The 2025 Illinois State Fair kicks off August 7 in Springfield with this year’s theme: “Adventure Awaits.”
The 11-day celebration begins with the Twilight Parade at 5:30 p.m., a long-standing tradition that winds through Springfield into the fairgrounds with high school bands, colorful floats, and community groups. The first day also features $3 carnival rides and a “Double the Fun” parking deal — pay once on Opening Day and get in free on a later date.
Fair officials say the parade is just the beginning of the fun, with concerts, livestock shows, food vendors, and the return of “Monsters of Destruction” at the Arena that night.
The fair runs through August 17 and offers daily family-friendly attractions and agricultural exhibits. Parade entries are open until July 8, and full schedules are available at statefair.illinois.gov.
