Illinois State Fair to Move to Digital Ticketing in 2026 (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois State Fair will fully transition to digital ticketing for the 2026 season, following what officials described as a successful trial run in 2025.
Fair organizers say the move is designed to modernize entry to the fairgrounds while improving convenience and security for visitors. Beginning in 2026, fairgoers will be expected to present tickets on their mobile devices rather than using traditional paper tickets.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said the change reflects broader efforts to update the fair experience.
“The Illinois State Fair is stepping into the future,” Costello said. “Digital ticketing represents our commitment to modernizing the fairgoer experience through technology. This transformation will streamline access, enhance security, and position the Illinois State Fair in a way that meets the expectations of today’s families.”
Officials are encouraging attendees to download their tickets in advance or save them to their mobile phone’s e-wallet to ensure quick entry at the gates.
Certain specialty passes will still require an in-person step. Mega Passes and Jumbo Passes must be redeemed at the Illinois State Fair administration offices in the Emmerson Building for a photo identification card. Redemption for those passes will begin in June 2026, and officials emphasized that lost or stolen passes will not be replaced.
Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark said digital ticketing has become commonplace across the entertainment industry and will help the fair operate more efficiently.
“Digital ticketing is already the standard at most concert and entertainment venues across the country, and we’re excited to offer that same convenience here,” Clark said. “Fairgoers no longer need to worry about lost paper tickets—they can simply access their tickets right from their mobile devices.”
The 2026 Illinois State Fair is scheduled to run from Aug. 13 through Aug. 23 at the state fairgrounds in Springfield.
Fair officials encourage the public to follow the Illinois State Fair on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and additional information as the event approaches.
Illinois State Fair to Move to Digital Ticketing in 2026
