SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – The 2025 Illinois State Fair is officially underway in Springfield!
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and guests cut the ribbon to welcome patrons to the fair on Thursday morning.
From August 7 to 17, fair-goers can look forward to a week filled with events, concerts, rides, family fun, and more. The Illinois State Fair has also announced its theme and discount days for 2025.
Thursday the Fair will offer a "Double the Fun" parking promotion. If you pay to park on the Illinois State Fairgrounds on August 7, you will receive free parking on a return trip to the fair on the following Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
On "Twosday," which falls on Tuesday, August 12, seniors and adults will enjoy admission for just $2. Additionally, carnival ride tickets will be priced at $2 each. This offer also applies to all Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes sold before and during the fair.
“We love celebrating all the unique experiences the Illinois State Fair has to offer with our theme days,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “Each year, we look for ways to make the fair fun, affordable, and easy for families to enjoy—while helping them learn more about agriculture, which is the number one industry here in Illinois.”
A complete list of the 2025 Illinois State Fair theme and discount days can be found below:
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
Big Top Adventures will host free circus performances daily in Happy Hollow at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., featuring various performers. Other free events at the Illinois State Fair include Harness Racing, High Dive Show, Extreme Dogs Stunt Dog Show, and Off Axis Stunt Show.
The ponytail contest is on August 9, and the Sale of Champions will take place on August 13. Additionally, there will be a round-robin doubles pickleball tournament on August 16 with youth and adult divisions.
Grand Central Stage will feature free concerts every night of the fair at 7:30 p.m.
This year’s lineup is:
- Thurs. Aug. 7: Everclear
- Fri. Aug. 8: Diamante
- Sat. Aug. 9: Pecos & The Rooftops
- Sun. Aug. 10: Kashus Culpepper
- Mon. Aug. 11: Shake Rattle ‘N Roll (A Doo Wop & Soul Tribute)
- Tue. Aug. 12: Stephen Wilson Jr
- Wed. Aug. 13: Hunter Flynn
- Thurs. Aug. 14: Head East
- Fri. Aug. 15: The Frontmen
- Sat. Aug. 16: Simply Spice (A Spice Girls Tribute)
- Sun. Aug. 17: Twista
“We want everyone to take full advantage of the free entertainment options at the Illinois State Fair,” said Clark.
Here's the Illinois State Fair Guide and website for hours, admission prices, and more information.
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