The Illinois State Fair has been around since 1853, held for the first time in Springfield at a wooded 20-acre site located one mile west of the Old State Capitol.

Since its beginning, the fair has focused on promoting Illinois’ innovation, methods of agriculture and raising livestock. It has also displayed Illinois’ leading improvements in labor, industry, education, arts and sciences. The fair was also intended to provide an opportunity for famers to exchange ideas.

From there, the State Fair went on to be held at 12 different cities across the state, including Alton, Centralia, Chicago, Decatur, Du Quoin, Freeport, Jacksonville, Olney, Ottawa, Peoria and Quincy. After 40 years, Springfield was made its permanent home. 

Once Springfield was cemented as the permanent host of the fair, plans for new structures were developed. The first structure built was the Exposition Building in 1894, which currently stands as the oldest building on the fairgrounds today. 

Additional funding for the fair was later used to build livestock buildings, an 8,000-person grandstand, a fire department and Machinery Hall, built in 1973.

Today, the fair brings thousands of people from across the state to enjoy music, rides, expositions and other events that make the Illinois State Fair one of the most iconic fairs in the Midwest. It has one of the most extensive agricultural shows in the country and covers over 366 acres of land. 

This year’s fair will run from Aug. 8-18. Visitors can purchase tickets for concerts and rides today. See the event lineup here. Visit the Illinois State Fair’s website for more information.