For Immediate Release – August 13, 2026
Off to the Races: Harness Racing Opens the 2026 Illinois State Fair Grandstand Season
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair Grandstand will host harness racing to kick off County Fairs and Horse Racing Day on Thursday, August 13. Recognized as one of the fastest dirt tracks in the world, the one-mile track will feature strictly Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) sponsored races on opening day. Every horse that takes the track will be Illinois conceived or foaled.
“Harness racing has long been an important part of Illinois agriculture and State Fair tradition, and we’re proud to showcase that legacy on opening day,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “The Illinois State Fair offers a great opportunity for fans to cheer on homegrown talent and enjoy world-class racing at one of the fastest dirt tracks in the world.”
The harness races on August 13 will feature a post time at 11 a.m. Admission to watch harness races in the Grandstand is free for fairgoers.
“The Illinois State Fair offers a harness racing experience unlike any other,” said Scott Halpin, Bureau Chief of County Fairs and Horse Racing. “Fans can watch some of the state’s top horses and drivers compete on a world-class track while enjoying an event that’s fun for the whole family. With free admission to the races, it’s one of the best values you’ll find at the Fair.”
The remainder of the Illinois State Fair harness races are listed below:
- Fri., Aug. 14: 11 a.m. post time
- Sat., Aug. 15: 11 a.m. post time
- Wed., Aug. 19: 11 a.m. post time
- Thurs., Aug. 20: 11 a.m. post time
Both the Illinois State Fair and the Du Quoin State Fair offer parimutuel wagering where fairgoers can bet on Illinois’ top horses.
As a reminder, tickets are on sale now for all Grandstand shows and auto races on ticketmaster.com and in-person at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand Box Office.
August 14: Bailey Zimmerman
August 15: Lainey Wilson
August 16: Matchbox Twenty
August 17: 38 Special (FREE)
August 18: Ziggy Marley
August 19: Wiz Khalifa
August 20: The Avett Brothers
August 21: Ella Langley
August 22: The Chicks
August 23: Shinedown with From Ashes to New
Auto races on the world’s fastest dirt track include:
August 22: USAC Bettenhausen 100
August 23: ARCA 100 + Sportsman Nationals
The Grandstand has adopted a clear bag policy for all events, following entertainment industry standards. No bags or purses larger than 14″x8″, backpacks, or duffle bags are allowed into the Grandstand. (Exceptions are made for diaper bags and medical bags, though these bags may be subject to search by security personnel.)
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Illinois State Fair, August 13 through August 23 in Springfield.
Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements from the Illinois State Fair by connecting with us via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield are on the historic path of Route 66, providing a front-row seat to the 100th anniversary celebrations happening all year. In recognition of a century of Route 66, a road that started in Illinois and helped shape America, Miles of Smiles is the 2026 Illinois State Fair theme. Because that’s what this road and the Illinois State Fair have always delivered. Miles of memories, miles of music, and miles of smiles shared right here in the heart of Illinois. Now through August 20, visitors to the Illinois State Museum’s “Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66” exhibit can receive a voucher for one adult weekday admission to the Illinois State Fair. Learn more about Route 66 celebrations here.
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