Who's performing, how much is admission?: Your 2024 Illinois State Fair questions answered
The pinnacle of Springfield summer fun is just around the corner.
All the rides, music performances, monster truck shows and of course classic fair foods will be back at the Illinois State Fair, running this year from Aug. 8 through Aug. 18.
You have questions about the fair and we have answers: Here's all you need to know.
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What are the daily admission prices?
Kids 12 and younger get in for free every day at the fair, while adults pay $10 Fridays and Saturdays and $5 for every other day. Seniors 60 and older pay $3 per day. Adult admission booklets go for $45, covering all 11 days, and $30 for seniors for 10 days of the 2024 fair.
Need a break?
How much does it cost to park?
Daily rates are $5 but a seasonal pass for every day is $40. Seasonal parking is located at Gate 6, lot 18 in the Grandstand infield.
What are the daily events to know?
Thursday, Aug. 8: Day one of the state fair has Monster of Destruction in the arena, featuring a monster truck show with battles between Against the Grain, Redneck Rampage, American Scout, Crusharoo and War Wizard. There will also be a Tuff Trucks competition and a side-by-side competition. Advanced pricing tickets cost $25 for adults and $20 for children 11 years old and younger. Day of tickets cost $28 for adults and $23 for children.
Saturday, Aug. 10: Wooten Rodeo will have a full-fledged rodeo including Bareback, Saddle Bronc, Bull Riding, Tie Down Roping, Over 40 Tie Down Roping, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling and Barrel Racing. Tickets for adults start at $10 and $5 for children 12 and under.
Aug. 12-14: The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association will host a three-day event of nonstop action to see which of the machines can pull the farthest. Guests can hear the roar of the engines and capture the excitement of this popular event. Cost: Tickets for adults start at $10 and $5 for children 12 and under.
Saturday, Aug. 17: At the fair's penultimate day, there will be a demolition derby as drivers crash into each other until one remains, earning the title of Illinois State Fair Demolition Derby Champion. The derby is a crowd favorite as drivers compete to test strength and durability in automotive combat. Tickets for adults start at $10 and for children they start at $5.
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Who are the headliner music performances?
Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday, Aug. 14, but he's far from the sole music star coming to Springfield.
On opening night, '90s rockers ("Hey Jealousy") will host a free show on the Grand Central Stage at the Reisch Pavilion. Country music star Keith Urban will be performing with special guest MacKenzie Porter the next day, followed up by rock metal group Mötley Crüe on Saturday.
All concerts start at 8 p.m. and all children three and older are required to have a ticket to attend any Grandstand concert. Here are the following performances:
Sunday, Aug. 11: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, joined by Ashley McBryde.
Tuesday, Aug. 13: Jordan Davis, with special guests Ashley Cooke and King Calaway.
Thursday, Aug. 15: Jonas Brothers
Friday, Aug. 16: The Smashing Pumpkins with PVRIS
Saturday, Aug. 17: Miranda Lambert, featuring Gavin Adcock as the opener
Sunday, Aug. 18: Shaboozey
Where can I get tickets?
Tickets for events at the Multi-Purpose Arena and Grandstand are available online at .
For events at the Grandstand, tickets can also be purchased at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand Box Office. Those tickets must be purchased in-person at 801 E. Sangamon Ave., over-the-phone at 217-782-1979 or by mail order to Attn: ISF Grandstand Box Office, PO Box 19427, Springfield, IL 62794-9427.
What about the rides?
Rides cost $3 each, but there are also passes for unlimited rides available until the end of July.
A MEGA pass covers all rides and days for the fair, costing $80, but does not include the Giant Slide or Sky Glide. A JUMBO pass costs $90 and includes everything the MEGA pass does plus the Giant Slide. Passes can be ordered , by phone at 217-782-6661 or in-person at the Emmerson Building at 801 Brian Rainey Ave.
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What are some of the free events and music performances to know?
Wanting to get in on the fun, but save a few bucks? Events like the BMX PROS Trick Team, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show and the Watershow Productions High Dive Show won't cost you a dime.
BMX PROS Trick Team:
Where: Thrillville
Times: Thursday Aug. 8 at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; every other day at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show:
Where: Thrillville
Times: Thursday, Aug. 8 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.; every other day at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Watershow Productions High Dive Show:
Where: Corner of Central Avenue and Main Street
Times: Monday through Friday at 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Free music performances are available each day during the Grand Central Stage Concert Series at the Reisch Pavillion. Among them, include country music singers Kylie Morgan and Drew Baldridge and tribute bands Taylor Made (Taylor Swift tribute) and Feeling This (Blink 182).
Are there any discount or free days that I should know?
Yes, there are several discount and free days offered.
- Sunday, Aug. 11: Veterans & immediate families free with proper ID
- Monday, Aug. 12: Seniors & Scouts free with proper ID or uniform
- Tuesday, Aug. 13: $2 Admission for seniors and adults
- Friday, Aug. 16: First responders and healthcare workers free with proper ID
What is the parade route?
The Twilight Parade kicks off from Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. The parade travels onto Sangamon Avenue and enters the fairgrounds through the Main Gate. From there, it proceeds down Main Street to Grandstand Avenue.
What is this year's theme?
Kicking off the start of July, state fair officials announced this year's theme is "It's Showtime."
Daily themes are as followed:
- Aug. 8: County Fair & Horse Racing Day
- Aug. 9: Agriculture Day
- Aug. 10: Kids Day
- Aug. 11: Veterans & Gold Star Families Day
- Aug. 12: Senior & Scout Day
- Aug. 13: Twosday
- Aug. 14: Governor’s Day
- Aug. 15: Republican Day
- Aug. 16: First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day
- Aug. 17: Park District Conservation Day
- Aug. 18: Family Day
Contact Patrick M. Keck: pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.