SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois State Fair has announced theme and discount days for 2024. County Fairs and Horse Racing Day kick off the fair on Thursday, August 8. Doors open at 7 a.m. to kick off a full day of horse racing, county fair celebrations, free entertainment, $3 carnival rides, new and traditional fair food, and the annual Twilight Parade.
On opening day, enjoy the Double the Fun parking promotion. If you pay to park on the Illinois State Fairgrounds on August 8, you will receive free parking on a return trip to the fair on the following Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Tuesday, August 13 will feature “Twosday” – $2 admission for seniors and adults on Tuesday, August 13. North American Midway, the fair’s carnival operator, will also offer all rides at $2 each. All Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes sold before and during the fair will also be honored.
Rebecca Clark, the Illinois State Fair Manager, says “our theme days allow us to celebrate the diversity of Illinois State Fair and everything it has to offer. 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.”
Here is a complete list of the 2024 Illinois State Fair theme and discount days:
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 w/ID)
Saturday, August 17 – Park District Conservation Day
Sunday, August 18 – Family Day
The 2024 Illinois State Fair runs August 8 through August 18 in Springfield.