The 2025 Illinois State Fair is only one week away, and this year promises plenty of adventure and excitement at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.
This year’s event features a showcase of Illinois agriculture and products, as well as plenty of carnival rides, attractions, concerts and (of course) good food!
The event kicks off on Thursday August 7 with the annual State Fair Twilight Parade through Springfield and into the fairgrounds.
The fair is offering plenty of deals and discounts for visitors, on everything from parking and admission to food.
This year’s grandstand lineup features everyone from Snoop Dogg to Brad Paisley to Def Leppard and the Black Crowes at night, with horse racing and even auto racing during the day.
Every day at the fair has a theme, with special programs and discounted admission. Special days will celebrate agriculture, veterans, senior citizens, first responders and park districts just to name a few.
One especially popular contest each year is the “Golden Abe Fantastic Fair Food Contest” which recognizes the best new food item across several different categories. Last year’s winner was a donut ice cream sandwich from Chatham ice cream shop Scoop Du Jour.
There are free entertainment stages throughout the fairgrounds featuring musical and dance performers, cooking and crafting demonstrations, kids activities and much more!
Conservation World includes demonstrations of everything from chemistry, archery and fly fishing, to an eagle nest, voyager canoe and a lumberjack show.
Throughout the fairgrounds you can renew your driver’s license, catch the high-dive show, sample Illinois-made products, enjoy a stunt show, check out the blue-ribbon winners of the agriculture shows, and much more. There is literally something for everyone.
And of course no visit to the Illinois State Fair is complete with stopping to see the world-famous butter cow.
So slap on some sunscreen and head to Springfield for this year’s Illinois State Fair. Adventure Awaits!