial savings, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to rides, games, and delicious fair food. For more comprehensive information on how to save money at the fair, including all ticket deals and free days, read our guide:
Save Big at the Illinois State Fair: 2023 Ticket Deals & Free Days.
Thrills, Tunes, and Spectacles: Entertainment at the Illinois State Fair
Beyond the gates, the **Illinois State Fair** truly comes alive with a packed schedule of entertainment, catering to diverse tastes from exhilarating rides to world-class musical performances and action-packed arena events.
Grandstand Concerts & Major Events
The iconic Grandstand at the **Illinois State Fair** is the heart of its evening entertainment, hosting a lineup of renowned artists and captivating performances. While specific names are often announced closer to the fair dates, visitors can typically expect a vibrant mix of genres, from country and rock to pop and R&B, ensuring there's a show for every musical preference. Most Grandstand concerts kick off at 8 p.m., providing a perfect way to cap off a day of fairground adventures. Past fairs have seen major headliners grace the stage, drawing huge crowds. We highly recommend checking the official **Illinois State Fair** website as soon as the full concert schedule is released to secure your tickets, as popular shows tend to sell out quickly. Remember, Grandstand concert tickets do not include fair admission, so plan to purchase both.
Carnival Rides and Family Fun
No visit to the **Illinois State Fair** is complete without experiencing the vibrant lights and thrilling sensations of the carnival. Thrillville, the fair's dedicated carnival area, offers a wide array of rides from dizzying centrifuges to classic Ferris wheels, catering to both adrenaline junkies and those seeking milder, family-friendly fun. For the ultimate carnival experience, consider purchasing a Bargain Bracelet unlimited ride wristband for $35. These wristbands are available daily on-site at the Carnival and Adventure Village ticket booths.
However, note that not all attractions are included with the Bargain Bracelet. The iconic Giant Slide, a beloved fair staple, requires separate tickets at $4 per slide, per person. Similarly, the Sky Glide, offering breathtaking aerial views of the fairgrounds, is also excluded from any unlimited ride packages. Our tip? Evaluate how many rides you plan to go on before buying a bracelet. If you only anticipate a few, individual tickets might be more cost-effective.
Arena Events: Action-Packed Thrills
For those who crave excitement and competitive spectacles, the Multi-Purpose Arena at the **Illinois State Fair** delivers. This venue hosts a thrilling array of events, reflecting the fair's deep agricultural roots and love for competitive entertainment. Attendees can look forward to heart-pounding harness racing, daring rodeos featuring skilled cowboys and cowgirls, and the always popular, high-octane demolition derbies. Evening arena events typically begin at 7:30 p.m., with some special afternoon events scheduled throughout the fair, often starting around 1:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. These events are a fantastic way to witness incredible skill, power, and often, a touch of controlled chaos. It’s wise to arrive early for popular arena shows, as seating can fill up fast, especially for weekend events.
Beyond the Main Attractions: More to Explore at the Illinois State Fair
While rides, concerts, and arena events steal the spotlight, the **Illinois State Fair** offers a multitude of other attractions that enrich the overall experience.
Culinary Delights: A Feast for the Senses
The food at the **Illinois State Fair** is an experience in itself, a culinary journey that ranges from classic fair staples to unique local delicacies. Prepare to indulge in everything from savory corn dogs and juicy pork chops on a stick to sweet elephant ears, funnel cakes, and deep-fried delights of all kinds. Food vendors proudly showcase Illinois's agricultural bounty, offering farm-fresh produce and dishes celebrating the state's rich farming heritage. Don't be afraid to try something new, but also leave room for your tried-and-true favorites. With hundreds of food stalls, you're guaranteed to find something to satisfy every craving. Our advice: pace yourself, share with friends, and stay hydrated as you explore the vast gastronomic landscape of the fair.
Agricultural Showcase & Educational Experiences
True to its roots, the **Illinois State Fair** remains a premier showcase for agriculture, livestock, industry, education, arts, and sciences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the state's farming heritage through competitive livestock shows, where exhibitors vie for significant awards. Families will love the petting zoos, interactive agricultural exhibits, and the chance to learn about farming practices firsthand. Areas like Conservation World offer engaging educational experiences about Illinois's natural resources and wildlife, while the Village of Cultures provides a vibrant platform to celebrate the state's diverse communities and traditions through music, dance, and crafts. These areas offer a fantastic way to connect with the state's identity and provide valuable learning opportunities, especially for younger visitors.
Navigating the Fairgrounds
With 366 acres to explore, having a plan (or at least a map) is crucial for making the most of your visit. The **Illinois State Fair** provides detailed fairgrounds maps, which are invaluable for locating specific attractions, restrooms, first-aid stations, and food vendors. You can usually pick up a physical map upon arrival at the gates or information booths. Many fairs also offer digital maps or apps, which can be convenient for on-the-go navigation. Our practical tip: take a moment at the start of your day to review the map, identify must-see attractions, and plan a general route to minimize backtracking and maximize your fun!
The **Illinois State Fair 2023** promises to be an extraordinary event, packed with the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and sheer enjoyment. From exhilarating rides and captivating Grandstand concerts to mouth-watering fair food and educational agricultural exhibits, there truly is "a little something for everyone." With its rich history dating back to 1853, this annual exposition continues to be a highlight of the summer season in Illinois, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors ready to celebrate the state's unique culture and community spirit. Mark your calendars for August 10th-20th, grab your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable experience at one of America's most cherished state fairs!