Thank you for your interest in the upcoming 2026 Illinois State Fair!

Interested in participating in the upcoming Illinois State Fair? To be considered, please download and complete the official application by clicking the link below. If needed, use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete the application Form.

• Illinois State Fair Application
• ISF Frequently Asked Questions - Vendors and Exhibitors

All applications must include a color photo of the vendor’s trailer, stand, or booth. Outside locations are required to submit a minimum of two photos: daytime and nighttime. Applications without the required photos will not be reviewed or considered for placement.

Vendors should not submit samples, payment, or a Certificate of Insurance at this time. This is only an application and submittal of this application does not guarantee space. All submitted material becomes the property of the Illinois State Fair.

The ISF Vendor-Exhibitor Information Booklet is an essential resource for all participants. Please review all information carefully prior to applying. Participation in the Illinois State Fair requires full compliance with setup deadlines, daily attendance expectations, and all relevant permits and documentation. The information doesn’t change drastically from year to year, but updates are made prior to each Fair. The  Vendor-Exhibitor Information Booklet is considered an official part of the contract. All vendors are responsible for reading, understanding, and complying with the guidelines and requirements outlined within.

Please be aware that vendors/exhibitors are expected to be in place, set up and ready for business by the morning of Thursday, August 13, 2026, with trailers/stock trucks and personal vehicles in designated supply/parking lots no later than 9:00am. All vendors/exhibitors are required to purchase admission booklets and parking permits in advance. These are mandatory for entry on opening day. Each location is expected to be staffed every day of the Fair from open until close.

Exhibitors and vendors from the previous year are offered the opportunity to return providing they met expectations and are in good standing with the Illinois State Fair, the Illinois Department of Revenue, and any other entities associated with the Fair. Return Invitations are sent out mid-December, due back to the Space Rental Office by February 1^st. New vendors can expect to be offered spaces after returning vendors have confirmed their decision regarding participating in the upcoming Fair.

The Illinois State Fair receives more new vendor applications than available space. Management reviews all applications taking into consideration size, electrical needs, type of product/services, attractiveness of booth/trailer, sanitation requirements, as well as revenue potential to the Department. Vendors with unique products have a greater chance of being selected and placed in prime locations.

Contracted vendors/exhibitors are expected to submit a signed contract, Certificate of Insurance, and payment by July 1^st. Payment can be made by check, cashier’s check, money order or credit card. If a location offer is made after July 1^st, payment and paperwork will be due after the location offer is accepted.

Further information can be found at the below links:

• ISF Rate Information
• Vendor Information - Vendors and Exhibitors