Illinois State Fair

08/27/2026

The Pritzker Administration has done so much to make the Illinois State Fair more affordable and accessible — and at the end of the day, the Fair is all about the people who show up. ❤️

To everyone who walked through the gates, rode the rides, tried something new, cheered from the Grandstand, supported our exhibitors, grabbed a corndog (or three), and made memories with us: thank you.

You brought our theme, Miles of Smiles, to life in the best possible way. From the first morning to the final sunset, you filled the Fair with laughter, excitement and plenty of smiles.

Thank you for making the 2026 Illinois State Fair one to remember. We’ll see you down the road! 🎡🌽✨

08/26/2026

👏 The Illinois State Fair extends our thanks to COUNTRY Financial for their support of our Junior Exhibitors during the 2026 shows. COUNTRY provided meal vouchers to the exhibitors on Wednesday, August 12 so exhibitors could grab a quick bite at the 4-H Food Stand and then get back to show prep.

Thank you, COUNTRY. 🤩

08/26/2026

Thank you for helping make the Fair accessible for all!! 💙

08/25/2026

💛💛💛

We’re sad to learn of Dolly Parton’s passing and appreciate the time she spent at our state fairs.

She performed in Springfield at the Illinois State Fair in 1971 as part of the Grand Ole Opry with Jerry Lee Lewis, Porter Wagoner, and Ernest Tubb and again in 1978 as a solo artist.

In 1979, she performed two sold out shows at the DuQuoin State Fair.

08/24/2026

aight imma head out…see you in 2027, besties. 🫶

08/23/2026

Oooooo. These are comin’ home with me.

Before the Illinois State Fair comes to an end, of course I had to make some cake pops of some of our most favorite fair food staples!

I'm so proud of these! I had a very busy week fulfilling orders but I'm so happy I was able to get these done for the last day of the fair! 😊

I focused alot on the little details, especially with the cullers fries. You'll notice the "grease/vinegar" soaked cone. The "powdered sugar" on the funnel cake. The visibly sugary donuts, and the extra cheesy pizza!

08/23/2026

that late august feeling.

08/23/2026

Hey, it’s the Illinois Lottery here! 👋 We want to give a BIG thank you to all of our players who visited us at the Illinois State Fair. Keep the fun going by playing on our app or at a lottery retailer near you!

08/23/2026

Today is the last day for a ✨mental health walk✨ at the Fair! Get one in while you still can.