The food, music and must-see attractions of The Big E happening during the week at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in West Springfield, Mass., Sept. 21-25, Sept. 28-30 and Oct. 1-2 Here is the most up-to-date information on this year’s weekly events!

Please note: All information is subject to change.

From major headliners with chart-topping hits to up and coming artists performing original tracks, The Big E is bringing a variety of live bands to three stages:

The Big E Arena, sponsored by Truly Hard Seltzer

All shows begin at 7:30pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.

Sept. 24 – The Beach Boys

Sept. 25 – Brad Paisley With Special Guest Hannah Harper

Oct. 2 – Twisted Sister feat. Sebastian Bach on lead vocals with Tesla

Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by MattressFirm

A limited number of Premium tickets are available to purchase for four shows* during the week: DAX, JET, Frankie Avalon and Switchfoot. Premium tickets include Fair admission (when purchased prior to the show date) and a reserved seat in the first five rows of the venue. General show seating, located behind the Premium section, is free with admission to The Big E.

Sept. 21-22 – Experience Queen, 2pm

Sept. 22 – Honeycomb Lately, 3pm

Sept. 22 – Rare Earth, 8pm

Sept. 23-24 – Marcy Playground, 2pm

Sept. 23 – The Mighty Soul Drivers, 3pm

Sept. 23 – DAX, 8pm*

Sept. 24 – Fozzy, 8pm

Sept. 25 – The Weeklings, 2pm

Sept. 25 – Gayle, 8pm

Sept. 28-29 – Frankie Avalon, 2pm*

Sept. 28 – JET, 8pm*

Sept. 29-Oct.4 – The Alley Cats, 12pm & 5pm

Sept. 29 – Great White, 8pm

Sept. 30 – 215^th Army Band: Official Party, 2pm

Sept. 30 – The Family Stone, 8pm

Oct. 1 – 215^th Army Band: Minuteman Brass Band, 2pm

Oct. 1 – Switchfoot, 8pm*

Oct. 2 – Funky Dawgz, 2pm

Oct. 2 – The Click Five, 8pm

Oct. 2 – Ginger Geezus, 8:30pm

 
  The E Stage, sponsored by Malibu 

Listen to talented emerging artists and original music. Check out Mono Means One, Sept. 22, at 7pm; Elle Sera, Sept 23, at 7pm; Well Suited, Sept. 24, at 3pm; James McCarthy, Sept 24, at 7pm; The Whole Loaf, Sept. 25, at 12:30; Dead Fish Handshake, Sept. 25, at 8:30pm; The High Noons, Sept. 28, at 3pm; Big Shrimp, Sept. 28, at 7pm; The Poppies, Sept. 29, at 3pm; The Namedroppers, Sept. 29, at 7pm; Hunter Road, Sept. 30, at 3pm; YRBK, Sept. 30, at 7pm; Vanna Pacella, Oct. 1, at 3pm; Escaper, Oct. 1, at 7pm; Riverwild, Oct. 2, at 12:30pm; Fleuke, Oct. 2, at 4:30pm. Show times are Mon.-Thurs., 3 & 7pm; Friday, 12:30, 4:30 & 8:30pm.

Saddle up! Dolly’s Honky Tonk is The Big E’s own touch of Tennessee, putting a Southern spin on West Springfield. Immerse yourself in the excitement with trick roping performances, live music, Stompin’ Boots Line Dancing (Sept. 21-24 & Sept 28-Oct. 1 at 3pm, Sept 21-24 & Sept 28-Oct. 1 at 6pm) and mechanical bull rides.

The Big Parade, sponsored by MGM Springfield, boasts Mardi Gras floats, Budweiser Clydesdales and the Hobby Knoll Stables hitch, local marching bands, dignitaries and more every day at 6pm.

Don’t miss out on the Barnyard Petting Zoo; the Sky-High Super Wheel on the North American Midway; and much more!

 Collector Car Live with Wayne Carini and Mike Joy, sponsored by Uncommon USA — The Big E Arena, Sept. 22, 12-5pm

Television personalities, Wayne Carini and Mike Joy are joined by special guests April Rose and Tyler Hoover in The Big E Arena for a panel all about the future of racing during a showcase of classic, custom and collector vehicles. This year’s event honors the legacy of the New England Auto Racers.

The Big E Bike Night — The Big E Arena, Sept. 29, 4-8pm

Rev up your engines and get ready for Bike Night in The Big E Arena. Browse row after row of pristine motorcycles and enjoy a performance by Trailer Trash at 6:30pm, a fan-favorite band from Conn.

 Circus Spectacular: Disco Daze, sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar — The Big Top Tent, Sept. 21-Oct. 4, 1, 4, & 7pm

Marvel at amazing performers who come from far and wide to wow you! This esteemed cast includes the Lopez Thrill Riders and the Globe of Death; Renaldo and Little Lou, Comedy Hi Jinx at It’s Best!; Ian Faroanel, hand-balancing artist; Nicole Montgomery, aerialist; Brando Anastasini, tight wire walker; The Rimar Duo, daring roller skaters that hail from Las Vegas. Get limited Premium Ringside tickets at TheBigE.com!

 Street Performers

Stilt Fun – Sept. 18-Oct. 4, 10am-10pm

              Roaming Railroad – Sept. 18-Oct. 4, 10am-10pm

              Strolling Boombox – Sept. 18-Oct. 4 10am-10pm

 SPECIAL DESTINATIONS

Ireland's Dingle Peninsula Showcase
Peruse authentic Dingle merchandise, hear from vendors during Meet the Makers! Celebration abounds with Irish-themed musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Dignitaries from the Emerald Isle will visit The Big E, including members of the distinguished Kerry County Council, Údarás na Gaetachta and the Irish Consulate in Boston.

Eastern States Farmers Market & Wine Café

Visit the home of some of New England’s finest wines, cheeses, ciders and more! Looking to break up your Fair visit? Pick up slushy wine, cheese plate or wine sundae in The Wine Café and relax in the courtyard. Browse high-quality home goods, clothing, bags, jewelry and more!

Avenue of States

The Avenue of States is the only place in the nation where you can visit all six New England states without leaving the same street! Each building offers unique products, foods, travel information and more specific to its state.

FAIR FOOD

The Big Eats Awards

Each year, The Big E’s food vendors submit their new, creative and mouthwatering menu additions for a chance to claim top honors in The Big Eats awards, sponsored by Cutco Cutlery. This year’s competition will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 10am. Celebrity guest judges for the competition are Daymon “Daym Drops” Patterson, Sandra Lee and Paul Wahlberg.

Think your favorite Fair food is award-worthy? Help it step up to the dinner plate in the Big Eats competition, Friday, Sept. 18-30, by voting online at TheBigE.com.

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 daily! Come on down to see 4-H and FFA youth in action!

Butter Sculpture, sponsored by Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Cooperative

Witness food artistry team, Jim Victor and Marie Pelton, mold and shape a masterpiece from 600 lbs. of Agri-Mark/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’d prefer a light, healthy snack or to satisfy your hunger for knowledge, then consider a visit to the 4-H Apple Booth in Farm-A-Rama.

Farm-A-Rama

Greet real pigs and piglets, beekeepers, goats, hatching chicks and The Hobby Knoll Clydesdales. “Bee” sure to get a lesson all about the honey industry from the 2025 American Honey Princess, hosted by the Hampden County Beekeepers Association, Sept. 18-Oct. 4. Urban Farming in New England, a sustainable garden that can be found on the side of the building nearest to the Coliseum. More information and representatives from local urban farming groups can be found inside!

 COLISEUM

Eastern States Exposition Horse Show

The Big E Draft Horse Show – Oct. 1-4

• $50,000 Six-Horse Hitch Showdown: Oct. 4, 2:30pm
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Step inside the New England Center, home of Creative Arts, 4-H Clubs, Food Contests and The Big E Bakery! 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 Live Cake Decorating Contest with Sandra Lee on Sept. 24, Plein Air Contest on Sept. 29 and Puzzle Contest on Oct. 1.

 STORROWTON VILLAGE

The reconstructed 19th century New England Village is your pathway into the past! During the Fair, Storrowton Village Museum is abuzz with activity, including broom making and other trade demonstrations. There will also be live glass blowing by Mobile Glass Studios, children’s games on the green and tours of historic the Village’s buildings. 

Entertainment in the Village 

Enjoy variety acts and local entertainment! Catch Alex Clark, Sept. 18-23, 12:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm; The Benjamin Jackson Hypnotist Show, Sept. 24-28, 12:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm; Hilby: The Skinny German Juggle Boy, Sept. 29-Oct. 4, 12:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm; Roshay, Sept. 30, 1:30pm-2pm.

Eastern States Exposition History Museum

Learn about the history of The Big E!

Hampden County Building • Daily, 10am-10pm

SHOPPING

Treat yourself to something special, buy a few gifts and crafts for family and friends or complete your holiday shopping at The Big E! Begin with the Farmers Market, just inside Gate 9A, and don’t miss a corner of our 175-acre fairgrounds. The buildings and byways overflow with unique shops and vendors to satisfy all your shopping needs.

Official Merchandise

Stop by and pick up your fairwear—grab T-shirts, sweats, hats and more! Stores are located inside Gate 5 on the Court of Honor, on Commonwealth Avenue and inside Gate 9A.

 The Shops at Storrowton 

The Christmas Shop, found in Potter Mansion, features holiday decorations, collectibles and more. While there, visit the Halloween Shop nearby! You’ll find an array of scented candles, candleholders, dinnerware and accessories in the Yankee Candle shop on the lower level of the Grange Building.

 The Front Porch

The Big E’s district for local goods and gatherings, delicious food, magnificent music and memorable moments! Located near Gate 5 outside the Better Living Center, The Front Porch features Adirondack chairs, cozy spaces and live performances on The E Stage. You don’t want to miss what this neighborhood has to offer!

 Crafts

Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry, artwork, decorative items and more in the 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. The Big E prides itself on innovation, including the latest and greatest in home improvement.

 Better Living Center

Our 123,000 square foot shopping center has something for everyone! In the Better Living Center (BLC) you can find everything from fine jewelry to the latest hair accessories, kitchen gadgets or pet care.

International Plaza in the Young Building 

Looking for a unique item such as 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!

NORTH AMERICAN MIDWAY

Midway Ride Credits:

• 1 Credit - $.50

20 Credits - $10

40 Credits - $20

65 Credits - $30

140 Credits - $60

240 Credits - $98

Sky-High Super Wheel: 21 Credits

VIP Gondola: 45 Credits

 Pay-One-Price Midway Magic Pass
The gift that keeps on giving! The Midway Magic Pass is $37 at Midway Ticket Kiosk or $33.50 if purchased online or at The Big E Box Office. Can be redeemed at the Midway Guest Relations Booth to receive 78 Ride Credits or an Unlimited Ride Wristband, single-day use, valid Mon.-Fri. and nontransferable.

Midway Express Access Pass
Go right to the head of the line with the Express Access Pass! Limited passes are available for $15 at the Midway Ticket Kiosk.

Regular Gate Admission

Tickets purchased at the gate are $20 for adults, $12 for children (6-12) and FREE for 5 & under.

Gate Discounts

Eleven-After-Five - $11 after 5pm, Sun.-Thurs.

Senior Days – $16 (60 & over), Sun.-Thurs.

Value Passes

17-Day Value Passes are $71.50 for adults and $35 for children (6-12) and are available for purchase at TheBigE.com in the Big E Box Office or at the gates.

The Big E Hours 

Gates – 8am

The Big E Bakery – 9am-10:30pm

Buildings and Craft Common – 10am-10pm

Storrowton Village, Yankee Candle Shop, Avenue of States and New England Center – 10am-9pm

North American Midway – Sun.-Thurs., 11am-10pm; Fri. & Sat., 10am-11pm

Find The Big E’s full program and learn more about these attractions at TheBigE.com.