Eastern States Exposition
Eastern States Exposition is the fairgrounds in West Springfield, Massachusetts, where The Big E takes place, and public parking for the fair is at Gate 9, 875 Memorial Avenue. The Big E bills itself as the largest event on the East Coast, and it runs rain or shine. Bring cash for parking and leave lawn chairs at home.
Before you go
- Indoor or outdoor
- The Big E runs on the grounds rain or shine
- Official site
- thebige.com
- Next festival here
- The Big E, Sep 17 to Oct 3, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- At The Big E, the parking gates take cash only and there are no ATMs near Gate 9.
- Only Gate 9 is public parking; the other lots need a hangtag.
- Private lots along Memorial Avenue are not run by Eastern States Exposition.
- All guests are searched on entry, and lawn chairs, stadium seats and outside alcohol are not allowed.
- In heavy traffic, police direct you by the quickest route, so follow them rather than your GPS.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Public parking at Gate 9 only · Parking gates take cash only · Wheelchair and scooter rentals.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You are driving and happy to pay for parking in cash at Gate 9.
- You need a wheelchair or scooter rental at the gate.
- You are visiting with children who would enjoy a petting zoo.
Think twice if
- You were planning to bring a lawn chair or stadium seat.
- You were planning to bring a pet other than a service animal.
- You only carry cards and need to pay for parking.
Getting there and parking
Festival-specific · The Big EPublic parking for cars, vans and trucks is at Gate 9, 875 Memorial Avenue. From I-91 or the Massachusetts Turnpike, follow Route 5 to Route 147 West, which is Memorial Avenue, for about three quarters of a mile to the Gate 9 lot.
Festival-specific · The Big EThe parking gates take cash only, and there are no ATMs near Gate 9. Hangtags are required to enter the other lots, which are used for vendors, bus groups and exhibitors. Several private lots along Memorial Avenue are not affiliated with Eastern States Exposition.
Festival-specific · The Big EIn heavy traffic, local police and State Police direct drivers by the quickest route, and you are asked to follow their directions rather than your GPS. Bicycles and scooters can park for free at 915 Memorial Avenue.
Accessibility
Festival-specific · The Big EScootaround rents wheelchairs and scooters inside the Transportation Center at Gate 1B and at Gates 4 and 9. Rentals are first-come, first-served, and online reservations are available.
Festival-specific · The Big EYou can bring your own manual or electric wheelchair or other mobility device made for people with disabilities. Gate staff may ask whether it is needed for a mobility disability, and no documentation is required. Service animals are allowed, but emotional support animals and pets are not.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (thebige.com).
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at Eastern States Exposition. The venue's own pages are the place to check: thebige.com.
Food, water and what you can bring
Festival-specific · The Big EYou can bring unopened sealed plastic water bottles or an empty refillable bottle onto the grounds. Glass bottles of any kind are not allowed.
Festival-specific · The Big ELawn chairs, stadium seats and alcohol are on the prohibited items list, and pets are not allowed other than authorized service animals. Everyone is subject to search on entry, with weapons detection at every gate. Drones and professional camera equipment need prior approval.
Recently at Eastern States Exposition
The Fiber Festival of New England | Nov. 7-8
From the venue · Oct 14, 2026
Seed to Supper | Eastern States Exposition
From the venue · Sep 21, 2026
After Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, Here's Why Local Produce Matters | Eastern States Exposition
From the venue · Aug 5, 2026
4-H Beef Sale at The Big E
The Big E
Quick answers
Where do I park for The Big E?
Public parking is at Gate 9, 875 Memorial Avenue. Other lots need a hangtag, and private lots along Memorial Avenue are not run by Eastern States Exposition.
Does Big E parking take cards?
No. The parking gates take cash only, and there are no ATMs near Gate 9.
Can I bring my own water to The Big E?
Yes. Bring an unopened sealed plastic bottle or an empty refillable bottle. Glass bottles are not allowed.
Can I bring a lawn chair to The Big E?
No. Lawn chairs and stadium seats are on the prohibited items list.
Can I rent a wheelchair or scooter at The Big E?
Yes. Scootaround rents wheelchairs and scooters at the Transportation Center at Gate 1B and at Gates 4 and 9, first-come, first-served, with online reservations available.
Can I bring my dog to The Big E?
No, unless it is a service animal. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed.
Are bags searched at The Big E?
Yes. All guests are subject to search on entry and there are weapons detection devices at every gate.
Does The Big E go ahead in the rain?
Yes. All events take place rain or shine.
Can I camp at Eastern States Exposition?
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at Eastern States Exposition. The Big E's own pages at thebige.com are the place to check.
A little history
The Big E bills itself as the largest event on the East Coast and the fourth largest fair in North America. It includes free entertainment, a parade, an international plaza, a midway, the Avenue of States and the Storrowton Village Museum.