Adventure Awaits at the 2025 State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is almost here, and we’ve packed this year with more flavor, fun, and fair favorites than ever before. Inspired by this year’s theme – Adventure Awaits – here’s your exclusive look at what’s waiting just beyond the gate.

Dolly Days: Celebrate imagination and reading with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library inside the Sensory Station. Storytimes daily at 2 p.m.

Dill-inois State Fair Pickleball Showdown: Whether you're smashing serves or just here for the puns, this brand-new competition is a big dill! Register now or come and watch the competition Saturday, August 16 in the Orr Building starting at 10 a.m.

Cheer & Dance Competition: Watch squads bring the heat in a high-energy showcase of spirit and skill Sunday, August 17 in the Illinois Building starting at 2 p.m. Best in Show will be awarded in each division based on audience participation, so make sure to bring your friends and families to cheer for these competitors!

Craft Beer Competition: Raise a glass to local flavor and see who hops away with the top prize, because you are the judge. August 8 & 9 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in The Shed, buy a pint or snag a "Sample Pass" to sip your way across 10 different 5-ounce samples from some of the best breweries Illinois has to offer!

They're back! The Budweiser Clydesdales return to stomp through the fairgrounds in majestic fashion. Don’t miss your chance to see them up close in Barn 118 at Avenue of Flags.

Can’t Miss Shows

From rodeo thrills to rock-and-roll, our lineup is stacked:

Grandstand Highlights: Jake Owen, The Chainsmokers, Def Leppard, The Black Crowes and more! Get your tickets now at Ticketmaster.

Arena Action: Monster Trucks, Tractor Pulls, and Demo Derby Cars—bring your earplugs and your adrenaline. Grab tickets now!

Free Concert Series: Enjoy 11 nights of free concerts under the Reisch Pavilion on the Grand Central Stage! Check out the all-star lineup

Taste of the Fair

Hungry for something new? This year’s food lineup features must-try vendors, including but not limited to:

Cheesed Out – grilled cheese with attitude

Eggroll LOVE – fusion flavor in a crispy wrap

Jerk Joint – Caribbean spice meets fairground fun

Mr. Pork Belly – pork perfection, every way you can imagine

Don’t miss the Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food contest on Friday, August 8 to see who walks away with the coveted culinary bragging rights!

Daily Events

Every single day brings something new—and it won’t cost you a anything extra:

Big Top Adventures Circus – high-flying thrills under the tent

Boom! LED Percussion Light Hype Show – music, lights, and energy

Off Axis Stunt Show – high-flying acrobatics meets BMX, parkour, and jaw-dropping tricks

Extreme Dog Stunt Show – fast-paced canine stunts that’ll leave you cheering

Free stages all over the fairgrounds - with magicians, contests, and musical rising stars

Don’t forget to hop on a *FREE* tram to help you navigate the fairgrounds. Running all 11 days of the Illinois State Fair.

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.

Illinois e-News Release

Adventure Awaits at the 2025 State Fair

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