5 Reasons to Visit the Illinois State Fair

From carnival rides to prize-winning animals, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at the state or county fair! The 2026 Illinois State Fair is August 13-23 in Springfield. You won’t want to miss it!

Food

Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the corn dogs and fresh lemon shake-ups you can get at the fair. Plus, where else can you find apple pie fries and BBQ parfaits? Yum!

Our state fair boasts Golden Abe’s Fantastic Fair Food Competition to see which vendors have the top offerings in each food category. Last year’s winners included an ice cream horseshoe, pierogi burger, Dubai chocolate funnel cake, and more.

Your family can also experience food and drink from across the globe with the Village of Cultures. Booths representing cuisines worldwide offer their signature dishes as well as international beers and local wines.

Experience farm-fresh flavors under the Commodities Pavilion and in the Dairy Building, where Illinois agricultural commodity groups and their farmer volunteers proudly represent their products. See below the various commodity food stands and their fan-favorite foods:

-Pork Patio, Commodities Pavilion: Pork Chop-On-Stick and Pork Twister

-Ribeye Corral, Commodities Pavilion: Ribeye Sandwich and Cowboy Potatoes

-Illinois Wine Experience, Commodities Pavilion: Wine Slushies from Illinois Wineries

-Illinois Lamb and Wool, Commodities Pavilion: Gyros and Lamb Burgers

-Dairy Building: Ice Cream and Cream puffs

Once you’ve had your fill of pork chops and funnel cake, you can feast your eyes upon the iconic Illinois State Fair Butter Cow in the Dairy Building. A tradition for over 100 years, this 500-pound butter sculpture is a fixture of the Illinois State Fair.

Farmers

Don’t be shy. Strike up a conversation with the local farmers who grow and raise your food! This is the perfect opportunity for you to get your questions answered and see their hard work and dedication firsthand.

Friday, August 14, is Agriculture Day at the fair and features livestock shows, the cutest little farmer contest, harness racing, the Illinois State Fair Rodeo, and a Bailey Zimmerman concert. However, every day will feature different opportunities to learn more about farming – check out the daily schedule for more information.

Music

Country music is great, but it’s not the only genre you’ll hear at the fair. Check out the fair website or Facebook page for this year’s lineup. Highlights include Bailey Zimmerman, Lainey Wilson, Matchbox Twenty, 38 Special, Ziggy Marley, The Avett Brothers, Ella Langley, The Chicks, and Shinedown.

Animals

Washed, fluffed, and ready for their chance to shine in the show ring! Showing animals is an opportunity for local farm kids to show off their hard work and dedication to animal care once every year. You can find their families on the sidelines cheering them on! Check out the daily schedule for more information on when you can catch a livestock show.

Beyond the livestock shows, visit the FFA Barn Yard and Piglets on Parade to learn more about farm animals and how Illinois farmers raise and care for them.