Illinois Department of Agriculture
08/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/04/2026 15:37
Know Before You Go to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand
SPRINGFIELD, IL - If you are headed to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand this year, brush up on these important reminders to help make your experience safe, smooth, and enjoyable.
The Illinois State Fair is a family-friendly venue. The following measures have been put in place to protect all fairgoers.
Security
All bags brought onto the Fairgrounds are subject to a thorough search by security personnel or law enforcement officers. To maintain a safe environment for event attendees, entertainers and staff, all Grandstand ticket holders will pass through metal detectors prior to entering the Grandstand.
Following entertainment industry standards, the Illinois State Fair is adopting a clear bag policy for all grandstand events, including harness racing, concerts and auto racing. All bags brought into the Grandstand must be clear and no larger than 14"x 8". Exceptions are made for diaper bags and medical bags, though these bags may be subject to search by security personnel or law enforcement officers. For a full list of security features at the Grandstand, visit our website .
If you exit the Grandstand during the event, you must pass through the security screening process again before re-entering.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited everywhere on the State Fairgrounds: firearms and other weapons, illegal substances including drugs, laser pointers, drones, and air horns or similar noise makers. All items found after entry will be confiscated and discarded. For more information about Illinois State Fair prohibited items, visit StateFair.Illinois.gov/info/prohibited-items.html .
Parking & Public Transportation
General parking is available through Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, and 11. The closest parking for Grandstand attendees include Gate 6 (infield) and Gate 7. Accessible parking is available at Gates 4 and 11, with complimentary tram service operating until 8 p.m. daily. Parking is $5 per vehicle, per day. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lift will drop riders off at the Main Gate on the south side of the Fairgrounds.
Food & Beverages
Grandstand concession stands are cashless.
Food may be brought into the Grandstand. For safety reasons:
• All beverages sold inside the Grandstand will be opened at the time of purchase.
• Drinks purchased on the track will be served in plastic cups. Bottles, cans, and sealed containers are not permitted in the track area.
• Outside beverage containers, including reusable cups, are prohibited inside the Grandstand.
Party Tent
The Party Tent entrance is located at Gate 6 (infield). Gates open at the time listed on your Party Tent ticket. Admission requires both a valid concert ticket and a Party Tent ticket, and both tickets will be scanned upon entry.
Party guests will enter the concert venue directly from the Party Tent. The party typically lasts approximately 90 minutes, and the Party Tent closes when concert gates open, generally one hour before showtime. At that time, all Party Tent guests must enter the concert venue. Re-entry into the Party Tent is not permitted. Guests arriving after the Party Tent has closed must enter through the Grandstand gates listed on their concert ticket. Please note that refunds will not be issued for late arrivals.
Tickets
If you purchased mobile tickets, be sure to download the tickets to your Ticketmaster app, prior to arriving at the Fairgrounds. This will ensure you have a consistent and reliable Wi-Fi signal to minimize any delays getting into the concert.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Illinois State Fair , August 13 through August 23 in Springfield.
Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements from the Illinois State Fair by connecting with us via Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield are on the historic path of Route 66, providing a front-row seat to the 100th anniversary celebrations happening all year. In recognition of a century of Route 66, a road that started in Illinois and helped shape America, Miles of Smiles is the 2026 Illinois State Fair theme. Because that's what this road and the Illinois State Fair have always delivered. Miles of memories, miles of music, and miles of smiles shared right here in the heart of Illinois. Now through August 20, visitors to the Illinois State Museum's "Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66" exhibit can receive a voucher for one adult weekday admission to the Illinois State Fair. Learn more about Route 66 celebrations here .
Illinois Department of Agriculture published this content on August 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 04, 2026 at 21:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]