Entertaining lineup at Illinois State Fair

Illinois State Fair

Aug. 8-18, 801 Sangamon Ave.

Springfield, Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Arena will host a variety of family-friendly events during the 2024 Illinois State Fair, Aug. 8-18.

Monsters of Destruction take over The Arena Thursday, Aug. 8, with an all-out monster truck thrill show featuring exhilarating truck battles. Participating monster trucks include Against the Grain, Redneck Rampage, American Scout, Crusharoo and War Wizard. In addition to this head-to-head truck battle, attendees will also experience a Tuff Trucks competition and a unique side-by-side competition.

Get up close with these monster trucks and meet the drivers at the Pit Party, open two hours before the show. Monster truck rides will be available during intermission and after the show.

Tickets to Monsters of Destruction start at $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under (prices increase on day of the event). VIP packages are also available for $40, which include access to VIP seating and a monster truck ride.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, fairgoers will be treated to a full slate of rodeo events by Wooten Rodeo. Attendees will enjoy nine edge-of-your-seat 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 are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

The Illinois Tractor Pulling Association returns for three days of pulls on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 12-14. The Arena will be roaring as these massive machines compete to pull the farthest. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

Come out and enjoy the destruction at the Demolition Derby on Saturday, Aug. 17 as these skilled drivers smash and crash into one another until only one remains to earn the title of Illinois State Fair Demolition Derby Champion. Fairgoers can expect an adrenaline-pumping night of entertainment as drivers compete in the ultimate test of durability and strategy. The Demolition Derby is always a crowd favorite where the roar of engines meets the crunch of metal in this pure battle of automotive combat. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for kids.

Grandstand Lineup

Five-time Grammy award-winning, multiplatinum rap icon Lil Wayne will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Wayne has 109 entries on the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first male artist to surpass Elvis Presley on the list. In addition, sales in excess of 100 million records worldwide cemented his legacy as one of the best-selling artists of all time. He also garnered 11 BET Awards, four Billboard Music Awards, two MTV VMAs, and eight NCAAP Image Awards.

Tickets, ranging from $60 to $125, are available via Ticketmaster. A $30 Pre-Show Party ticket is offered as an additional upgrade for all paid concerts.

Other Grandstand performers will include:

• Aug. 9: Keith Urban with MacKenzie Porter

• Aug. 10: Motley Crue

• Aug. 11: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with Ashley McBryde

• Aug. 13: Jordan Davis with Ashley Cooke

• Aug. 14: Lil Wayne

• Aug. 15: Jonas Brothers

• Aug. 16: The Smashing Pumpkins with PVRIS

• Aug. 17: Miranda Lambert with Gavin Adcock

For tickets and more information, visit https://statefair.illinois.gov.