Illinois State Fair Takeover of Illinois Product Farmers Market on July 30

Stock up and save on Mega & Jumbo passes before 8/1 price increase

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois State Fair takes over the Illinois Product Farmers Market, combining two of your summertime favorite activities.

Make plans to be at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 30 from 3:30 - 7 p.m. for Illinois State Fair discount deals, giveaways, food, and of course, the weekly farmers market.

"As we count down to the start of the 2026 Illinois State Fair, we're joining forces with the Illinois Product Farmers Market to give families another opportunity to save on one of Illinois' favorite summer traditions," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Concert Tickets and Mega Passes

The Grandstand Box Office will be open for concert ticket sales. You can also purchase tickets to Arena events and auto racing events while there.

If you already have your 2026 Mega or Jumbo Pass, now is the best time to get your photo taken. The Emmerson Building will have extended hours to make sure kids are ready to ride those rides the minute the carnival opens. If you haven't gotten your pass yet, don't delay. This is your last chance before the price increases on August 1st.

Fair Food Trucks

Get your Fair food fix early with three State Fair themed food trucks. Food Baby will offer smash burgers and cheese curds, Coleman's will be serving up original Route 66 Cozy Dogs, french fries, lemon shakeups and more, and Songbird Fruit - a brand-new vendor at the Illinois State Fair this year - will have grilled Illinois peaches and ice cream.

Jax Dion will provide live entertainment on the Lincoln Stage directly across from The Shed.

• Win Illinois State Fair Prizes
• Don't miss the chance to win free tickets to an exciting event, and you don't have to be present to win. Prize packages include:
• Fair Food Coupon Bundles
• Illinois Beef Gift Basket
• Arena Event Tickets
• Illinois Wine

Buy Early and Skip the Lines

Planning to enjoy an adult beverage at the Beer Tents, Grandstand or Artisan Building? Pre-purchase your Illinois State Fair drink tickets. Representatives from Nelson's Catering and Illinois Wine will be onsite to pre-sell tickets for this year's fair. Another opportunity to plan ahead and skip long lines at the fair!

Enter Illinois State Fair Contests

Don't forget to register for fan-favorite Special Events contests while you're at the farmers market. You might earn a blue ribbon at the Illinois State Fair in August! The following contests will be open for sign-up:

- Baby Photo Contest

- Pet Photo Contest

- Amateur Talent Contest

- Cutest Little Farmer Contest

- Fiddle & Banjo Contest

- Ponytail Contest

- Decorated Diaper Contest

- Diaper Derby Contest

- Baton Twirling Contest

- Cheer and Dance Showcase

Route 66 Centennial Celebrations