Illinois State Fair

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Inspired by Route 66’s 100th anniversary and the Fairgrounds’ place along the route, this year’s theme celebrates the miles of fun waiting at the Fair—from carnival rides and concerts to the racetrack and everywhere in between, the Fair is full of adventure and even more smiles.

Illinois native Bailey Zimmerman is coming home! 🌽🔥 Catch the multi-platinum, chart-topping country star live on the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Friday, August 14, 2026. 🎫 Tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster at 10am Friday, February 13.

What’s that? Another grandstand announcement? Yeah, it is! Come back tomorrow to see who’s taking the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Ag Day.

🚨 We are UNWELL 🚨 Matchbox Twenty is coming to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Sunday, August 16. 🎸 Get ready to sing 3AM, Bent, If You’re Gone and all the hits—loud. 🎫 Tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster at 10 am Friday, February 13.

This is a big one…check back tomorrow to see who we’ll be announcing next in our 2026 Grandstand line-up.

👏 💐 Congratulations to Krista Phillips of Effingham County on being named the 2026 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen! We look forward to working with her in her role as the official hostess of the Illinois State Fair this summer.

Big News, Fair Fans! The 2026 Illinois State Fair is going 100% digital with our new ticketing partner, etix! ✨ Here's what you need to know: ✔️ Buy in advance ✔️ Print at home or go mobile ✔️ No more paper admission tickets Get ready for a seamless fair experience in 2026!

✔ Lowest prices of the season ✔ Makes a great gift ✔ Makes great memories There is no downside.

🎤 JUST ANNOUNCED! Ella Langley is coming to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Friday, August 21, 2026! 🎟️ Tickets go on sale Saturday, December 6 @ 10am exclusively at Ticketmaster.com.

🚨 JUST ANNOUNCED 🚨 Country music trailblazer Lainey Wilson is coming to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage at the 2026 Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 15! 🌟 🎟 Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 8 @ 10am exclusively at Ticketmaster.com.

👀 Big news is coming… Tomorrow we’ll reveal the very first act for the 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup! Any guesses who’s taking the stage? 🎤🎶

Starting NOW, enjoy the Lowest Prices of the Season on fair favorites — the perfect way to plan ahead and save big! 🔗 Buy now: statefair.illinois.gov

Hey, it’s the @IllinoisLottery here! Thank you for going BIG with us at the Illinois State Fair. Keep an eye out for us, because the BIG fun has only just begun 👀

Gates at 7PM | Show at 8PM 🚨 Walk-through metal detectors and bag checks at all entrances 📲 Download digital tickets before you arrive 💳 Grandstand concessions are now cashless! 🚫 No bags larger than 14"x8” allowed 🔁 Re-entry requires another security screening

Bring out the whole family to enjoy the last day of the Fair on Family day! DON'T MISS: 🏃 Abe's Amble ⚡️ Powerlight Music Festival 🏁 ARCA Auto Racing @ 1pm 🎶 Twista @ 7:30 pm Grand Central Stage 🎤 Turnpike Troubadours @ 8 pm at the Grandstand

We are expecting a large crowd for this show. Please arrive early to help get everyone into the Grandstand safe and smoothly. 🕖 Gates open at 7PM | Show starts at 8PM

Park District Conservation Day! DON'T MISS: 🐖🐐🐑🐄 Swine, Goat, Sheep, Cattle Shows 🌳 Park District Pentathlon 🏁USAC Auto Racing @ 2 pm 🔨 Demolition Derby @ 5 pm in the Arena 🎶 Simply Spice @ 7:30 pm on the Grand Central Stage 🎤 Def Leppard @ 8 pm on the Grandstand

That feeling when...

Gates 7PM | Show 8PM 🚨 All guests must go through metal detectors and bag checks 📲 Download your digital tickets ahead of time for faster access 🚫 No bags larger than 14"x8” 💳 Grandstand concessions are now cashless! 🔁 If you exit, you'll need to re-enter through security