Illinois State Fairgrounds
The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield has camping available 365 days a year and hosts the Illinois State Fair, which runs August 12 to 22, 2027. During the fair, most buildings and restrooms are accessible, motorized wheelchairs can be rented, and an American Sign Language interpreter is on the grounds from 10am to 8pm each day.
Before you go
- Official site
- statefair.illinois.gov
- Next festival here
- Illinois State Fair, Aug 12 to 22, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- Accessible parking needs a valid placard, and the lots are inside Gates 4, 7 and 11.
- All bags are searched on entry at the Illinois State Fair, and confiscated items are not stored.
- Firearms, concealed carry and weapons of any kind are prohibited at the fair.
- Service animals and handlers are directed to the Fair Administration Office in the Emmerson Building for credentials.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Camping available 365 days a year · Accessible parking inside Gates 4, 7 and 11 · Most buildings and restrooms accessible.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want a state fair with camping on the grounds.
- You need an ASL interpreter or a rental wheelchair during the day.
Think twice if
- You want to carry in a bag without a search: all bags are searched on entry.
- You plan to carry any weapon: concealed carry is prohibited anywhere on the fairgrounds.
Getting there and parking
Festival-specific · Illinois State FairAccessible parking, with a valid placard, is in Parking Lot 21 inside Gate 7, near the Hobbies, Arts, and Crafts Building inside Gate 4, and in the lot along 8th Street, east of the Campground, inside Gate 11.
Accessibility
Festival-specific · Illinois State FairMost restrooms and buildings on the fairgrounds are accessible, and family restrooms are at the north and south ends of the Coliseum. Motorized wheelchairs can be rented at the Senior Center inside the Illinois Building, and near Parking Lot 21 and the Goat Barn.
Festival-specific · Illinois State FairAn American Sign Language interpreter is on the fairgrounds from 10am to 8pm every day of the fair. A dog without a Fair-provided lanyard identifying it as a service animal is approached by fair staff, security or law enforcement, and service animals and their handlers are sent to the Fair Administration Office in the Emmerson Building for approved credentials.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (statefair.illinois.gov).
Camping
Camping is available on the Illinois State Fairgrounds 365 days a year.
Food, water and what you can bring
Festival-specific · Illinois State FairAll bags brought onto the fairgrounds are subject to a thorough search by security personnel or law enforcement. Firearms, concealed carry and weapons of any kind are prohibited, including knives, pepper spray, stun guns, brass knuckles, batons and bats.
Festival-specific · Illinois State FairProhibited items found after entry are confiscated and discarded, and the fair and the Illinois State Police do not store confiscated items.
Quick answers
Can you camp at the Illinois State Fairgrounds?
Yes. Camping is available on the Illinois State Fairgrounds 365 days a year.
Where is accessible parking at the Illinois State Fair?
With a valid placard, in Parking Lot 21 inside Gate 7, near the Hobbies, Arts, and Crafts Building inside Gate 4, and along 8th Street east of the Campground inside Gate 11.
Can I rent a wheelchair at the Illinois State Fair?
Yes. Motorized wheelchairs are available to rent at the Senior Center inside the Illinois Building, and near Parking Lot 21 and the Goat Barn.
Is there a sign language interpreter at the Illinois State Fair?
Yes. An American Sign Language interpreter is on the fairgrounds from 10am to 8pm every day of the fair.
Are bags searched at the Illinois State Fair?
Yes. All bags are subject to a thorough search on entry by security personnel or law enforcement.
Are weapons allowed at the Illinois State Fair?
No. Firearms, concealed carry and weapons of any kind are prohibited anywhere on the fairgrounds.
How do I bring a service animal to the Illinois State Fair?
Service animals and their handlers go to the Fair Administration Office inside the Emmerson Building for approved credentials.
A little history
The Illinois State Fair returns to the fairgrounds on August 12 to 22, 2027.