‘It’s Showtime!’ for Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Building on two consecutive years of record-breaking attendance, the Illinois State Fair will feature several star performers on stage, new and the usual vendors, a free parking promotion and overall fun for all ages.

The fair runs Thursday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 18, under the theme, “It’s Showtime!”

The theme captures the spirit of the fair on many levels — livestock shows, Grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, ice skating performances and much more.

Festivities officially kick off with the Twilight Parade down the Springfield streets and through the main gate.

The gates open at 7 a.m. Aug. 8 with a full day of events and entertainment, including the parade that steps off at 5:30 p.m.

“The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade is a Springfield tradition,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture director.

“This year’s theme of ‘It’s Showtime!’ has so many meanings with the wide variety of activities available throughout the fair. We invite everyone to come out and find their favorite.”

“There’s so much to experience — and it all starts with the iconic Twilight Parade,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair manager.

“Families are encouraged to line the streets inside the fairgrounds, grab their favorite fair food and witness this time-honored tradition. Every year, the Illinois State Fair gets bigger and better, and we cannot wait for you to experience it all.”

Opening Day Deals

Admission to the fairgrounds on Aug. 8 is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for children ages 12 and under.

All carnival rides, including those in Adventure Village, will be open at noon. On the opening day of the fair, all carnival rides are just $3 all day.

Fairgoers are encouraged to take advantage of Thursday’s “Double the Fun” promotion — fairgoers who pay to park on the fairgrounds on Aug. 8 can redeem their parking pass for free parking on a return trip to the Illinois State Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 13, Wednesday, Aug. 14, or Thursday, Aug. 15.

Grandstand Stage

The fair’s Grandstand stage will host an all-star lineup of performers, including headliners Keith Urban, Mötley Crüe, Lil Wayne, Jonas Brothers, The Smashing Pumpkins, Miranda Lambert and others.

Daily Themes

The Illinois State Fair will features daily themes, many of which include special theme-focused deals.

Thursday Aug. 8 — County Fair and Horse Racing Day: Harness racing begins on the fair’s one-mile dirt track.

Friday, Aug. 9 — Agriculture Day: Illinois agriculture, which is featured throughout the fair, is highlighted on this day.

Saturday, Aug. 10 — Kids Day: The day is dedicated to the youngest fairgoers and features special programming aimed at educating and entertaining kids of all ages. Kids 12 and under get into the fair free.

Sunday, Aug. 11 — Veterans and Gold Star Families Day: Veterans and their families are admitted to the grounds for free. A veterans parade and activities are some of the highlights for the day. Discounted ride passes for families of military veterans.

Monday, Aug. 12 — Senior and Scout Day: Fair visitors 60 and older are admitted to the fairgrounds for free. Special events for senior citizens will take place throughout the day in the Illinois Building. The Scout Day Tent will be located directly outside the entrance to the Carnival Midway.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 — Twosday: A fantastic mid-week special that encourages families to attend the fair. Discounted admission is offered for adults and seniors on this day, and all rides in the Carnival Midway and Adventure Village will be just $2 each.

Wednesday Aug. 14 — Governor’s Day: While the governor attends much of the fair, this is his day to host special guests, including former Illinois governors. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the Governor’s Sale of Champions. At this event, the grand champion commodities and junior livestock including the barrow, steer, wether, poultry trio and rabbit trio are auctioned off to benefit our agricultural youth.

Thursday, Aug. 15 — Republican Day: Illinois Republicans will host specials guests during the day.

Friday, Aug. 16 — First Responders and Healthcare Heroes Day: All police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and healthcare workers who show their badge at the gate will be admitted to the fair for free. Also, look for special offers and discounts from various food vendors while you enjoying your day on at the fair.

Saturday, Aug. 17 — Park District Conservation Day: Members of the more than 45 park districts from throughout the state entertain fairgoers across the grounds and will host activities at Conservation World.

Sunday, Aug. 18 — Family Day: Bring the family out and enjoy the last day of the fair.