Monster trucks, tractor pulls & rodeos — oh my! Illinois State Fair announces event lineup

On Thursday Aug. 7, the “Monsters of Destruction” will take over the State Fair’s Arena. It’s a monster truck thrill show, featuring truck battles and the chance to climb aboard a real monster truck. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children if you buy in advance.

Anyone who pays to park on the grounds on Aug. 7 will have the chance to redeem their parking pass for free parking on either Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of the next week.

A full day of rodeo events will take place on Saturday, Aug. 9. Attendees can enjoy nine different activities including bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, tie down roping, over 40 tie down roping, breakaway roping, team roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 year old and under.

Going into the next week, the State Fair said that the excitement will continue. The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association returns for three days of pulls on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from Aug. 11-13. Each machine will compete to see who can pull the farthest, and tickets will cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 years old and under.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 16, the Demolition Derby will take place. The Illinois State Fair said that skilled drivers will smash and crash into one another, until only one remains. The winner will claim the title of Illinois State Fair Demolition Derby Champion. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $5 for kids 12 years old and under.

“As always, we’re excited to fill this outdoor space with a solid lineup of family friendly entertainment during the Illinois State Fair,” Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, said. 

Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. For more information on ticket prices and ticket information, visit the Illinois State Fair’s website. The State Fair will run from Aug. 7-17 in Springfield.

“The events featured in The Arena represent traditions for the Illinois State Fair as well as traditions for families throughout the state, my own included,” Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager, said. “We encourage fairgoers to purchase their tickets in advance to beat the lines at the gate and ensure they won’t miss any of the action inside The Arena! We look forward to packing the stands for these great events.”