Food and Vendors

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) highlight topics and specific questions that are often asked of the Illinois State Fair (ISF) Space Rental Office. The information provided is offered to assist our vendors and exhibitors in better understanding ISF regulations, policies, and expectations.

The listing of FAQs is not a substitute for any official information provided on our website (i.e., administrative rules & regulations, Vendor/Exhibitor Information Booklet, Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Requirements for all Vendors, etc.) The listing of FAQs does not cover all information a vendor/exhibitor is responsible for reviewing and understanding prior to participating in the ISF.

What has attendance been like for the past few years?

2024:   773,518
2023:   707,613
2022:   636,700
2021:   472,388

I am a not-for profit entity. Can I have a location during the Fair at no cost?

• Per the Illinois State Fair Rules and Regulations, locations are not given to not-for profit entities for a discounted rate. Such entities must pay for their location like any other vendor/exhibitor.

Are there any opportunities to become a Mobile Marketer or to bring a mobile tour to the Illinois State Fair?

• Mobile marketing is allowed at the discretion of the Illinois State Fair Manager.
• Inquiries and consideration requests can be directed towards Brandon Oxley (Brandon.Oxley@Illinois.gov)  at 217.782.6661.

How do I become an Illinois State Fair sponsor?

• For further information on becoming a sponsor, contact Brandon Oxley (Brandon.Oxley@Illinois.gov) or Joe Khayyat (Joe.Khayyat@Illinois.gov) at 217.782.6661.

How do I become a paid vendor and provide free entertainment?

• You can find an application for free entertainment under a “Performers Wanted” button on the main page of the Fair’s website. Applications are accepted thru close of business on Friday, February 28, 2025.

When are applications available for new vendors/exhibitors to apply?

• New applications are available on our website by the first of the year or sooner.

How are new vendors chosen?

• Vendors are chosen by the following criteria:
  • Completed application.
  • Professional appearance as presented by the color photo required to be submitted with the application.
  • Uniqueness of product
  • Electrical needs
  • Availability of space
  • References, referrals, and experience with multiple-day events

How much does it cost to participate in the Illinois State Fair?

• Rates for new vendors vary according to location and front footage. These rates can range from $900 - $4,000.
• Additional costs include:
  • electricity
  • daily admittance
  • parking
  • waste management
  • Stock Truck Permit (if needed).

Can vendors use generators in their trailers?

• Vendors are PROHIBITED from using generators to supply their trailer’s electrical needs unless approved by the Fair Manager.

How much does electricity cost?

• Exposition Building, Southend Grandstand and Senior Center: $75
• Outside locations, including supply lots:
  • 30 AMP - $150
  • 50 AMP - $300
  • 100 AMP - $450

How much does water cost?

• Water is provided at no cost to the vendor. While the water is free, the vendor must understand that this is a privilege and abuse of this privilege will be handled accordingly.

If I am chosen to participate in the Illinois State Fair, when are my payments due?

• Outside vendors are placed on a flat-partial contract. The charges for electricity and ⅓ of the space cost is due by July 1^st or directly after a space offer is accepted, with a signed contract. The remaining balance is due the Monday that falls during the Fair or directly after a space offer is accepted, with a signed contract.
• Vendors/exhibitors in the Exposition Building or Senior Center must pay for their electric and space fees by July 1^st or directly after a space offer is accepted, with a signed contract.
• Select vendors are offered percentage contracts. These vendors must pay for their electricity by July 1^st or directly after a space offer is accepted, with a signed contract. The percentage of sales, as stipulated in the contract, must be reported, and paid daily to the Space Rental Office.

Do I have to pay admission to get into the Fair?

• All vendors and exhibitors must pay for admission and parking for the length of the Fair, beginning opening day.
• Admission booklets are available for $45 and include 11 tickets - one ticket will provide one person admission into the Fair for one day only.
• Parking permits cost $40 for the entire length of the Fair. These permits are not car specific.
• Vendors are not required to park on the Fairgrounds but will need to find alternative accommodations if they decide to park elsewhere.

Is there free Wi-Fi available on the Fairgrounds?

• While Wi-Fi is free and generally available across the Fairgrounds, we do not guarantee the availability or consistency and vendors should be prepared, regardless of the situation.
• The Wi-Fi password can be obtained thru the Space Rental Office.

Is camping available on the Fairgrounds?

• Camping on the Fairgrounds is available, but it is limited.
• Vendors need to submit camping paperwork at any time once the forms become available for the current year.

Can I sleep in the supply lot if my stock truck has the ability?

• Sleeping in stock trucks or supply lots is not allowed.
• Vendors who are found to be sleeping in supply lots will be removed and told to find other accommodations immediately. Due to the limited camping space and the influx of people in surrounding hotels/motels, this may be difficult to find.

What are the set-up and tear-down times?

• For the 2025 ISF, vendors and exhibitors are allowed to set-up between Thursday, August 1^st through Wednesday, August 6 . Vendors arriving on-site prior to August 1^st will need to obtain permission due to possible conflict with other events.
• Vendors who set up prior to Thursday, August 2^nd, will be charged $50/day for electricity (if needed.)
• Tear-down can begin after closing (midnight) on Sunday, August 17^th, with the expectation that they vacate the grounds within 48 hours.

Can I rent tents, tables, or other decorations from the Fair?

• The Fair does not offer rental services. Vendors/exhibitors need to supply their own items or contact one of the service providers in the area.

What vehicles are allowed on the grounds during the Fair?

• Golf cars are the only acceptable means of transportation. Continuous running vehicles that start with a key - i.e.: Gators™, Mules, Rhinos, ATVs, and other similar vehicles - are PROHIBITED unless approved by ISF Management. 
• Golf cars are only allowed in specific areas during the Fair to maintain the safety of all Fairgoers.

What is my contracted footprint?

• The contracted footprint is the agreed upon size a vendor/exhibitor needs to have a working presence at the fair.
• A footprint’s width and depth are required on the application and these dimensions should include trailer tongues, tie-downs, awnings, and anything else that may take up physical space.
• Vendors who expand beyond their contracted footprint will immediately be asked to adjust back to their predetermined footprint, pay the difference or relocate to another space on the grounds if that option is available.
• Failure to remain in the contracted footprint may result in additional charges, relocation, or removal from the Fairgrounds.

What happens if I am unhappy with my location?

• Vendors are welcome to request relocation for the following Fair. The request can be submitted on a “Relocation Request” form or by noting it on the Return Invitation, sent to participating vendors in mid-December. Relocations are not guaranteed but the request will be reviewed.

What do I do with my grey water?

• Most locations have drains in close proximity. Vendors with locations that do not have drains readily available will be notified and will be responsible for renting their own bladder from our preferred vendor. Vendors who do not wish to rent a bladder will need to choose an alternate location if one is available.
• Public Health does not allow vendors to release grey water onto surrounding grassy areas, streets or into sewer drains.  

How do I dispose of my used grease?

• Grease barrels are placed throughout the grounds for vendors to dispose of their grease.

How do I transport supplies from the supply lot to my location?

• Golf cars and personal vehicles are not allowed on the main streets from 10am – midnight. Vendors will need to bring their own dollies or wagons to restock supplies between those hours.