Illinois e-News Release

July 22, 2025

[email protected] 

SPRINGFIELD, IL –With longer hours and discounted prices, the Illinois State Fair is offering more chances to save money on state fair fun.

The Illinois State Fair Grandstand Box Office will be open extended hours for in-person and over-the-phone ticket purchases on Thursday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Regular box office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday prior to the fair. Once the fair starts, hours will change from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. August 7 – 17. Tickets are also available online using www.ticketmaster.com, but you can avoid additional ticket fees when you purchase at the box office.

In addition to concert tickets, fairgoers will be able to purchase tickets at the box office for events at The Arena including Monsters of Destruction (August 7), Rodeo by Wooten Rodeo (August 9), ITPA Truck and Tractor Pulls (August 11-13) and Demolition Derby (August 16). Auto races include the USAC Bettenhausen 100 (August 16) and Menards Series Springfield 100 (August 17).

“We look for every opportunity to make the 2025 Illinois State Fair affordable,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Extended box office hours make it easier to come out and buy tickets in person to save money.”

Time is running out for fairgoers to cash in on steep discounts on unlimited carnival rides during the Illinois State Fair.  For a limited time only, an Illinois State Fair Mega Pass will be on sale for just $80. The price will increase on August 1.

To help families cash in on this money-saving deal, the Illinois State Fair is offering extended in-person sales hours. The Mega Pass Office will be open late during the July 24 Illinois Product Farmers Market (until 7 p.m.).  The office will also be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday July 26 and Saturday, August 2. 

“The Illinois State Fair Mega Pass is one of the best tools to save money at the Fair, especially for families who plan to visit more than once during the 11-day run,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. “But with time running out, we encourage families to take advantage of this money-saving opportunity during our extended office hours, or online 24-7 at StateFair.Illinois.gov.”

If you already purchased a Mega Pass or Jumbo pass, avoid long lines and visit during our extended hours to pick up your pass before the fair. While you are there, pick up a Discount Admission Book.  For just $45, the Discount Admission Book provides 11 any-day admissions to the 2025 Illinois State Fair.  The fair also offers a Seasonal Infield Parking Pass that can be purchased for $40. This allows you to park on the infield all 11 days of the fair. 

Thursday, July 24  8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 26  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturday, August 2  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Monday, August 4 – Wednesday, August 6  8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 24  8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, August 2  9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday, August 8: Jake Owen with Jo Dee Messina

Saturday, August 9: The Black Crowes with Southall

Sunday, August 10: Megan Moroney with Kameron Marlowe – SOLD OUT!

Tuesday, August 12: Sheryl Crow

Wednesday, August 13: Snoop Dogg with Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

Thursday, August 14: Brad Paisley with Tucker Wetmore

Friday, August 15: The Chainsmokers

Saturday, August 16: Def Leppard

Sunday, August 17: Turnpike Troubadours with Whitey Morgan

Did you know? Ticketmaster offers fairgoers an opportunity to make attending multiple concerts easier. Flexible online payment options may be available to qualified buyers through Klarna, a company that partners with Ticketmaster. To learn more about Klarna, visit klarna.com.

The 2025 Illinois State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17 in Springfield. Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements by connecting with us via Facebook and Instagram.