The Big E Fair Returns: What You Need to Know Before You Go

It’s that time of year again – the smell of funnel‑cake, the roar of the midway rides, and the buzz of crowds gathering for one of New England’s biggest fall traditions. The Big E opens its gates on Friday, September 18, and will run through Sunday, October 4, giving you just over two weeks of food, music, agriculture and all‑out fun.

Doors swing open at 8 a.m. each day, but most of the indoor pavilions don’t start welcoming guests until 10 a.m. The Midway, where the thrill‑rides live, runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and stretches an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays, closing at 11 p.m.

Ticket prices are pretty straightforward: adults pay $21.50, kids ages 6‑12 are $13.50, and the little ones (five and under) get in free. If you’re driving, on‑site parking at Gate 9 costs $10 – cash only, so have a few ones handy.

Now, the real draw for many folks is the food. This year the menu is a carnival of the absurd and the delicious. New vendors bring Tater Tot Heaven, deep‑fried calzones, a Golden K‑Dog, and even a gluten‑free stall called Simply Gluten Free. Want something truly out there? Try the birria bomb dusted in Hot Cheeto crumbs, fried sushi, or a burger served on an Uncrustable. The Big E Bakery is also debuting a peanut‑butter cream puff, available plain or topped with chocolate or marshmallow fluff.

Music lovers, you’re covered, too. The arena kicks off Friday night with Jessie Murph, followed by rock legends Alice Cooper on Saturday and Roger Daltrey on Sunday. The lineup rolls on with The Beach Boys (Sept 24), Brad Paisley (Sept 25), deadmau5 (Sept 26), All Time Low (Sept 27), Twisted Sister w/ Sebastian Bach & Tesla (Oct 2), Ice Cube (Oct 3) and Styx closing the fair on Oct 4. All arena tickets include general admission.

If you’re not after a stadium show, there’s plenty of free entertainment. The Court of Honor Stage will host Chubby Checker and Uncle Kracker on opening day, The Calling on Sept 19, Dax on Sept 23, Great White on Sept 29 and Switchfoot on Oct 1. A Circus Spectacular runs three times a day – 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. – and the seats are part of your regular ticket.

Connecticut fans, mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 23. That’s Connecticut Day, when the state’s replica Old State House bursts with local food, craft beer, and booths from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, and more. The Connecticut Building sits on the Avenue of States, which showcases all six New England states and stays open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Beyond the rides and grub, you’ll find the North American Midway, agricultural displays, livestock shows, shopping, and Storrowton Village – a little historic town with 18th‑ and 19th‑century buildings, open‑hearth cooking demos, and live blacksmithing. All of that is included with your fair admission.

Insider tip: If you can, swing by on a weekday. The crowds are lighter, the lines move faster, and you’ll actually get to see everything without the weekend traffic snarls. The fairgrounds are located at 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA. For the latest schedule, tickets and any last‑minute updates, hop over to the official Big E website.