SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois State Fair is kicking off the excitement early this year with a special takeover of the Illinois Product Farmers Market on Thursday, July 24. From 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, families can enjoy an evening filled with discount fair deals, live entertainment, giveaways, and fresh local products—all just in time for the 2025 Illinois State Fair.

“This is a great way to bring together two beloved summer traditions and give families another chance to save money on summer fun,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “It’s the perfect preview of what’s to come in August.”

Attendees—and even those who can’t make it—have a chance to win free Illinois State Fair tickets, including:

  • Grandstand concert tickets (yes, even to the sold-out Megan Moroney show)
  • Monsters of Destruction Truck Show
  • ITPA Truck & Tractor Pull
  • Rodeo by Wooten Rodeo Co.
  • No presence required to win—just enter for your chance at some of the hottest tickets of the summer.

Food, Fun & Free Ice Cream

Fairgoers can get their first taste of the Illinois State Fair with three State Fair-themed food trucks:

  • OnPoint Concession: Corn dogs & tornado potatoes
  • Taft’s Mr. Ribeye: Classic ribeye sandwiches
  • Johnnie O’s: Hot, fresh mini donuts

And thanks to Prairie Farms, the first 300 visitors will be treated to free ice cream. Live entertainment by Robert Sampson will take place on the Lincoln Stage directly across from The Shed.

Get Your Passes Before Prices Go Up

The Grandstand Box Office will be open for ticket sales. Visitors can stock up on:

  • Concert tickets
  • Mega Passes
  • Jumbo Passes
  • Beer tent and Grandstand beer tickets
  • Buy early and skip the lines in August. Don’t forget to snap your photo at the Credentials Office inside the Emmerson Building when purchasing your passes.

Play Pickleball, Win a Ribbon

Curious about pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America? Learn how to play right at the market—no equipment required—and then register for the Dill-inois State Fair Pickleball Showdown happening Saturday, August 16 at 10 a.m. in the Orr Building.

Plus, sign up for classic Special Events contests like:

  • Baby Photo
  • Pet Photo
  • Cutest Little Farmer
  • Fiddle & Banjo
  • Ponytail Contest
  • Decorated Diaper
  • Diaper Derby
  • Blue ribbons await!

Don’t Miss the 2024 State Fair Cookbook

For home cooks and recipe collectors, “Illinois’ Best Blue Ribbon Recipes”, the official 2024 Illinois State Fair cookbook, will be available for purchase during the event.