July 1 – SPRINGFIELD – The theme of the 2024 Illinois State Fair is “It's Showtime!”

The theme reflects the spirit of the fair on many levels – livestock shows, grandstand performances, circuses, rodeos, diving shows, ice skating demonstrations and more, according to a news release. The theme also influences the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, which caravans through the streets of Springfield and through the main gates, kicking off the 11-day showcase of Illinois agriculture, crafts, food, rides and entertainment.

The fair gates open at 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, and there is a full day of events and entertainment, including the annual parade which begins at 5:30 p.m.

From marching bands to muscle cars and everything in between, the parade is an inclusive and fun inaugural event, and the Illinois State Fair is looking for groups interested in participating in the parade. Parade registrations will be accepted online through July 8. For more information, visit statefair.illinois.gov.

“The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade is a Springfield tradition,” said Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “This year's theme, 'It's Showtime!' has so many meanings, given the wide variety of activities offered during the fair. We invite everyone to come along and find their favorite.”

“There is so much to experience, and it all starts with the legendary Twilight Parade,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Director. “Families are invited to line the streets of the fairgrounds, grab their favorite fairground food, and experience this time-honored tradition. Every year the Illinois State Fair gets bigger and better, and we can't wait for you to experience it all.”

The Twilight Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park and heads down Sangamon Avenue, entering through the main gate. From there, the parade heads down Main Street to Grandstand Avenue, turns left, marches past the grandstand and exits the grounds to Lot 21.

This is also a big night for the arena as the Illinois State Fair welcomes Monsters of Destruction for opening night. Fairgoers who wish to see Monsters of Destruction in the arena are encouraged to enter through Gate 6 and park in the infield to avoid parade traffic. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the festivities. The pit party begins at 5:30 p.m. and the main event begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at StateFair.Illinois.gov.

Fairground admission on Thursday, August 8, is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for children under 12. All rides, including those in Adventure Village, will be open starting at noon. On opening day of the fair, all rides will be $3 all day.

Fairgoers are encouraged to take advantage of Thursday's “Double the Fun” promotion. Fairgoers who pay for parking on the fairgrounds on Thursday, August 8, can redeem their parking pass for free parking on a return trip to the Illinois State Fair on Tuesday, August 13, Wednesday, August 14, or Thursday, August 15.

The 2024 Illinois State Fair will be held in Springfield from August 8-18.