Gov. Pritzker Announces 2026 State Fairs’ Attendance Tops 1 Million for Second Consecutive Year
Illinois State Fairs are ranked among the most affordable in the Midwest
October 6, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced attendance totals for the 2026 State Fairs exceeded 1 million for the second consecutive year. With an average cost of $145 for a family of four, the fairs are also ranked among the most affordable state fairs in the Midwest. This estimate includes parking, tickets, two ride passes, and food. Further, Du Quoin set a new attendance record and Springfield Grandstand ticket sales topped 72,000 reaching an all-time high – topping the record set in 2024.
“Our State Fairs bring people together to celebrate all the things that make our state special. Affordable family fun remains a priority, and we delivered on that again this year in both Springfield and Du Quoin,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Beyond the entertainment value, both State Fairs positively impact Illinois’ economy and create opportunities to spotlight agriculture, our state’s number one industry.”
To prioritize affordable entertainment for families, the Springfield Illinois State Fair sold discount admission and parking booklets in advance, and returned popular special offers including:
- $2 admission on Tuesdays
- Free admission on themed days for veterans, senior citizens, Boy and Girl Scouts, first responders and healthcare workers
- Two promotions that offered $3 and $5 food options
- One free Grandstand concert, three discounted Grandstand concerts and 11 free Grand Central Stage concerts
- 160 hours of free entertainment including a circus
Similarly, in Du Quoin, admission to the fair was free and there were promotions for discounted parking and carnival wristbands. These promotions are offered every year.
Illinois State Fair Attendance
In Springfield, the Illinois State Fair welcomed 714,231 visitors, the third highest attendance total in its history. Friday, August 21 set a new record for single-day Fair attendance with 103,850 visitors, fueled by great promotions, fan favorite entertainment, and a sold-out Grandstand concert.
Country artists Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley tied for the all-time record for number of Grandstand tickets sold, with each artist selling 15,533 tickets at the Illinois State Fair, breaking the previous record set by Megan Moroney in 2025. Total Grandstand ticket sales of 72,143 in 2026 also broke the record, set in 2024.
“Each year, our Grandstand line ups reflect the unique musical interests of our audience,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “We work hard to provide a diverse and well-rounded concert experience. This year’s numbers reaffirm that the Illinois State Fair is a concert destination and a powerful economic engine for the State of Illinois.”
Springfield hotels rented over 30,000 room nights during the 11 days of the Illinois State Fair and volunteer efforts during the 11 days of the Illinois State Fair generated more than $240,000 for 94 Springfield-area charities in 2026.
“Attendance is only one measure of success. When more than a million people attend our State Fairs, they’re not just spending money inside the gates,” IDOA Director Costello added. “They’re staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, filling their cars with gas, shopping locally and supporting businesses throughout the area. We cannot underestimate the financial impact of the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair on local, regional and state economies.”
Barns across the fairgrounds were also full, with livestock entries up by 12%. At the Governor’s Sale of Champions in Springfield, the Grand Champion Steer sold for $105,000, and the Land of Lincoln Supreme Champion Dairy Cow print sold for a record-setting $20,000. The commodities and livestock sales combined for a total of nearly $230,000.
Du Quoin State Fair Attendance
In southern Illinois, the Du Quoin State Fair saw a record-breaking 287,058 visitors, up from 282,202 in 2025. Higher attendance drove up numbers across the board in Du Quoin. The number of State Fair vendors increased by 18%, with the growth bringing additional food and drink options, heavy equipment dealers, health and wellness resources and much more.
Du Quoin’s famous Magic Mile Track was a hot spot during the fair with United States Auto Club (USAC) Racing Series and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), each bringing more than 500 crew members, drivers and staff. Combined ticket sales for USAC and ARCA races surpassed 3,000 between the two events. Participation in motocross events has also grown by 300% in the last five years.
In Du Quoin, more than 250,000 people enjoyed thrill rides like Vertigo, Sky Screamer and Alien Abduction, but the Ferris wheel remained the crowd favorite with 16,000 riders. The merry go round also finished in the top 10 rides.
Illinois state fair attendance and other records were set despite extreme weather, which included 7 days of rain in Springfield and extreme heat in both locations.
"In Springfield, Mother Nature brought us rain seven of the eleven days of the fair and triple-digit heat index on opening weekend," said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. "Our Buildings and Grounds crew worked diligently to maintain the track for our record-breaking concert line up and racing events, and our partners in healthcare helped ensure access to medical attention for those who needed it.”
In Du Quoin, the high temperature exceeded 95° for six consecutive days, and from Sept. 3-5, the heat index exceeded 105°.
“The weather was challenging, yet without exception, everyone involved rose to the occasion and helped us set an attendance record,” said Du Quoin State Fair Manager Luke Davison. “That continued growth year over year strengthens not only the fair itself, but the local and regional economy. It creates jobs, generates sales tax revenue and raises awareness of southern Illinois as a year-round tourist destination.”
Planning is now underway for the 2027 State Fairs. The Illinois State Fair will run Aug. 12-22. The Du Quoin State Fair will be held Aug. 27-Sept. 6.
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