Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Fair is extending ticket office hours to give visitors more time to purchase tickets and take advantage of discounts before the fair begins. The Grandstand Box Office will be open for longer hours on Thursday, July 24 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in addition to its regular weekday schedule. Once the fair starts on August 7, box office hours will shift to 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. through August 17.

Tickets for concerts and arena events such as Monsters of Destruction, the Rodeo by Wooten Rodeo, ITPA Truck and Tractor Pulls, Demolition Derby, and auto races like the USAC Bettenhausen 100 and Menards Series Springfield 100 are available at the box office. Online ticket purchases are also possible through www.ticketmaster.com, but buying in person can help visitors avoid extra fees.

Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, stated: "We look for every opportunity to make the 2025 Illinois State Fair affordable. Extended box office hours make it easier to come out and buy tickets in person to save money."

The fair is also promoting discounted Mega Passes for unlimited carnival rides at $80 until July 31; prices increase on August 1. To assist families seeking this deal, the Mega Pass Office will have extended hours during key dates including July 24 (until 7 p.m.), July 26 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.), and August 2 (9 a.m.–1 p.m.). Additional late hours are scheduled from August 4–6 (8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.).

Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager, said: "The Illinois State Fair Mega Pass is one of the best tools to save money at the Fair, especially for families who plan to visit more than once during the 11-day run. But with time running out, we encourage families to take advantage of this money-saving opportunity during our extended office hours, or online 24-7 at StateFair.Illinois.gov."

Those who already purchased passes can pick them up ahead of time during these extended hours to avoid lines. Discount Admission Books offering eleven admissions for $45 and Seasonal Infield Parking Passes for $40 are also available.

The Grandstand Concert Series features acts such as Jake Owen with Jo Dee Messina (August 8), The Black Crowes with Southall (August 9), Megan Moroney with Kameron Marlowe (sold out), Sheryl Crow (August 12), Snoop Dogg with Christone "Kingfish" Ingram (August 13), Brad Paisley with Tucker Wetmore (August 14), The Chainsmokers (August 15), Def Leppard (August 16), and Turnpike Troubadours with Whitey Morgan (August 17). Pre-show party tickets are available for an additional fee.

Ticketmaster offers flexible online payment options through Klarna for those attending multiple concerts; more information is available at klarna.com.

The fair runs from August 7 through August 17 in Springfield. Updates are provided via Facebook and Instagram.