It’s Showtime! The theme for the 2024 Illinois State Fair captures the spirit of the fair on many levels – livestock shows, Grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, ice skating performances and much more.
The theme also influences the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade that caravans down Springfield streets and through the main gates, kicking off the 11-day showcase of Illinois agriculture, arts and crafts, food, carnival rides and entertainment. Fair gates open at 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 8 with a full day of events and entertainment, including the annual parade which will step off at 5:30 p.m.
From marching bands to muscle cars and everything in between, the parade is an inclusive and entertaining opening activity, and the Illinois State Fair is looking for groups interested in participating in the parade. Parade entries will be accepted online until July 8. Visit statefair.illinois.gov to learn more.
“The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade is a Springfield tradition,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “This year’s theme of ‘It’s Showtime!’ has so many meanings with the wide variety of activities available throughout the fair. We invite everyone to come out and find their favorite.”
“There’s so much to experience, and it all starts with the iconic Twilight Parade,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. “Families are encouraged to line the streets inside the fairgrounds, grab their favorite fair food and witness this time-honored tradition. Every year, the Illinois State Fair gets bigger and better, and we cannot wait for you to experience it all.”
The Twilight Parade will start at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and travel onto Sangamon Avenue, entering through the Main Gate. From there, the parade will proceed down Main Street to Grandstand Avenue and turn left, marching past the Grandstand and exiting into Lot 21.
This is also a big night for The Arena as the Illinois State Fair welcomes Monsters of Destruction for opening night action. It is recommended that fairgoers who are planning to attend Monsters of Destruction in The Arena should enter Gate 6 and utilize parking in the infield to avoid parade traffic. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the festivities. The pit party starts at 5:30 p.m., and the main event starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at StateFair.Illinois.gov
Admission to the fairgrounds on Thursday, August 8 is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for children ages 12 and under. All carnival rides, including those in Adventure Village, will be open at 12 p.m. On opening day of the Fair, all carnival rides are just $3.00 all day.
Fairgoers are encouraged to take advantage of Thursday’s Double the Fun promotion. Fairgoers who pay to park on the fairgrounds on Thursday, August 8 can redeem their parking pass for free parking on a return trip to the Illinois State Fair on either Tuesday, August 13, Wednesday, August 14 or Thursday, August 15.
The 2024 Illinois State Fair runs from August 8 through August 18 in Springfield. Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements by connecting with us via Facebook and Instagram.
***Courtesy of the Illinois State Fair***
