SPRINGFIELD, IL — The 2025 Illinois State Fair is making it easier and more affordable for families to enjoy this year’s festivities, announcing extended hours and new ticket discounts ahead of the August celebration.
Fairgoers can take advantage of longer box office hours to purchase Grandstand concert tickets and passes for special events like the Monsters of Destruction (Aug. 7), Wooten Rodeo (Aug. 9), ITPA Truck and Tractor Pulls (Aug. 11–13), and the Demolition Derby (Aug. 16). Auto racing fans can look forward to the USAC Bettenhausen 100 (Aug. 16) and the Menards Series Springfield 100 (Aug. 17).
Extended Box Office Access
The Grandstand Box Office will be open beyond regular hours on:
Thursday, July 24: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 2: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Regular hours (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays) will continue until the fair begins, after which ticket windows will remain open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (Aug. 7–17). Tickets are also available online at Ticketmaster.com, though purchasing at the box office helps avoid additional fees.
“We look for every opportunity to make the 2025 Illinois State Fair affordable,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II.
Mega Pass: Unlimited Carnival Rides
One of the best savings tools, the Illinois State Fair Mega Pass, is available for a limited time at a discounted price of $80(price increases after Aug. 1). The Mega Pass grants unlimited carnival rides throughout the fair’s 11-day run.
Extended Mega Pass Office hours include:
Thursday, July 24: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 & August 2: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
August 4–6: 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“This pass is beneficial for families who plan to attend more than once,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager.
Already purchased a Mega or Jumbo Pass? Avoid the lines by picking it up during extended hours. While there, visitors can also grab a $45 Discount Admission Book (good for 11 any-day entries) and a $40 Seasonal Infield Parking Pass for all-day infield access.
2025 Grandstand Concert Series
August 8: Jake Owen with Jo Dee Messina
August 9: The Black Crowes with Southall
August 10: Megan Moroney with Kameron Marlowe – SOLD OUT
August 12: Sheryl Crow
August 13: Snoop Dogg with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
August 14: Brad Paisley with Tucker Wetmore
August 15: The Chainsmokers
August 16: Def Leppard
August 17: Turnpike Troubadours with Whitey Morgan
Concertgoers can also upgrade to a $30 Pre-Show Party ticket at all performances.
The Illinois State Fair runs August 7–17, 2025, in Springfield.
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