(The Center Square) – The Illinois State Fair opens Aug. 7 in Springfield, promising 11 days of concerts, livestock showcases, carnival rides and family-friendly fun with organizers putting extra emphasis this year on affordability.
During a Thursday news conference, Rebecca Clark, manager of the Illinois State Fair, announced a flash sale for two of this year’s grandstand acts, Jake Owen and the Chainsmokers.
“We understand that people have a lot of options for how they spend their hard-earned entertainment dollars. That’s why the Illinois State Fair is doing everything it can to help guests enjoy all aspects of the fair, including the grandstand,” Clark said.
A limited-time flash sale runs Saturday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 3, but snagging the deal requires a promo code, available exclusively through the Illinois State Fair’s social media channels.
Children 12 and under get in free daily, and adult admission is $5 most days, with a $2 admission day on Aug. 12. Ride discounts include $2 and $3 days, $3 food deals are offered in the Village of Cultures, and parking is $5.
Opening day parking passes can be redeemed for free parking later in the week. Deputy Agriculture Director Kristi Jones said last year’s fair brought in over $86 million in economic impact and $2.6 million in sales tax revenue.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that as soon as the fair ends, we start planning the next one,” Jones said. “In 2024, we welcomed a record-breaking 773,000 visitors, and in preparation for even more this year, our team has spent the past year renovating, repairing and updating the Illinois State Fairgrounds.”
Grand Central Stage will feature free concerts every night of the fair at 7:30 p.m. The 2025 Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup features big-name acts across genres, including Jake Owen, The Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Brad Paisley, The Chainsmokers, Def Leppard and Turnpike Troubadours.
Fairgoers can expect tighter security and more ways to enjoy the festivities, from walk-through metal detectors at the grandstand to the debut of a craft beer competition where visitors get to be the judge.
Joshua Adcock with the Illinois State Police announced law enforcement agencies, including the Secretary of State Police, would be implementing new security measures.
“The new security measures aren’t just about enforcement, they are about prevention, visibility and reassurance,” said Adcock. “At the grandstand, fairgoers will notice walk-through metal detectors, similar to what you’d see at sporting events. We also updated our back-check procedures. All bags are subject to be searched and if you’re heading into the grandstand, your bag must be no larger than 14 inches by 8 inches.”
In addition to enhanced safety measures, this year’s Illinois State Fair brings fresh attractions, including a round-robin doubles pickleball tournament on Aug. 16 in the Orr Building. Clark said the event will feature both youth and adult divisions.
“If competition isn’t your speed, there will be a free demonstration and challenge court where fairgoers can try out the sport. No equipment needed, just a good attitude and comfortable shoes,” Clark said. “Also new this year, the Illinois State Fair will host the 2025 Craft Beer Competition, where you get to be the judge. In partnership with the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, more than a dozen Illinois breweries will compete for the title of Best in Show.”
The 2025 Illinois Craft Beer Competition debuts at the State Fair on Aug. 8 and 9 in The Shed. Fairgoers can judge entries from top Illinois breweries with a pint or a “Sample Pass” for ten 5-ounce tastings.