Illinois State Fair 2023: Concerts, schedule, tickets and more

The Illinois State Fair is almost here!

The fair offers everything from farm animals, arts and crafts to carnival rides, concerts, food and more.

There's a little something for everyone at the Illinois State Fair and plenty of fun to be had by all.

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Here's what you need to know about the Illinois State Fair:

The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 10-20 in 2023.

The fair is at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, Ill. According to the website, the fairgrounds are approximately two miles from the Sangamon Avenue exit at 100B off of Interstate 55.

The fairgrounds will be open from 7 a.m. to midnight each day during the Illinois State Fair.

Admission for adults ages 13 to 59 is $5 per person Sunday through Thursday, and $10 per person on Friday and Saturday. Seniors 60 years of age and older are $3. Children ages 12 and under are free.

Discount admission booklets are available for 2023. An 11-day, any-day adult admission booklet is $45; and a 10-day, any-day senior admission booklet is $30.

Admission is not included with event tickets and will need to be purchased before attending all concerts and events at the Illinois State Fair. A parking fee of $5 is required. All-season parking passes are $40 at Gate 6 in the Lot 18 infield.

There are four days where free or discounted admission is available during the Illinois State Fair:

Visit statefair.illinois.gov for a printable and downloadable map of the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

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Here are the concerts and event being held at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand:

Below is the list of fair days. Click the link for each day's schedule of events and more:

Mega Pass and Jumbo Pass tickets are available for unlimited rides throughout the Illinois State Fair. While both passes are good for all 11 days, the Mega Pass is $90 and the Jumbo Pass is $100. The Jumbo Pass includes unlimited slides on the Giant Slide. Tickets are available in the Emmerson Building at the fairgrounds or by phone at (217) 782-6661.

Bargain Bracelet unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased for $35 on-site daily at the Carnival and Adventure Village ticket booths. The Giant Slide is not included. Tickets for the Giant Slide are $4 per slide, per person. Sky Glide is not included with any unlimited ride packages.

For a list of carnival rides, hours and promotions, visit statefair.illinois.gov.

There will be plenty of staples and new foods to try at the Illinois State Fair. "Small Plates Big Tastes" will provide sample-sized items at the Village of Cultures for $3. Participating vendors during the "Illinois State Fair Feeding Fenzy" will offer discounted happy-hour prices from 2 to 5 p.m. daily at the fair.

For a list of food vendors and what they offer, visit statefair.illinois.gov.

The Illinois State Fair's Sensory Friendly Fair Initiative really allows the fair to offer something for everyone. The website offers a social story before attending the fair. A sensory station featuring weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, calming pods and quiet activities will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily inside the Emmerson Building.

During Kids Day on Aug. 12, Sunflower Hours will be in effect from 9 a.m. to noon. A softer, more calming environment will be encouraged at this time. A variety of free entertainment options will be available to enable families with special needs to visit, explore and experience the Illinois State Fair.

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The following locations on the fairgrounds are air-conditioned:

Electric scooters, wagons and wheelchairs can be rented daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Grandstand Avenue near the Goat Barn. Rentals must be returned by midnight each day. There are no reservations and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A driver’s license is required as a deposit on all rentals, which must be returned to the same location to retrieve your driver’s license. Rentals are available at the IL Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

For more information, visit statefair.illinois.gov.

Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.