WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Big E is back and better than ever! With more food, fun, music and must-see attractions, you won’t want to miss a thing! Here is the most up-to-date information on this year’s Fair.
Please note: All information is subject to change.
Entertainment:
From major headliners with chart-topping hits, to up and coming artists performing original tracks, The Big E is bringing more than 80 live bands to three stages:
The Big E Arena, sponsored by Truly Hard Seltzer
All shows 7:30pm – Doors open at 5:30 unless otherwise noted.
Sept. 16 Dropkick Murphys
Sept. 17 G-Eazy
Sept. 18 Brantley Gilbert with special guest George Birge
Sept. 23 Nelly
Sept. 24 Sublime with Rome
Sept. 25 Bring Me the Horizon with Knocked Loose, grandson & Siiickbrain, (6:30 showtime)
Sept. 30 Chase Rice & Jimmie Allen
Oct. 1 Happy Together Tour with The Turtles, The Association, The Classics IV and Bad Finger
Featuring Joey Molland
Oct. 2 Lynyrd Skynyrd – Big Wheels Keep On Turnin’ Tour with support from Six Gun Sally
Tickets are available at TheBigE.com 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. 16-21: Alley Cats, 12 & 5pm
Sept. 16-18: Modern English, 2pm
Sept. 16: Yung Gravy, 8pm
Sept. 17: KT Tunstall, 8pm
Sept. 18: Everclear, 8pm
Sept. 19-20: Young@Heart Chorus, 2pm
Sept. 19-20: The Yardbirds, 8pm
Sept. 21-22: Canned Heat, 2pm
Sept. 21: The Main Squeeze, 8pm
Sept. 22: Johnnyswim, 8pm
Sept. 22-26: Buckets N Boards, 12 & 5pm
Sept. 23-25: Sounds of the 60s, 2pm
Sept. 23: Tai Verdes, 8pm
Sept. 24: DJ Jazzy Jeff, 8pm
Sept. 25: Collector Car Live, 12pm
Sept. 25: Madeline Edwards, 8pm
Sept. 26-27: LFO & Ryan Cabrera, 2pm
Sept. 26-27: Boogie Wonder Band, 8pm
Sept. 27-Oct. 2: The Entertainer: Music of Elton John & Billy Joel, 12 & 5pm
Sept. 28-29: Jon Secada, 2 pm
Sept. 28: All-4-One, 8pm
Sept. 29: ERNEST, 8pm
Sept. 30 – Oct. 2: Baha Men, 2pm
Sept. 30: Alien Ant Farm, 8pm
Oct. 1: American Authors, 8pm
Oct. 2: John Waite, 8pm
The E Stage, sponsored by Blue Chair Bay Rum, is bringing fresh sounds of new talent to The Big E! Developed to showcase emerging artists and original music, check out Dwayne Haggins, Sept. 16 at 8:30pm; Melaner, Sept. 18 at 8:30pm; Professors of Sweet, Sweet Music, Sept. 21 at 7:00pm; Austin James and the Nomads, Sept. 29 at 8:30pm; Morgan Myles, Sept. 30 at 12:30pm; El Conjunto Barrio ft. Jesus Pagan, Oct. 2 at 8:30pm; and so many more!
Show times are Mon.-Wed. at 3 & 7pm, and Thurs.-Sun. at 12:30, 4:30 & 8:30pm.
Get ready for 17 jam-packed days at The Big E with these don’t-miss attractions! Catch The Big Parade, sponsored by MGM Springfield, with Mardi Gras floats, marching bands and more every day at 6pm; hangout with four-legged friends at Commerford’s Petting Zoo; soar to new heights on the Sky-High Super Wheel in the North American Midway; learn about your future from comedy fortune teller Zultar, sponsored by Uncommon USA; and so much more!
2022 Fair Features
Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase Returns!
The Dingle Tavern, authentic Dingle merchandise, and an all NEW Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Sept. 16-17!
The Front Porch, Sponsored by Westfield Bank
A new Big E district for local goods and gatherings, delectable foods, music and memorable moments! Located near Gate 5, outside the Better Living Center, The Front Porch is tucked between warm lights, with Adirondack chairs, cozy spaces and live performances from the E Stage. You won’t want to miss what this newly designed neighborhood has to offer!
The Big E Space Chat Experience
Join New England students as they chat live from The Big E Arena with an astronaut on the International Space Station! With the help of Amateur (Ham) Radio Operators, these students will have an experience that’s out of this world! Stay tuned for the date of the live communication by visiting TheBigE.com or stopping by the Ham Radio Operators booth inside Door 6 of the Better Living Center.
Hooplandia All Star Court
Located at the Avenue ShowPlace, get a taste of the East Coast’s largest basketball competition coming June 23-25, 2023! 3×3 games, contests, surprises and more! TNT Dunk Squad plays at 12, 2:30 & 7:30pm.
Eastern States Exposition History Museum
Step into The Big E’s exciting past!
Hampden County Building • Daily, 10am – 10pm
Sahara, presented by Camel Kingdom • Daily at Gate 7
Get an educational glimpse into the world of a spectacular species when you visit this rare breed of blue-eyed, spotted dromedary camels!
Viva Las Circus
Under The Big Top • Daily, 1, 4, & 7pm
Ringmaster Ian Garden leads an international cast of performers! Limited Premium Ringside tickets at TheBigE.com.
Catholic Masses
Sept. 18 – 10am – The Bishop’s Mass, celebrated by The Most Reverend William Byrne, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield –The Big Top Circus Tent
Sept. 18, 25 & Oct. 2 – 8am – Storrowton Village Meetinghouse
Sept. 25 & Oct. 2 – 10am –The Big Top Circus Tent
Non-denominational Services
Sept. 18 – 9am & 2:30pm – Storrowton Village Meetinghouse
Oct. 2 – 9am – Storrowton Village Meetinghouse
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!
Fair Food
The Big E is all about food! Dive into some of our signature treats such as The Big E Cream Puff in an exciting new Chocolate flavor, the Big Éclair, or experience the Craz-E Burger! Craving something different? There are hundreds of options to choose from across the grounds, including new dishes every year! Don’t forget to try some of this year’s debut vendors:
SoulFully Vegan
Ann Marie Candies
Bakery on Brewer
The Place 2 Be
Cha Feo
The Happy Dough Co.
Villa of Lebanon
Sassys Sweet Potatoes
Ferrindino Maple Farm
BoardWok Noodles
Las Kangris Food Truck
Riceballs Arancini
Kulfi Ice Cream Taste of Persia
Frankie’s Famous Italian Frozen Lemonade
The West Side Grille Cider Garden, sponsored by Downeast Cider
Chick-Fil-A
And so much more! Visit TheBigE.com for more information on new Fair foods and traditional favorites.
EASTERN STATES FARMERS MARKET AND WINE BARN
Home to some of New England’s finest wines, cheeses, ciders and more! Want a refreshing drink? Pick up a wine slushy and cheese plate, or a wine sundae in The Wine Café and relax in the courtyard.
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
Meet and cheer on the amazing people and animals of the New England agricultural community at competitions, shows, and exhibits every day at The Big E! Come on down to see 4-H and FFA youth in action!
The Butter Sculpture
Witness the food artistry team of Jim Victor and Marie Pelton’s masterpiece made from 600 pounds of AgriMark/Cabot Creamery Cooperative butter!
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 is sure to hit the spot.
Farm-A-Rama
Hallamore Clydesdales, Hatching Chicks, Goats, Pigs, Beekeepers and more!
COLISEUM
Eastern States Exposition Horse Show
A USEF Heritage Competition
Hunter Show and USHJA Zone 1 HOTY Finals: Sept. 14-18
$15,000 Hunter Classic: Sept. 16
Saddlebreds, Hackneys, Morgans, 4-H Horseshow & Friesians: Sept. 22-25
2022 North American Classic Cart Series Finals: Oct. 2
$50,000 Six-Horse Hitch Showdown: Oct. 2
Haflinger and Hitch Pony Championship Series Finals: Oct. 2
Horse Pulling: Sept. 19
Ox Pulling: Sept. 20
Sheep Dog Trials: Sept. 26
Big E Draft Horse Show: Sept. 29-Oct. 2
4-H Horse Show: Sept. 22-25, 9-11am
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 contest–from photography to quilting, sewing, beading, knitting and more. This year’s New England Center contest lineup includes: Make it with Clay Pottery Contest on Sept. 20; Recycled or Repurposed Crafts Contest on Sept. 22; Woodturning & Scroll Contest on Sept. 28; and the Puzzle Contest on Oct. 1.
STORROWTON VILLAGE
This reconstructed 19th century New England Village is an oasis of peace and tranquility. During the Fair, it will be buzzing 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 Swing by the Storrowton Gazebo, sponsored by Good Health Sauna, to see fun entertainers such as The Funny Waiter, Sept. 16-22; Sharon from Canada: Comedy Show, Sept. 23-25; and The Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show, Sept. 26-Oct. 2. Show times are 1, 3:30, & 6pm.
AVENUE OF STATES
The only place in the nation where you can visit all six New England states without stepping foot outside of the fairgrounds! Each building offers unique products, crafts, foods, vacation information and more. Stick around for Harvest New England Day Friday, Sept. 30, to witness Avenue lawns brimming with 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.
Official Big E Merchandise
Stop by and pick up your Fairwear! T-shirts, sweats, hats and more! Stores are located inside Gate 5, Visitors Center East, and on Commonwealth Avenue.
Farmers Market and Wine Barn
Brimming with more than New England’s finest wines and cheeses, head down to the Farmers Market for high quality home goods, clothing, bags, jewelry and more!
The Shops at Storrowton
The Storrowton Village Gift Shop, in the Phillips House, offers colorful scarves and accents, jewelry, socks, creative signs, and more. After touring Potter Mansion, stop by the Christmas Shop. Add some more comfort to your home by picking up an array of scented candles, candleholders, dinnerware, and accessories from the Yankee Candle shop in the lower level of the Grange Building.
Crafts
Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry, artwork, decorative items and more in Craft Common (on Storrowton Village’s back green), along Hampden Avenue, and in the Carriage House.
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.
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 Ireland, India, Ecuador, Greece, China, Thailand and more!
Buy Advance Discount Tickets & Save!
Advance discount tickets and Midway Magic vouchers are sold online, at The Big E Box Office, or through our new official presale ticket partner Rocky’s Ace Hardware. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12. Midway Magic passes are $35, valid any one day Mon.-Fri. Visit TheBigE.com or Rockys.com to purchase.
Opening day is Friday, Sept. 16, and to celebrate the occasion, The Big E is offering many more ways to save:
Be a Kid for a Day – All ages $10 (also sold online)
Military Appreciation Day – ID Required for free admission for:
Active Duty and retired military personnel
Dependents of active duty military personnel
Veterans (no dependents)
Regular Gate Admission
Tickets purchased at the gate are $15 for adults, $10 for children (6-12), and FREE for 5 & under.
Gate Discounts
Eight-After-Five – $8 after 5pm Sunday-Thursday
Senior Days – $12 (60 & over) Sunday-Thursday
Value Passes
17-Day Value Passes are $50 for adults and $20 for children (6-12), and are available for purchase at TheBigE.com or Rockys.com.
Big E Hours
Gates open at 8am.
Buildings, exhibits and crafts – 10am to 10pm.
Storrowton Village, the Yankee Candle Shop, Avenue of States and New England Center 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.
To connect with us on social media and join our mailing list to be the first to get exclusive information about the Fair, visit TheBigE.com!
–The Big E