The Illinois State Fair Box Office will open on June 1, offering fairgoers the first chance to purchase concert, Arena, and Grandstand event tickets in person or by phone for the 2026 Illinois State Fair. The Box Office is located on the first floor of the Grandstand and will operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To mark opening day, anyone who buys a ticket at the Box Office on June 1—either in person or over the phone—will be entered into a drawing for one free admission ticket and one free parking pass. Sixty-six winners will be chosen to honor Route 66’s centennial. Additionally, an exclusive release of 100 Ella Langley concert tickets will be available only through the Box Office, with a limit of two tickets per transaction.
“Opening the Box Office is always an exciting milestone because it means the Illinois State Fair is right around the corner,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “This year, we wanted to give fairgoers even more reasons to celebrate by offering exclusive concert tickets and the chance to win free admission and parking as we kick off another great Fair season.”
Discounted Mega Passes are being sold in-person at the Emmerson Building or online for $80 (Mega Pass) or $90 (Jumbo Pass including Giant Slide) until July 31; prices increase by $20 after that date. Admission Bundles costing $45 provide eleven any-day admissions, while Seasonal Infield Parking Passes are available for $40 covering all eleven days of fair access.
“The Box Office opening is one of the best opportunities for fairgoers to lock in great deals before the Fair begins,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “From ride passes and admission bundles to concerts and racing events, there are so many ways for families to plan ahead and save money.”
Grandstand and arena tickets can also be purchased online via Ticketmaster; officials warn that Ticketmaster is the only authorized online source for official event tickets. The Illinois Department of Agriculture advances public service by supporting farmers, protecting consumers, promoting agricultural economy growth, testing commercial weighing devices annually, distributing funds statewide—including support for county fairs—and maintaining animal health programs, according to its official website.
