The Illinois State Fair will introduce digital ticketing for its 2026 season after a successful trial in 2025. The move aims to provide visitors with a more convenient and secure entry process.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said, “The Illinois State Fair is stepping into the future. Digital ticketing represents our commitment to modernizing the fairgoer experience through technology. This transformation will streamline access, enhance security, and position the Illinois State Fair in a way that meets the expectations of today’s families.”
Visitors are encouraged to download their tickets before arriving at the fairgrounds or save them to their mobile phone’s e-wallet for faster entry. Special passes such as Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes must be redeemed at the Illinois State Fair administration offices (Emmerson Building) for a photo identification card starting in June 2026. These passes cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark stated, “We’re thrilled to bring this technology to our fairgoers. Digital ticketing is already the standard at most concert and entertainment venues across the country, and we’re excited to offer that same convenience here. Fairgoers no longer need to worry about lost paper tickets—they can simply access their tickets right from their mobile devices. This change will help us serve our visitors more efficiently while maintaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere the Illinois State Fair is known for.”
The 2026 Illinois State Fair is scheduled for August 13 through August 23 in Springfield.
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