Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation

Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation ISF Museum Foundation was founded to preserve the rich history of the Illinois State Fair.

The Illinoisan of the Day program is an annual award presented by the Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation that honors ...
07/19/2026

The Illinoisan of the Day program is an annual award presented by the Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation that honors 10 outstanding community servants during the fair. Honorees are recognized for their volunteerism, community leadership, agriculture and strong ties to local or state fairs.

To nominate someone who exemplifies Illinois spirit, integrity and dedication, you can obtain a nomination form directly from the Illinois State Fair Museum Foundation’s website. Nominees must be at least 25 years old and actively involved in community or fair-related projects.

You can also visit the museum in person during the fair; it is located on the fairgrounds at the north end of the Grandstand and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Stop by and grab an ice cold water for $2 to help support the museum.

07/09/2026

🔥 And that's not all...

The Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup comes with some incredible opening acts ready to kick off each night!

🎸 Jake Worthington
🎶 Tigirlily Gold
✨ Grace Enger
🕶️ Warrant
☀️ Skip Marley
🎤 Big Boi
🎸 Drive-By Truckers & Hunter Flynn
🎵 ERNEST
🤠 Calder Allen
🤘 From Ashes to New

A great headliner deserves a great opener, and this year's lineup delivers from the first note to the final encore.

Who's your favorite supporting act? 👇

🎟️ Grab your tickets now at Ticketmaster.com and get ready for 10 nights of live music at the Illinois State Fair!

07/09/2026

🍼👶 Ready for the cutest competition at the Fair?

Join us at the Lincoln Stage on Saturday, August 15 for two baby-favorite events that are sure to bring smiles, laughs, and plenty of adorable moments!

🎨 Decorated Diaper Contest – 3:30 PM
Open to babies 18 months and under, this contest showcases creative, colorful, and downright adorable diaper designs.

🏁 Diaper Derby – 4 PM
Watch tiny competitors race to the finish in this crawling-only contest for babies under 1 year old. (Babies who walk will be disqualified!)

📍 Lincoln Stage
🗓️ Saturday, August 15, 2026
📝Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Visit StateFair.Illinois.gov to learn more and sign up.

Whether they're showing off their style or racing across the stage, these little contestants are guaranteed to steal the spotlight! 💙

07/09/2026

⏰ Tick tock, Fair fans...

Your countdown to savings is on! Right now, Mega Passes are just $80 and Jumbo Passes are $90 — but when the calendar flips to August 1, they'll jump to $100 and $110.

That's 23 days left to lock in the lower price. Future-you will thank present-you. 😉

🎟️ Buy now, save later, and start counting down to the Illinois State Fair!

🔗 https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/37633/illinois-state-fair-springfieldil

07/01/2026

🪕🎻 Pick, pluck, and play your way to the Lincoln Stage!

Join us on Saturday, August 15 at 11 AM for the Illinois State Fair's Fiddle & Banjo Competition, where talented musicians of all ages will showcase their skills in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Clawhammer styles.

From lightning-fast finger picking to traditional fiddle tunes, this competition celebrates the rich musical heritage that has been passed down through generations. Whether you're a musician yourself or simply love great live music, this is a performance you won't want to miss!

📍 Lincoln Stage
📅 Saturday, August 15
📝 Pre-registration for this event is highly encouraged. Visit StateFair.Illinois.gov to learn more.
⏰ Competition Begins: 11 AM

Come cheer on these talented competitors and enjoy a toe-tapping Fair tradition! 🎶

07/01/2026

🚨 GET READY FOR A PREHISTORIC INVASION! 🚨

This August, the Illinois State Fair is bringing you something ROAR-some! 🦖

DINO ENCOUNTERS is stomping into Springfield—20,000 square feet of prehistoric adventure where YOU come face-to-face with dinosaurs like never before! (And, it's absolutely FREE!)

🦖 Meet Rocky the T-Rex (he's HUGE and he MOVES!) 🦴 Dig for fossils in our Excavation Zone 🔮 Spin in the Jurassic Gyroscope ⛳ Play Dinosaur Mini Golf (9 holes!) 🦕 Ride life-sized animatronic dinosaurs 🎭 Watch incredible live dino shows with Rocky, Razer & Ruby!

This isn't just an exhibit—it's a journey back 65 MILLION YEARS!

Are you brave enough? 🦕

📅 August 13-23, 2026 📍 Happy Hollow, Illinois State Fair, Springfield

07/01/2026

The 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup is officially complete, and it's packed with chart-topping stars, legendary performers, and unforgettable live shows.

⭐ Bailey Zimmerman
⭐ Lainey Wilson
⭐ Matchbox Twenty
⭐ 38 Special (FREE Concert!)
⭐ Ziggy Marley
⭐ Wiz Khalifa
⭐ The Avett Brothers
⭐ Ella Langley (SOLD OUT)
⭐ The Chicks
⭐ Shinedown

From country and rock to reggae, hip-hop, and everything in between, there's a show for every music fan this August.

Which concert are you most excited to see? 👇

🎟️ Tickets available now at Ticketmaster.com and the Illinois State Fair Box Office.

07/01/2026

📸✨Strike a pose and make some memories at the Illinois State Fair Selfie Gallery!

Located in the Expo Building, this free attraction features fun, creative selfie stations perfect for capturing your Fair adventure. Grab your friends, find your favorite backdrop, and snap a photo worth sharing.

Because the best Fair memories deserve a spot on your camera roll. 🤳

Nominations are open!!!
06/09/2026

Nominations are open!!!

Application for licenses!!!
05/14/2026

Application for licenses!!!

Address

PO Box 8718
Springfield, IL
62711

Telephone

+12177258047

Website

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