2026 Illinois State Fair – Miles of Smiles

The Illinois State Fair returns for 2026, August 13 – 23, with an all star concert lineup and with the theme of “Miles of Smiles”.

Grandstand Events (Gates open 1 hour prior to the show) –

Friday, August 14, 2026 8:00 PM
Bailey Zimmerman

Saturday, August 15, 2026 8:00 PM
Lainey Wilson

Sunday, August 16, 2026 8:00 PM
Matchbox Twenty

Friday, August 21, 2026 8:00 PM
Ella Langley

Additional shows TBA.

Gate 2 of the Illinois State Fair is home to the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience – a multiyear project focusing on our nation’s most iconic road.

The experience offers visitors a chance to walk Illinois Route 66 from Chicago to the Chain of Rocks Bridge and learn about communities and attractions along the Route in microform. The project is headed by the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, with the goal of sparking interest in those who have not yet experienced everything Illinois Route 66 has to offer.

Click Here for more information about the Illinois State Fair, August 13 – 23.

Photos by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.