Illinois State Fair

Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 19.

Hailing from Louisville, Illinois, Bailey Zimmerman’s performance at the Illinois State Fair will mark a home-state celebration for an artist whose meteoric rise has captured national and global attention.

Tickets for Matchbox Twenty will go on sale Friday, February 13.

It's the second act announced for the 2026 fair. Lainey Wilson will also perform.

Tickets go on sale Nov. 8.

Grandstand shows also had a big year.

The Illinois State Fair is a chance for the parties to rally and for candidates to see where they stand.

More than a decade removed from the last time a Republican won a statewide election in Illinois, state GOP leaders say they have plenty of time to build a strong ticket.

Republicans recruiting candidates and trying to hone message ahead of 2026 elections

Former state GOP leader joins U.S. Senate race as party gains secretary of state candidate