by The annual Illinois State Fair returns to Springfield for 2025, offering an unforgettable mix of entertainment, competitions, and culinary delights that highlight the best of the state.
Dates and Timings
- Dates: August 7–17, 2025
- Fairgrounds Hours: 7:00 a.m. – Midnight daily
Venue
- Location: Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL
Tickets
- General Admission Rates:
- Adults (13–59): $5 Sunday–Thursday, $10 Friday–Saturday
- Seniors (60+): $3 daily
- Children (0–12): Free admission daily
- Special Discount & Free Days:
- Veterans & immediate family (Aug 10): Free admission with ID
- Seniors & Scouts (Aug 11): Free admission with ID
- Twosday (Aug 12): $2 admission for adults and seniors; $2 carnival rides
- First Responders & Healthcare Workers (Aug 15): Free admission with ID
- Parking: $5 per day; seasonal parking passes also available
Attractions & Exhibits
- Celebrated Butter Cow and companion sculpture reflecting this year’s theme, “Adventure Awaits,” featuring hidden hearts symbolizing milk’s nutrients
- Miniature Butter Cow Contest with imaginative entries on display in the Dairy Building (open 9 a.m.–7 p.m.)
- Agricultural competitions, vendor showcases, Route 66 exhibits, Conservation World, and the Village of Cultures
Events & Entertainment
- Grandstand Concert Series (concert tickets typically required):
- Aug 8: Jake Owen
- Aug 9: The Black Crowes
- Aug 10: Megan Moroney
- Aug 11: Randy Houser with Night Ranger (free; no ticket required)
- Aug 12: Sheryl Crow ($40–$105 tickets)
- Aug 13: Snoop Dogg
- Aug 14: Brad Paisley
- Aug 15: The Chainsmokers
- Aug 16: Def Leppard
- Aug 17: Turnpike Troubadours
- Free Concerts at Grand Central Stage nightly (e.g., Everclear, Stephen Wilson Jr., Twista)
- Arena Attractions: Monster truck shows, rodeos, truck & tractor pulls, demolition derbies
- Racing Events: USAC Bettenhausen 100, ARCA Menards Series Springfield 100
- Other Highlights: Twilight Parade, harness racing, stunt dog shows, circus acts, pickleball tournament, high dive and Off-Axis stunt shows
Rides & Midway
- Extensive carnival with thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, and games; includes discounted rides during “Twosday”
Food & Vendors
- Wide-ranging food options: local favorites, fair classics, wine tastings, craft beer contests, Golden Abe’s food competition, and cultural cuisine in the Village of Cultures
Additional Perks
- Free concerts and entertainment across the fairgrounds
- Camping coupons available for fairgoers via Conservation World — good for one free night at an Illinois state park with purchase of at least one night
With a fusion of agriculture, music, culinary delights, and family-friendly entertainment, the 2025 Illinois State Fair promises fun for everyone. Whether you’re there for the butter sculptures, Grandstand concerts, or carnival thrills—it’s a summer standout beneath Illinois skies.
