Theme of the 2025 Illinois State Fair announced

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The theme of the 2025 Illinois State Fair will be Adventure Awaits.

The Twilight Parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7. That starts the 11-day celebration at the state fairgrounds.

The Illinois State Fair is accepting parade entries through July 8. For more information visit statefair.illinois.gov or call the Special Events office at 217.782.0777.

“The Twilight Parade is the perfect way to kick off this adventure,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “This year’s theme invites every fairgoer to discover something new, and it all starts with the parade.”

“There’s a world of fun waiting inside the gates,” added Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “We encourage families to grab a lemon shake-up, find their favorite curbside spot, and enjoy this time-honored tradition. We cannot wait for you to experience all the adventure the Illinois State Fair has to offer.”

The Twilight Parade will start at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and travel onto Sangamon Avenue, entering the fairgrounds through the Main Gate. From there, the parade marches down Main Street, turns left onto Grandstand Avenue, marching past the Grandstand, and exits through Lot 21.

Opening Day Highlights – Thursday, August 7:

Fairgrounds admission: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, free for kids 12 and under
Carnival rides open at noon – all rides just $3 all day on August 7
“Double the Fun” parking deal – pay to park on August 7, and return with free parking on August 12, 13, or 14
Monsters of Destruction roars into The Arena at 7:30 p.m. – plan ahead and enter through Gate 6 to avoid parade traffic. Tickets can be purchased at StateFair.Illinois.gov

The 2025 Illinois State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17 in Springfield.