SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Big E is back! With a stellar line-up of entertainment, exhibits, fair foods, rides, shopping and more.
ENTERTAINMENT
Music lovers, get ready to put on your dancing shoes as The Big E presents more than 80 live bands on three stages:
The Big E Arena, sponsored by Truly Hard Seltzer
All shows take place at 7:30pm and Doors open at 5:30 unless otherwise noted
Sept. 17: Machine Gun Kelly with jxdn and Kennyhoopla (Sold Out)
Sept. 18: Billy Idol
Sept. 19: Zach Williams with Corey Asbury of Bethel Music
Sept. 25: Flo Rida with Ying Yang Twins
Sept. 26: Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (doors open at 6pm)
Oct. 1: Goo Goo Dolls
Oct. 2: A Day to Remember with Asking Alexandria & Point North (7pm showtime)
Oct. 3: Styx
Tickets are available at TheBigE.com and The Big E Box Office and include Fair admission when purchased prior to the show date.
Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by MattressFirm
All concerts are free with Fair admission.
Sept. 17-26: Tom Franek, 11am, 1 & 6pm
Sept. 17-19: Modern English, 3pm
Sept. 17: Jesse McCartney, 8pm
Sept. 18: Kameron Marlowe, 8pm
Sept. 19: Foghat, 8pm
Sept. 20-21: Raniere Martin in the Donna Summer Experience, 3pm
Sept. 20-21: The Yardbirds, 8pm
Sept. 22-23: Exile, 3pm
Sept. 22: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 8pm
Sept. 23: 10,000 Maniacs, 8pm
Sept. 24-26: The Bar-Kays, 3pm
Sept. 25: Plain White T’s, 8pm
Sept. 26: Don McLean, 8pm
Sept. 27-28: The Outlaws, 8pm
Sept. 27-Oct. 3: The Everly Set, 11am, 1 & 6pm
Sept. 29-30: Big Brother and the Holding Company, 3pm
Sept. 29: Lisa Lisa, 8pm
Sept. 30: Ripe, 8pm
Oct. 1: Kashmir: The Live Led Zeppelin Show, 8pm
Oct. 1-3: Tribute to The King performed by Taylor Rodriguez, 3pm
Oct. 2: Hoobastank, 8pm
Oct. 3: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of RUN DMC, 8pm
The E Stage, sponsored by Blue Chair Bay Rum
Catch regional and national emerging artists daily. See Houston Bernard, Sept. 19; Eavesdrop, Sept. 22; Choco Band, Sept. 24; Amber Eyes, Oct. 1; Otan Vargas with special guest Ted Lewis (10/2); and many more. Showtimes are: Mon. – Thurs., 4:30 & 7:30pm; Fri. & Sat., 3, 6 & 9pm; and Sun., 3 & 6pm.
For a complete schedule, visit TheBigE.com as more shows are announced.
Get ready for a full day or more to see all the attractions at The Big E. Don’t miss The Big Parade, Mon. – Thurs., at 6:30pm and Fri. – Sun., at 5pm; Commerford’s Petting Zoo; spectacular and kiddie rides on the North American Midway; comedy fortune teller, Zultar, sponsored by Uncommon USA; and much more.
2021 FAIR FEATURES
Eastern States Exposition History Museum
Hampden County Building • Daily, 10am – 10pm
NEW! The Thrill of it All: History of Auto Thrill Shows at The Big E, The Story of Storrowton Music Tent and ESE remembers the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Budweiser Clydesdales
Housed at the Avenue ShowPlace and in The Big Parade, fairgoers will have an up-close and personal view of these famous Clydesdales, watch them prepare for the parade and experience the majesty of the breed.
Sahara, presented by Camel Kingdom
Inside Gate 7
See this rare breed of blue-eyed, spotted dromedary camels — an educational glimpse into the world of this spectacular species.
Circus Spectacular, sponsored by MGM Springfield
Under The Big Top • Daily, 1, 4 & 7pm
Ringmaster Ian Garden leads an international cast of performers under the big top. Watch and be entertained and amazed by some of the finest circus acts performing today. Premium reserved circus tickets are $10, at TheBigE.com and The Big E Box Office.
Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, sponsored by Leaf Filter Gutter Protection
At the Mallary Rotunda • Daily – 10:30am, 12:30, 2:30, 4:30 & 6:30pm.
Grab a front row seat at the “Pork Chop International Speedway” and see these nimble squealers in a dash for the grand prize, an Oreo cookie! And don’t forget to have your “pigture” taken with Swifty!
Collector Car Live returns to The Big E Sept. 26 at noon on The Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by MattressFirm. Velocity Channel favorites, Mike Brewer of Wheeler Dealers, Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars, and Barett Jackson’s Steve Magnante 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.
FAIR FOOD
At The Big E, it’s all about food! Try our signature desserts — The Big E Cream Puff and Big Éclair and watch for a new surprise flavor for 2021! 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.
AGRICULTURE
Known as the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard, The Big E offers an exceptional educational showcase and an up-close view of life on the farm.
Mallary Complex
Experience life on the farm with competitions for cows, sheep, goats, llamas and more throughout the Fair.
The Butter Sculpture, sponsored by C & S Wholesale Grocers
Witness the food artistry team of Jim Victor and Marie Pelton’s masterpiece made from 600 pounds of Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Cooperative butter!
EASTERN STATES FARMERS MARKET AND WINE BARN
Home to some of New England’s finest wines, cheeses, ciders and more! Agricultural demonstrations, such as spinning and weaving, or cooking in the Demonstration Kitchen. Want a refreshing drink? Grab a wine slushie and cheese plate, or a wine sundae in The Wine Café and relax in the courtyard. Don’t forget to check out The Fiber Festival of New England, Nov. 6 & 7!
4-H Milk Booth & Apple Booth
Indulge in an old-fashioned chocolate, vanilla or strawberry “Jetshake!” Stop by the 4-H Milk Booth located under the Mallary Rotunda. Or, if you feel like having a light, healthy snack, the 4-H Apple Booth in Farm-A-Rama will hit the spot.
Farm-A-Rama
Watch chicks hatch, see a sow and litter, Henrietta the cow, sheep, goats, FFA landscape exhibits, honey bees, the Hallamore Clydesdales, and much more..
Eastern States Exposition Horse Show
Witness the elegance of horses trotting, cantering and galloping toward first place in the Eastern States Exposition Horse Show, a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Heritage Competition, sponsored by Budweiser. Coliseum shows include the: Hunter Show and Zone 1 HOTY Finals, Sept. 15-19; $15,000 Hunter Classic, Sept. 17; and Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Morgans, Friesians, and Open Opportunity Classes, Sept. 23-26; The Big E Draft Horse Show, Sept. 30-Oct. 3, featuring the $50,000 Six-Horse Hitch Showdown, the Haflinger and Hitch Pony Hitch Championship Series Finals and the North American Classic Cart Series Finals, Oct. 3.
NEW ENGLAND CENTER
Step inside the New England Center, home of Creative Arts, 4-H Clubs, Food Contests and more. See what fun, family entertainment is happening on the New England Center Community Stage or watch creativity in the making at 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, sewing, 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. 21; Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge, Oct. 2; and the Woodturning & Scroll Saw Contest, Sept. 29. Culinary amateurs display their talents in a variety of food contests.
STORROWTON VILLAGE
An oasis of peace and tranquility, this reconstructed, 19th century New England Village surrounds a picturesque village green. During the Fair, it will be humming with activity, such as demonstrations of broom making, tinsmithing and more. There will also be glass blowing demonstrations by Mobile Glass Studios, children’s games on the green and tours of historic buildings.
Entertainment in the Village
Stop by the Storrowton Village Gazebo as Jimmy Mazz hosts a line-up of fun entertainers: Hilby, the Skinny German Juggle Boy, Sept. 17-22; Cirque Zuma Zuma, Sept. 23-27; and Yo Yo Guy, Sept. 28-Oct. 3. Showtimes are 1, 3:30 & 6pm.
AVENUE OF STATES
The only place in the nation where you can visit all six New England States without leaving the fairgrounds. Each state puts its best foot forward offering unique products, crafts, foods, vacation information and more. Check out Harvest New England Day, Oct. 1 from 10am to 9pm when the lawns of the buildings contain a plethora of native products and specialty vendors.
SHOPPING
Treat yourself to something special, buy a few gifts and crafts for family and friends or start (and finish) your holiday shopping – at The Big E. The buildings and byways overflow with unique shops and vendors to satisfy all your shopping needs. Stop by an Official Big E Merchandise store for your Fairwear! T-shirts, sweats, hats and more! Stores are located inside Gate 5, Visitors’ Center East and on Commonwealth Avenue.
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, decorative items and more.
Outdoor Exhibits
Searching for the perfect addition to your backyard? Find a new gazebo, garage, shed, hot tub, or tractor as you make your way around the fairgrounds.
Better Living Center
Our 123,000 Square foot shopping center has something for everyone. In the BLC, find everything from fine jewelry to the latest hair accessories, kitchen gadgets or unique items for your pet.
The Shops at Storrowton
The Storrowton Village Gift Shop, in the Phillips House, offers colorful scarves and accents, jewelry, socks, creative signs, novelty dish towels, and more. After touring Potter Mansion, stop by the Christmas Shop. Close by on the lower level of the Grange Building the Yankee Candle Shop offers an array of scented candles, candleholders, dinnerware, and accessories to help lighten your holiday shopping.
International Plaza in the Young Building
Looking for unique products? Maybe some home décor or keepsakes? We have some great products from around the world featuring places such as India, Ecuador, Greece, China, Thailand and more.
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. 15 or at Big Y® World Class Market® Aug. 19 through Sept. 15. 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. 17 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
- Active duty and retired military personnel – Free with ID
- Dependents of active duty military personnel – Free with ID
- Veterans (no dependents) – Free with DD-214, a U.S Department of Veterans Affairs photo ID, 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. 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. 16-Oct. 3.
Value Passes
17-Day Value Passes are $40 for adults and $20 for children ages 6-12 and are available online now and at Big Y® World Class Market®.
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 open at 8am. Buildings, exhibits and crafts – 10am to 10pm. 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 & Saturday, 10am to 11pm.
Eastern States Exposition follows current health guidelines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Town of West Springfield.
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–Eastern States Exposition
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