Adventure Awaits at the State Fair

The 2025 Illinois State Fair is in full swing, and with this year’s theme, Adventure Awaits, fairgoers are finding no shortage of ways to explore, taste, and experience everything the 11-day event has to offer.

Opening day on August 7 brought crowds to the fairgrounds, and the first weekend featured the return of fan favorites like the Budweiser Clydesdales and the Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food contest. The annual Twilight Parade kicked off the celebration, and now the focus turns to the full schedule of entertainment, competitions, and daily attractions still to come.

Live Music and Arena Thrills - The Grandstand lineup is packed with big-name acts across multiple genres. Jake Owen hit the stage Friday, The Black Crowes perform Saturday, and shows from Sheryl Crow (August 12), Snoop Dogg (August 13), Brad Paisley (August 14), The Chainsmokers (August 15), Def Leppard (August 16), and Turnpike Troubadours (August 17) will keep the music going. While Megan Moroney’s August 10 concert is sold out, tickets remain available for all other performances at the Grandstand Box Office and on Ticketmaster.

Arena events are also underway, with Monster Trucks roaring through the opening night and the Wooten Rodeo set for Saturday. Truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and auto races will follow in the days ahead.

New Attractions and Competitions - Fairgoers can check out first-time events like the Dill-inois State Fair Pickleball Showdown on August 16 in the Orr Building and the Cheer & Dance Competition on August 17 in the Illinois Building. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is hosting daily storytimes at 2 p.m. inside the Sensory Station, and the Craft Beer Competition wraps up August 9 at The Shed, where visitors can sample selections from top Illinois breweries.

Daily Entertainment and Family Fun - The fairgrounds are alive with free shows and roaming performances. The Big Top Adventures Circus, Off Axis Stunt Show, Extreme Dog Stunt Show, and Boom! LED Percussion Light Hype Show are among the family-friendly attractions running daily. Free trams operate throughout the fairgrounds to help guests navigate the busy schedule.

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering interactive workshops on empathy, tolerance, and history, including the Civil Rights Movement and the story of Anne Frank.

A Taste of the Fair - Alongside classic fair treats, this year’s food lineup features new vendors such as Cheesed Out, Eggroll LOVE, Jerk Joint, and Mr. Pork Belly. Many competed in the Golden Abe’s contest, showcasing inventive spins on fair favorites.

The Illinois State Fair continues through August 17 at the fairgrounds in Springfield. For schedules, ticket information, and daily updates, visit StateFair.Illinois.gov or follow the Illinois State Fair on Facebook and Instagram.