The 2023 Illinois State Fair. The Fairgrounds are open from 7 a.m. to Midnight for the duration of the Fair. The Fair Administration Office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the fair.

August 10, 2023

County Fair and Horse Racing Day
This is the official start of the fair!  Gates open at 7:00 a.m.  
More than 70 county fair queens and 105 fairs and expositions from across the state are represented at the fair. It is also the first day of harness racing at the fair's one-mile dirt track, which is the fastest in the world.  The first day of the fair also features the twilight  annual Twilight Parade which starts at 5:30 p.m. from Lincoln Park.

Highlights
State Fair Ribbon Cutting
Twilight Parade
Junior Poultry Shows
Society Horse Show
Discount Carnival Rides

August 11, 2023

Agriculture Day

Illinois agriculture, which is featured throughout the fair, is highlighted on this day.

Highlights
Harness Racing
Golden Abe's Food Vendor Contest

8:00 PM: Old Dominion

August 12, 2023

Kids Day
The first Saturday of the Illinois State Fair is dedicated to our youngest fairgoers.  Kids Day will feature special programming aimed at educating and entertaining kids of all ages.  And remember -  Kids 12 and under get in free to the Illinois State Fair!

Highlights
Harness Racing
Diaper Derbies
Ponytail Contest

August 13, 2023

Veterans and Gold Star Families Day
Veterans and their immediate 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.

Highlights
Veterans Day Activities at Lincoln Stage
Draft Horse Show
ISF Karaoke Contest Finals
Character Brunch

August 14, 2023

Senior and Scout Day
Fair visitors 60 and older are admitted to the fairgrounds for free. Special events in the Senior Citizens Center take place throughout the day. All scouts in uniform are also admitted to the fairgrounds for free on this day.  The Scout Day Tent will be located directly outside the entrance to the Carnival Midway

Highlights
Draft Horse Show
BINGO night sponsored by Gift of Hope (Grand Central Stage)
Paint Night Experience

8pm: REO Speedwagon

August 15, 2023

A fantastic mid-week special that encourages families to attend the Illinois State 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.

Highlights
Auctioneer and Bid Calling Contest
Draft Horse Show
Cutest Little Farmer Contest
Governor's Sale of Champions

8:00 PM: REO Speedwagon

August 16, 2023

Governor's Day
While the Governor attends much of the Illinois State 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.  

Highlights
Swine, Cattle, Goat Shows
Harness Racing
Paint Night Experience
Opening Day of STEAM Expo

8:00 PM: Alter Bridge

August 17, 2023

Republican Day
Illinois Republicans host special guests on this day.

Highlights
Cattle and Sheep Shows
Harness Racing
Paint Night Experience

August 18, 2023

First Responder and Healthcare Heroes Day (Free Admission for first responders and healthcare workers w/ID) Welcome to the weekend!  Today all police officers, firefighters, EMTs and Healthcare Workers who show their badge at the gate will be admitted to the Illinois State Fair for FREE.  Also, look for special offers and discounts from various food vendors while you enjoying your day on at the fair!

Highlights
Sheep, Swine and Cattle Shows
Cupcake Contest
Drone Racing Competition

August 19, 2023

Park District Conservation Day
Members from more than 45 Park Districts throughout Illinois entertain fairgoers across the grounds and host activities on the fairgrounds, including inside Conservation World.

Highlights
Swine, Goat, Sheep, Cattle Shows
Park District Pentathlon
USAC Auto Racing
Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees Ceremony?
Character Brunch
eSports Competition

3:00PM: USAC Bettenhausen 100

8:00 PM: Maren Morris

August 20, 2023

Family Day
This is the  last day for families to enjoy the fair.

Highlights
Giant Dinosaurs
Abe's Amble
Powerlight Music Festival
Pee Wee Pig Show
ARCA Auto Racing

1:30 PM: ARCA Menards Series Atlas 100 + Sportsman Nationals

Date: August 10 - 20, 2023

Tickets:
Children (0-12): Free
Adults (13-59): $10 (Fridays and Saturdays)
Adults (13-59): $5 (All other days)
Seniors (60+): $3

Location:
Illinois State Fairgrounds
801 East Sangamon Avenue
Springfield, IL 62702

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