Yes, it’s that time again, Springfield! It’s time to get a corndog at Vose’s, see a Grandstand show or two and take that ride on the Sky Glider. The Illinois State Fair begins bright and early today at 7 a.m. Today’s big event, of course, is the Twilight Parade from Lincoln Park to the fairgrounds at 5:30pm. Once again this year, the Grandstand has a great lineup of shows with Bailey Zimmerman on Friday, Lainey Wilson on Saturday and Matchbox Twenty on Sunday. Besides the Grandstand shows, there is tons of music at the beer tents and various stages, including the Grand Central Stage. This weekend features lots of harness racing. Speaking of racing, auto racing will return Aug. 22-23 with the USAC Bettenhausen 100 on Aug. 22 and ARCA 100 + Sportsman Nationals on Aug. 23. Today’s opening day admission is $5 for adults, $3 seniors and children ages 12 and younger are free
Illinois State Fair
Thursday, Aug. 13 through Sunday, Aug. 23
Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave.
statefair.illinois.gov
217-782-6661
This article appears in August 13-19, 2026.
