Free Entertainment at the Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — The Illinois State Fair offers a variety of free entertainment, allowing families to have fun together without breaking the bank.

Grand Central Stage will feature free concerts every night of the fair. This year’s lineup is:

• Thurs. Aug. 8:Gin Blossoms – 7:30 p.m.
• Fri. Aug. 9:Zepparella – 7 p.m.
• Sat. Aug. 10:Kylie Morgan – 7 p.m.
• Sun. Aug. 11:Lily Rose – 7:30 p.m.
• Mon. Aug. 12:Beatlemania Magic – 7:30 p.m.
• Tue. Aug. 13:Marshall Tucker Band – 7:30 p.m.
• Wed. Aug. 14:The Steel Woods – 7:30 p.m.
• Thurs. Aug. 15:Tyler Braden – 7:30 p.m.
• Fri. Aug. 16:Vandoliers – 7 p.m.
• Sat. Aug. 17: Taylor Made (Taylor Swift Tribute) – 4 p.m.
• Feeling This (Blink 182 Tribute) – 7:30 p.m.
• Sun. Aug. 18:Drew Baldridge – 7 p.m.

Big Top Adventures will offer free performances daily in Happy Hollow at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The 800-seat circus will feature jugglers, clowns, trapeze artists and many other performers.

If big thrills are your thing, Harness Racing with promotional giveaways, Watershow Productions High Dive Show, JUMP! The Ultimate Dog Show and BMX Pros Trick Team all offer free events throughout the Illinois State Fair.

To see teams vie for Olympic-style medals in fun and friendly competitive events like knockout basketball and a three-legged race, visit the Park District Pentathlon on August 17.

For hair-raising competition, check out the ponytail contest and mullet contest on August 10. And to witness the best agriculture has to offer, stop by the Sale of Champions on August 14.