Illinois State Fair reveals theme and discount days, offers free fun for families

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois State Fair is offering over 160 hours of free entertainment, daily discounts and free attractions for families to enjoy the fair without stretching their budgets this year.

"We are excited to offer a diverse lineup of free entertainment options," Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said. "Our goal is to ensure the fair remains accessible to everyone, and we're committed to keeping it affordable."

Discount Days

The state fair revealed its 2026 theme and discount days.

"One of the best parts of the Illinois State Fair is bringing people together to celebrate everything that makes our state special," ISF Manager Rebecca Clark said. "Our theme days help create fun, affordable opportunities for families to make memories, enjoy new experiences, and discover more about agriculture, our state's number one industry."

The theme and discount days are as follows:

Thursday, August 13 — County Fairs & Horse Racing Day, Double the Fun parking promotion
Friday, August 14 — Agriculture Day
Saturday, August 15 — Kids Day
Sunday, August 16 — Veterans & Gold Star Families Day (Free admission for veterans and their immediate families)
Monday, August 17 — Senior & Scout Day (Free admission for seniors and scouts in uniform)
Tuesday, August 18 — TWOsday ($2 admission for seniors and adults)
Wednesday, August 19 — Governor's Day
Thursday, August 20 — Republican Day
Friday, August 21 — First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day (Free admission for first responders and healthcare workers with ID)
Saturday, August 22 — Park District Conservation Day
Sunday, August 23 — Family Day

The fair will also offer a "Double the Fun" parking promotion on Thursday, August 13. Anyone who pays to park on the fairgrounds that day will receive free parking on a return trip to the fair the following Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Free Entertainment

There are plenty of tents throughout the fairgrounds that will offer free performances and activities for families to enjoy.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture Tent will have an 8-foot inflatable barn with animated characters that will help visitors learn more about Illinois agriculture in a fun and engaging way.

Big Top Adventures will present free performances every day in Happy Hollow at 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. The 800-seat circus will showcase a lineup of jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists and other performers.

Happy Hollow will also feature an all-new Dinosaur Encounters experience, where families can explore interactive activities from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with live stage shows at 1, 3:30 and 6 p.m.

Harness Racing, Watershow Productions High Dive Show, Kardenni the Magician, Sky High Balloon Guy and Street Drum Corps all offer free events throughout the fair.

The Lincoln Stage will have several competitions, including an amateur talent contest on August 13 and the Sale of Champions on August 19.

The Dill-inois State Fair Pickleball Showdown is returning for its second year, with a round robin doubles tournament happening on Saturday, August 22 in the Orr Building.