Ride at the Illinois State Fair

Ride at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois August 6, 2025

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois State Fair box office will open in June with a special giveaway and exclusive tickets for one of the grandstand concerts.

The fair box office officially opens on Monday, June 1, giving fairgoers their first opportunity to buy concert, arena and other grandstand event tickets in person or over the phone.

The box office, located on the first floor of the grandstand, will be open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In celebration of opening day, anyone who buys a ticket through the box office on June 1, either in person or by phone, will be entered for a chance to win one free admission ticket and one free parking pass. A total of 66 winners will be picked in honor of the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

Additionally, 100 tickets for the Ella Langley concert will be released exclusively through the box office and will not be available through Ticketmaster. The tickets can only be purchased in person or over the phone while supplies last, with a limit of two tickets per person or transaction.

"Opening the box office is always an exciting milestone because it means the Illinois State Fair is right around the corner," Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said. "This year, we wanted to give fairgoers even more reasons to celebrate by offering exclusive concert tickets and the chance to win free admission and parking as we kick off another great fair season."

Discounted mega passes will be available in the Emmerson Building or online through July 31, giving fairgoers unlimited access to the rides in the Carnival Midway and Adventure Village. Prices will increase starting August 1.

"The box office opening is one of the best opportunities for fairgoers to lock in great deals before the fair begins," Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark said. "From ride passes and admission bundles to concerts and racing events, there are so many ways for families to plan ahead and save money."

The state fair will be from August 13-23. More information can be found on the fair website.

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