Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker has announced that combined attendance at the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair in 2025 surpassed one million people. According to Pritzker, “Illinois state fairs are a part of a time-honored tradition for generations of families. This year’s attendance figures are proof of the enduring value of state fairs as over 1 million attendees from across Illinois and throughout the nation joined in celebration of our state's proud agricultural heritage.”

The Illinois State Fair in Springfield attracted 723,079 visitors, making it the second-largest turnout on record for the event. The Du Quoin State Fair set a new attendance record with 282,202 people, exceeding last year’s previous high of 204,004.

Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, commented on the significance of these events: “Illinois is fortunate to have state fairs that bring people together, creating a shared space for celebrating food, family fun, and Illinois agriculture. Our team has worked hard to preserve the traditions people expect while innovating our offerings to continue engaging families every year.”

Springfield saw increased Grandstand ticket sales due to large crowds. Sales also rose for admission booklets and passes such as Mega and Jumbo options. Camping participation grew significantly compared to previous years.

A highlight at Springfield was Megan Moroney’s concert which broke last year's Grandstand attendance record previously held by Lil Wayne with 15,532 tickets sold. At the Governor’s Sale of Champions event during the fair, notable livestock sales included $105,000 for the Grand Champion Steer and a record $70,000 for the Land of Lincoln Grand Champion Steer. Combined commodity and livestock sales reached nearly $294,000.

In Du Quoin, entertainment acts including Little River Band, TESLA and Tucker Wetmore contributed to strong Grandstand ticket sales. Carnival rides were popular among visitors with vendors logging 245,000 rides; attractions like Mardi Gras Glass House and Giant Wheel were among favorites. The number of camping permits issued in Du Quoin reached 625 this year.

The Illinois Product Expo in Du Quoin continued its growth since debuting in 2022; revenue from local product sales exceeded $25,000—an increase of $5,000 over last year.

A study by the International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) reported that fairs across America’s heartland—including states like Illinois—generate an estimated $2.7 billion in regional economic impact each year through spending on-site as well as related expenditures such as hotel stays and shopping locally before or after visiting fairs.

The same IAFE study found that approximately 29% of Americans attend a fair annually—a figure higher than total annual attendance at Major League Baseball or NFL games.

Looking ahead to next year’s events: The Illinois State Fair is scheduled for August 13–23 followed by the Du Quoin State Fair from August 28–September 7.