The Big E, the largest event on the East Coast and fourth largest fair in North America, runs September 12-28 this year, offering visitors a diverse array of entertainment, food, and cultural experiences.
The 17-day event, held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, features attractions ranging from authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations to an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plaza’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase.
Admission prices vary. Adult one-day tickets cost $17.50 in advance or $20 at the gate, while children’s tickets (ages 6-12) are $11.50 in advance or $12 at the gate. Children 5 and under enter free.
Value passes covering all 17 days of the fair are available at $71.50 for adults and $36.50 for children. Special discounts include the “Eleven-After-Five” offer of $11 admission after 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and $16 senior admission (age 60+) on weekdays.
Military Appreciation Day kicks off the fair on September 12, offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their dependents, as well as retired military personnel and veterans with proper identification.
Each day of the fair celebrates different themes, including state days honoring Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Local communities are also recognized with special “Salute” days for West Springfield, Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, Agawam, and Westfield.
Fair hours vary by attraction, with gates opening at 8 a.m. daily. The Midway operates from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extends to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Visitors can park on-site at Gate 9 for $10 per car (cash only), with 1,200 handicapped accessible spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Mobility assistance is available through wheelchair and scooter rentals, with prices ranging from $25 for standard wheelchairs to $70 for electric scooters.
For those planning an extended visit, limited camping is available at Gate 9 for self-contained campers at $20 per space per day, with additional fees for extra vehicles.
Security measures include metal detectors at all entrance gates and bag searches. Prohibited items include weapons, drones, alcohol, illegal substances, professional photography equipment, and costumes. Only service animals are permitted on the fairgrounds.
For more information about The Big E, including ticket purchases and detailed event schedules, visitors can check the fair’s website.
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by The Big E website. It was reviewed and edited by MassLive.
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