WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Big E is back, ushering in another year of classic entertainment, exceptional exhibits, delicious fair foods, rides and shopping you can’t get anywhere else. With all of these features, the largest fair in the Northeast gets ready to offer fairgoers yet another round of the most fun-filled 17 days of the year!
ENTERTAINMENT
Music lovers, get ready to put on your dancing shoes. This year has a diverse line-up of great shows at The Big E’s xfinity arena and Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by Mattress Firm. More musical entertainment can be found daily on the E-Stage, sponsored by Blue Chair Bay Rum xfinity arena, All shows take place at 7:30pm and are free unless otherwise noted.
Sept. 14: The Marshall Tucker Band
Sept. 15: Old Dominion’s Happy Endings World Tour ($49/$39)
Sept. 16: Casting Crowns
Sept. 21: B.B. King’s Blues Band featuring Tito Jackson
Sept. 22: Ice-T
Sept. 24-27: All American Thriller Monster Truck Ride, produced by JM Motorsport Productions, Inc. ($10)
Sept. 28: Jacob Sartorius (VIP upgrades available at JacobSartorius.com)
Sept. 29: TwinE Country Fest
â‹… The Sisterhood Band, 6pm
â‹… Trent Harmon, 6:45pm
â‹… Raelynn, 7:45pm
â‹… Chase Bryant, 8:45pm
â‹… Tom Dobson, 5:45p, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30pm
Sept. 30: The Beach Boys (VIP packages available at TheBeachBoys.com and MikeLove.com)
Free concerts in the xfinity arena come with the option of purchasing Premium reserved seating for $29,
which includes Fair admission, a $15 value, when purchased prior to the show date. Tickets are available at
TheBigE.com and in The Big E Box Office.
Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by Mattress Firm
(All concerts are free except where noted.)
Sept. 14 – 18: Street Beat, 11am, 1 & 6pm
Sept. 14 – 16: Blessid Union of Souls, 3pm
Sept. 14: HANSON, 8pm
Sept. 15: White Hut World Cheeseburg-Eating Championship, 12pm
Sept. 15: Reel Big Fish, 8pm
Sept. 16: Morris Day & the Time, 8pm
Sept. 17 – 18: Tony Orlando in Concert, 3 & 8pm
Sept. 19 – 25: Zuzu African Acrobats, 11am, 1 & 6pm
Sept. 19 – 20: The Voice Live! with Will Champlin, Biff Gore, Amber Carrington and Noah Lis, 3 & 8pm
Sept. 21 – 23: The Glenn Campbell Xperience, 3pm
Sept. 21: Max Creek, 8pm
Sept. 22: Grandmaster Flash, 8pm
Sept. 23: NRBQ, 8pm
Sept. 24 & 25: The Drifters and The Platters, 3 & 8pm
Sept. 26 – 30: DAN AKYROYD, JUDITH BELUSHI & Musical Director PAUL SHAFFER present
“THE OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS™ REVUE,” 11am, 1 & 6pm
Sept. 26 – 27: Yesterday – The Las Vegas Beatles Show, 3 & 8pm
Sept. 28 – 30: Jefferson Starship, 3pm
Sept. 28: WAR, 8pm
Sept. 29: Noah Cyrus, 8pm (VIP upgrades available – TheBigE.com/goodcrytour)
Sept. 30: Robby Krieger of The Doors, 8pm
The E Stage, sponsored by Blue Chair Bay Rum
Listen to the fresh sounds of local and emerging talent every day at The Big E. The E-Stage performances, located at the Flag Plaza near Gate 5, include a plethora of talent this year: National Anthem performed by Vietnam Veteran Julio Villamil; ARCY Live!; Jenny Tolman; MALADO!; SCONE; Dick Hardwick; Mamma’s Marmalade; Navy Band Northeast’s Rhode Island Sound; Western Mass. Songwriters Collaborative Series; Tom Ingram; The Kings Duo; Luke Domozick; Alex2e; West Summit; Lyssa Coulter; The Kings; WILDEE; Amasa Hines; Axis; Jeremy Turgeon Quintet; Brian Jarvis; Bonsai Trees; Grayson Ty; Fat Bradley; The Basement Cats; Matt Maratea; The Big Sway; Two Free Spirits.
Get ready for a full day or more to get through the long list of attractions at The Big E. The fun can be found at the Mardi Gras & Daily Parades, sponsored by MGM Springfield; The Big E Circus Spectacular, sponsored by Coca-Cola; Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, sponsored by Leaf Filter Gutter Protection; Camel Kingdom, sponsored by Westfield Bank, Commerford’s Petting Zoo; North American Midway; Street Performers “Danny DeVito,” “Jack Nicholson,” and “Robert De Niro,” and more!
2018 FAIR FEATURES
Eastern States Exposition: A Walk through History
Hampden County Building • Daily, 10am – 10pm
This permanent exhibit tells the tale of the largest event on the East Coast through photography, memorabilia, artifacts and historic items from the Exposition’s archives.
Circus Spectacular, sponsored by Coca-Cola
Daily • 1, 4 & 7pm
Ringmaster Billy Martin leads another incredible show starring: Bello Nock, the charismatic comedian of The Big Top and America’s Got Talent Season 12 quarterfinalist; The Flying Cortes, a troupe of daring aerial athletes on the flying trapeze; Hog Diggity Dog Revue, a nonstop presentation of hilarious stunts performed by clever canines and precious pigs; Ivan Arestov, master of the cirque-style CYR Wheel; The King Charles Troupe, made up of energetic athletes in a friendly game of basketball…on unicycles.
New this year, the Big Top Comedy Event WET GOODS, Sept. 22 at 9pm inside The Big E Circus Spectacular tent.
Camel Kingdom, sponsored by Westfield Bank
Avenue ShowPlace • Daily, 12, 2:30 & 7pm
For the second year in a row, Camel Kingdom presents a glimpse into the world of a rare breed of dromedary camel. There are less than 1,000 left in existence, including the herd at The Big E, making this a one-of-a-kind-show you won’t want to miss. Through an entertaining and educational exhibit, fairgoers will get to know these blue-eyed, spotted creatures and learn about daily care routines and more.
Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, sponsored by Leaf Filter Gutter Protection
Outside the Mallary Rotunda • Daily – 11am, 1, 3, 5, & 7pm
One of The Big E’s most exciting races is back again! Grab a front row seat and cheer on your favorite piggy in the Pork Chop International Speedway Arena. These speedy swine are sure to squeal their way to the finish line for a chance to sink their teeth into the ultimate grand prize… an Oreo Cookie.
CARS, CARS, CARS
Collector Car Live! returns to The Big E Sept. 23 at 2pm in the xfinity arena. Velocity Channel favorites, Mike Brewer of Wheeler Dealers and Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars will emcee. This automotive event features a first class line-up of vehicles from Brass Era cars to million dollar exotics, plus commentary and interviews by show hosts and car experts.
Each week The Big E brings a new group of collector, classic, and custom cars to line the grounds for car enthusiasts of all ages. This year’s line-up includes: Connecticut Valley Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, Sept. 15; Mustangs of Massachusetts Car Club, Sept. 16; Model A Ford Club of Connecticut, Sept. 19; Pioneer Valley GTO Association, Sept. 20; 4 Seasons Rambler Club, Sept. 21; Cruisin’ New England Circle of Champions, hosted by Paul Mennett, Sept. 22; Mike Brewer, of Wheeler Dealers, Sept. 22-23; Mark’s Classic Cruise Day, sponsored by Mark’s Auto Parts, Sept. 23; Corvette Club of Western Mass., Sept. 29; and The Car Club of New England, Sept. 30. The Valley’s Classic Hits 97.7FM broadcasts live from 8am – 6pm, Sept. 15-16, 19-23, 28-30 during the shows.
All car shows will be from 8am – 4pm, weather permitting.
FAIR FOOD
At The Big E, it’s all about food! Sink your teeth into one of our signature desserts, The Big E Cream Puff and Big Éclair, or experience The Big E Craz-E Burger! Craving something specific? Not only are there hundreds of options to choose from across the grounds, but new dishes are available each year for you to try. So don’t fill up before coming to the Fair this fall—we’re guaranteed to have your favorite foods and so much more!
New concessions this year: Stella’s Milk and Cookies and Fluffy’s, at Gate 9A; Barbie’s Ice Cream on New England Avenue; and Sweet and Salty, located at the corner of Springfield Road and New England Ave. New flavorsome foods at the Fair this year: the Polish Sampler Platter at Bernat’s Deli; Cinn-a-Roll Gourmet Mini Donuts at The Donut Family; Poutine Gourmet’s Pulled Pork Poutine; Shrimp Mac & Cheese at the International Lobster House & Yankee Boy; Moolicious’ Ripino in peach, orange and lemon; Italian Stuffed Peppers at Deluca’s; the Dilly Dilly Dog offered at The Giant Corn Dog; the Quesadilla Burger or Large Tater Tot Keg Kabobs at Captain Nemo’s; Bud & Burger Pub’s Gourmet Sliders with Toppings; The Coffee Break’s Deep Fried Pop Tart and Deep Fried Corn on the Cob; Chompers’ Taco Chompers; and much more! To see a full list of new foods for this year, visit TheBigE.com.
AGRICULTURE
The Big E is known nationwide for its impressive agricultural showcase. Open show exhibitors, as well as FFA and 4-H youth, from across the country travel to the Fair to participate in the largest livestock shows and native produce competitions in the East. Who will take home the blue ribbon this year? Stop by to find out!
Mallary Complex
Get a glimpse into life on the farm with cows, sheep, goats, llamas and other livestock throughout the Fair. And be sure to witness the food artistry team of Jim Victor and Marie Pelton’s masterpiece, “Big E On Parade,” made from 600 pounds of Agrimark/Cabot Creamery butter!
EASTERN STATES FARMERS MARKET AND WINE BARN
You’ll notice something new this year – a new barn! We have doubled the size of this agricultural presentation area — home to some of New England’s finest wines, cheeses, ciders and more! The Wine Barn offers samples and the chance to buy many award-winning wines from The Big E Northeast Gold Wine, Cider & Perry Competition. In the new addition next door, witness a variety of agricultural demonstrations, such as spinning and weaving, in the Fiber Nook, or the new Farmers Market Demonstration Kitchen, with cooking demos by Center Square Grill! Behind it, explore The Cheese Cave, which offers a variety of winning cheeses from The Big E Gold Medal Cheese Competition, cured meats, jams, and jellies. Want a refreshing drink? Grab a wine slushie and cheese plate in The Wine CafĂ© and relax in the courtyard. And don’t forget to check out The Fiber Festival of New England, Nov. 3 & 4!
4-H Milk Booth & Apple Booth
Stop by the 4-H Milk Booth located under the Mallary Rotunda to indulge in an old-fashioned chocolate, vanilla or strawberry “Jetshake!” Or, if you feel like having a light, healthy snack, the 4-H Apple Booth in FarmA-Rama will hit the spot.
Farm-A-Rama
Experience the farm to fork process in the Big Y® Farm to Family Table Experience, an interactive exhibit that includes the “Fill My Plate” interactive dinner table. Join the Naturals as you harvest the food at the farm and bring it to your family table. Or watch chicks hatch, see a sow and litter, honey bees and the Hallamore Clydesdales all in Farm-A-Rama!
Eastern States Exposition Horse Show
Take a seat in the grandstands of the Coliseum to watch elegant horses trot, canter and gallop toward first place in the Eastern States Exposition Horse Show, a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Competition, sponsored by Williams Distributing. Shows include: The Hunter Show and USHJA Zone 1 HOTY Finals, Sept. 12-16; $15,000 Hunter Classic, Sept. 14; and Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Morgans, Friesians, and Opportunity Classes, Sept. 20-23. The Big E Draft Horse Show will be Sept. 27-30, featuring the $35,000 SixHorse Hitch Showdown, the Haflinger and Hitch Pony Finals and the North American Classic Cart Series Championships, Sept. 30. Special performances include: World renowned horse trainer and performer Guy McLean, Sept. 27-30; the Northeast Six Shooters, Sept. 25; and The 4-H Horse Show, Sept. 19-22.
The Eastern States Exposition Horse Show was granted the USEF Heritage Competition Designation on July 1, 2016. This prestigious designation places the show with an elite group of Federation licensed competitions that have been established for a long period of time and have made substantial contributions toward the development and promotion of the sport.
ESE Equestrian Hall of Fame Presentation
Join us to honor the fifth inductee into the Eastern States Exposition Equestrian Hall of Fame, Sept. 22 at 6pm! The Exposition’s Equestrian Hall of Fame was established in 2014 to recognize individuals and equines that have shown excellence in their discipline, made significant achievements in the competition world and made outstanding contributions to the sport and equestrian community. Nominations are open to actively competing or retired horses as well as individuals who have been affiliated with Eastern States Exposition at year-round shows or Big E horse shows. Visit TheBigE.com/EquestrianHOF for a list of past recipients.
More in the Coliseum
Fairgoers can also enjoy competitions in Horse Pulling, Sept. 17 and Ox Pulling, Sept. 18, as well as Sheepdog Demonstrations, Sept. 24 at 11am & 4pm.
NEW ENGLAND CENTER
Home of the Creative Arts, 4-H Clubs, Food Contests and more, the New England Center is the perfect place to stop and enjoy many award-winning pieces. Stop in and see what fun, family entertainment is happening on the New England Center Community Stage or watch creativity at work in the Demonstration Corral.
Creative Arts
If you have a passion for the arts, visit the New England Center to see the display of entries and winners from the Exposition’s annual Creative Arts contests – photography, quilting, knitting, pottery, beading, decorative paintings on fabric, hand weaving and other needlework entries and winners. This year’s New England Center contest lineup includes: The Make it with Clay Contest, Sept. 18; The Woodturning Contest, Sept. 26; and The Big E Paper Airplane Contest, Sept. 27.
Food Contests
Area bakers and cooks compete in the quest to take home the blue ribbon! The Big E will host the King Arthur Flour Baking Contest, Sept. 20 and the Massachusetts Maple Sugar Cooking Contest, Sept. 25.
STORROWTON VILLAGE
Storrowton Village Museum is a reconstructed, 19th century New England Village surrounding a peaceful green. During the Fair, it will be bustling with activity, such as demonstrations of candle dipping, tinsmithing, chair making and pottery. There will also be antique tool demonstrations, children’s games on the green and tours of historic buildings. Fairgoers may meet the 2018 Special Olympics Massachusetts National Games Team and learn more about the Special Olympics on the green Sept. 30, 10:30am to 5pm.
Entertainment in the Village
Come to the Storrowton Village Gazebo, sponsored by Uncommon USA, to see a comedic performance by hypnotist Catherine Hickland, daily at 1, 3:30 & 6pm and live broadcasts of Mass Appeal, weekdays at 11am.
AVENUE OF STATES
Only at The Big E can you step into all six New England States without leaving the fairgrounds. The Avenue of States offers only the best of each state – music, food, literature, art, architecture and more. The uniqueness of each building makes the Avenue one of the most popular attractions at the Fair every year.
The Avenue celebrates the fall season on Harvest New England Day, Sept. 28 from 10am – 7pm. Lawns of each state buildings will brim with native products and specialty vendors. Play the “Passport” game while exploring the buildings to add more fun to your agenda! Participants need to get their Passport stamped in all six state buildings and report back to the registration tent before 5pm for the chance to win special prizes.
SHOPPING
The Big E is a time of finding the right gifts, beginning (and finishing) your holiday shopping, and treating yourself to something special. The buildings and byways overflow with shops and vendors to satisfy any and all shopping needs. Don’t forget to stop by an Official Big E Merchandise store to bring home a memento of the Fair.
Crafts
Find a bounty of beautifully created crafts in Craft Common (on Storrowton Village’s back green), along Hampden Avenue, and in the Carriage House. Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry, artwork, piggy banks, dolls, bird houses, engraved signs and more.
Outdoor Exhibits
Peruse bountiful outdoor shops to find a unique variety of items as you make your way around the fairgrounds. Need a new shed, hot tub, or maybe a tractor? Find them outside under the beautiful fall skies!
Better Living Center
Discover innovative products, watch live gadget demos, or simply peruse for home décor in our 123,000 square foot shopping center for all that and more. In the BLC, find everything from fine jewelry to the latest hair accessories, kitchen gadgets or unique items for your pet. Watch demonstrations and be amazed at how some of the products work. You’ll find everything you could possibly need, from clothes to blenders, all under one roof.
The Shops at Storrowton
The Storrowton Village Gift Shop, in the Phillips House, carries colorful scarves and accents, urban gypsy bags & totes, whimsical designs, butterfly wings, unicorns and also novelty pins, patches & socks. Traditional favorites include dish towels, luxury soaps, nickel-free jewelry, toys and plush. After touring Potter Mansion, stop in the Christmas Shop and Gears and Fears Steampunk Shop to pick up some quality goodies! The Yankee Candle Shop is also close by on the lower level of the Grange Building.
International Plaza in the Young Building
Visit the Young Building to find the wonders of the world at your feet. The International Plaza has unique and rich cultural amusements, home décor, and keepsakes from India, Ecuador, China, Ireland, Thailand, and Greece right here at the Fair.
Official Big E Merchandise Stores
Get the latest in Big E memorabilia at store locations throughout the grounds: Visitors’ Center East, Commonwealth Avenue and inside Gate 5.
BUY ADVANCE DISCOUNT TICKETS & SAVE!
Advance discount tickets and Midway Magic vouchers are available online at TheBigE.com and at The Big E Box Office through Sept. 12 or at Big Y® World Class Market® Aug. 23 through Sept. 12. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12. Advance Midway Magic vouchers are $25, valid any one day Mon. – Fri. or exchange for 26 ride coupons Sat. & Sun.
Opening Day is Friday, Sept. 14 and to celebrate the occasion, The Big E offers many ways to save:
• Be A Kid For A Day – everyone pays the children’s admission of just $10
• Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by VA New England Healthcare System
o Active duty and retired military personnel – Free with ID
o Dependents of active duty military personnel – Free with ID
o Veterans (no dependents) – Free with DD-214 or proof of membership to any veterans’
organization
Regular Gate Admission
Adults $15/Children ages 6-12 $10; Children five and under are free. Midway Magic Passes, $30, and NEW! Go to the front of the line with the Midway Express Access, $15. Gate tickets and Midway Magic passes are sold online at TheBigE.com and Big Y® World Class Market® Sept. 13-30. 17-Day Value Passes are $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 6-12. Value Passes are available online now through Sept. 30 and at Big Y® World Class Market® Aug. 23 – Sept. 30.
Gate Discounts
Six-After-Five – Admission is only $6 after 5pm Mon. – Thurs.
Senior Days – Age 60 and over just $12 Mon. – Thurs.
Big E Hours
Gates are open 8am – 10pm. Buildings and exhibits open at 10am; Storrowton Village, the Yankee Candle Shop and Avenue of States are open until 9pm. The Village Craft Area is open until 10pm. The North American Midway is open Sun. – Thurs., 11am to 10pm; Friday, 11am to 11pm; and Sat., 10am to 11pm. The Fair takes place Sept. 14 – 30 in West Springfield, Mass, and will be jam-packed with food, entertainment, and so much more! Visit TheBigE.com to sign up for emails and connect on social media to be the first to get exclusive information. Join us at #BigEMoments.
–Big E
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