Illinois State Fair Daily Schedule - Springfield, IL

Daily Schedule

THURSDAY, August 7 - County Fair & Horse Racing Day (Fair Opens)
Gates open at 7:00 a.m. More than 70 county fair queens and 105 fairs and expositions from across the state are represented. It is also the first day of harness racing at the fair’s one-mile dirt track, which is the fastest in the world. The first day of the fair also features the annual Twilight Parade which starts at 5:30 p.m. from Lincoln Park.

Highlights
State Fair Ribbon Cutting
$3.00 Carnival Rides
Twilight Parade
Harness Racing (Click for Details
Beef Cattle Show
Poultry Shows
Society Horse Show
Monster Trucks - 7:30pm (Click for Details

FRIDAY, August 8 - Agriculture Day
Illinois agriculture, featured throughout the fair, is highlighted on this day.

Highlights
Cutest Little Farmer Contest
Harness Racing (Click for Details
Goat & Swine Shows
Golden Abe's Food Vendor Contest

SATURDAY, August 9 - Kids Day (12 & Under are FREE)
The first Saturday of the Illinois State Fair is dedicated to our youngest fairgoers. Kids Day features special programming aimed at educating and entertaining children of all ages.

Highlights
Harness Racing (Click for Details
ABC AmTryke Presentation (Expo Building)
Diaper Derby
Mullet Competition
Ponytail Contest
Parade of Champions
Sensory Friendly Hours 9am - Noon
RODEO 7:30pm

SUNDAY, August 10 - Veterans & Gold Star Families Day
Veterans and their families are admitted to the grounds for FREE. A veterans parade and activities are some of the highlights for the day. Discounted ride passes for families of military veterans.

Highlights
Veterans Day Activities at Lincoln Stage
Beef Cattle Show
Draft Horse Show
Rabbit Show
Sheep Show
Swine Show

LIVE MUSIC:
8pm - Megan Moroney (Click for Details

MONDAY, August 11 - Senior & Scout Day
Fair visitors 60 and older are admitted to the fairgrounds for free. Special events for Senior Citizens will take place throughout the day in the Illinois Building. The Scout Day Tent will be located directly outside the entrance to the Carnival Midway.

Highlights
Cattle Show
Draft Horse Show
Goat Show
Truck & Tractor Pull - 7:30pm (Click for Details

TUESDAY, August 12 - Twosday
A fantastic mid-week special that encourages families to attend the Illinois State Fair. Discounted admission is offered for adults and seniors on this day, and all rides in the Carnival Midway and Adventure Village will be just $2 each.

Highlights
Draft Horse Show
Sheep Show
Swine Show
Truck & Tractor Pull - 7:30pm (Click for Details

LIVE MUSIC:
8pm - Sheryl Crow (Click for Details

WEDNESDAY, August 13 - Governor’s Day
While the Governor attends much of the Illinois State Fair, this is his day to host special guests, including former Illinois Governors. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the Governor’s Sale of Champions. At this event, the grand champion commodities and junior livestock including the barrow, steer, wether, poultry trio and rabbit trio are auctioned off to benefit our agricultural youth.

Highlights
Governor's Sale Of Champions 4:30pm in the Coliseum of Champions.
Swine, Sheep, Cattle Shows
Naturalization Ceremony 11am, Orr Building
Harness Racing - Post Time 11am (Click for Details
Illinois State Auctioneers Championship

LIVE MUSIC:
8pm - Snoop Dogg (Click for Details

THURSDAY, August 14 - Republican Day
Illinois Republicans host special guests on this day.

Highlights
Cattle & Sheep Shows
Society Horse Show
Harness Racing (Click for Details

FRIDAY, August 15 - First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day
Welcome to the weekend! Today all police officers, firefighters, EMTs and Healthcare Workers who show their badge at the gate will be admitted to the Illinois State Fair for FREE. Also, look for special offers and discounts from various food vendors while you enjoying your day on at the fair!

Highlights
Sheep, Swine & Cattle Shows
ISF Championship Demolition Derby
Power Wheels at 5:00 pm
Demolition Derby at 6:00 pm


SATURDAY, August 16 - Park District Conservation Day
Members of more than 45 Park Districts from throughout Illinois entertain fairgoers across the grounds and host activities in Conservation World.

Highlights
Swine, Goat, & Sheep Shows
Park District Pentathlon
Parade of Champions at 5:30pm
USAC Auto Racing
Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductees Ceremony​

LIVE MUSIC:
8pm - Def Leppard (Click for Details


SUNDAY, August 17 - Family Day (Fair Closes)
Bring the family out and enjoy the last day of the fair.​​​​​​​​

Highlights
Abe's Amble
Lego Competition (Expo Building)- 3 Competitions 10am-2pm
Draft Horse Pull Show
Miniature Horse Show
Powerlight Music Festival
Pee Wee Pig Show
ARCA Auto Racing - 1pm

LIVE MUSIC:
8pm - Turnpike Troubadours (Click for Details



To see all local fairs in the Northern Illinois Area: Click for Details

For complete music line up and tickets to the shows click on the Second More Info icon on this page.