Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Fair has announced its theme and discount days for 2024. The event will commence on Thursday, August 8, with County Fairs and Horse Racing Day. Gates will open at 7 a.m., offering a full day of horse racing, county fair celebrations, free entertainment, $3 carnival rides, traditional fair food, kick-off activities, and the annual Twilight Parade.

A special parking promotion called "Double the Fun" will be available on August 8. Visitors who pay to park on that day will receive free parking on a return trip to the fair on the following Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Agriculture Day is scheduled for Friday, August 9. This day will highlight Illinois agriculture with livestock exhibitors and youth participants celebrating the state's leading industry.

On Tuesday, August 13, "Twosday" will feature $2 admission for seniors and adults. North American Midway, the fair's carnival operator, will offer all rides at $2 each in addition to honoring all Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes sold before and during the fair.

"Our theme days allow us to celebrate the diversity of Illinois State Fair and everything it has to offer," said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. "Each year, we look for opportunities to make the Illinois State Fair affordable and accessible for families and to broaden their exposure to agriculture, the state's number one industry."

The complete list of theme and discount days for the 2024 Illinois State Fair is as follows:

- Thursday, August 8: County Fairs & Horse Racing Day; Double the Fun

- Friday, August 9: Agriculture Day

- Saturday, August 10: Kids Day

- Sunday, August 11: Veterans & Gold Star Families Day (Free admission for veterans and their families)

- Monday, August 12: Senior & Scout Day (Free admission for seniors and scouts)

- Tuesday, August 13: Twosday ($2 Admission for seniors and adults)

- Wednesday, August 14: Governor's Day

- Thursday, August 15: Republican Day

- Friday, August 16: First Responder & Healthcare Heroes Day (Free admission for first responders and healthcare workers with ID)

- Saturday, August 17: Park District Conservation Day

- Sunday, August 18: Family Day

The fair will run from August 8 through August 18 in Springfield. Updates can be found via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.