Food and Vendors

In accordance with the Illinois State Fair Rules and Regulations, not-for-profit entities are not eligible for discounted rates. 

Inquiries and consideration requests can be directed towards Brandon Oxley (Brandon.Oxley@Illinois.gov).

The Illinois State Fair offers a variety of sponsorship packages to help organizations gain visibility and connect with thousands of attendees. Interested? Contact Brandon Oxley (Brandon.Oxley@Illinois.gov) or Joe Khayyat (Joe.Khayyat@Illinois.gov).

Applications for free entertainment can be found under the “Performers Wanted” button on the main page of the Fair’s website, available beginning November. Forms will be accepted through close of business on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

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

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

• 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).
• Specific rates will not be provided until an official offer to participate is extended. Rates vary based on location, size, and other logistical factors determined by Fair Management.

Vendors are PROHIBITED from using generators to supply their trailer’s electrical needs

• Exposition Building, Southend Grandstand and Senior Center: $75
• Outside locations, including supply lots:
  • 30 AMP - $150
  • 50 AMP - $300
  • 100 AMP - $450
• Vendors using electricity outside of the contracted Fair dates will be charged the non-Fair rate of $50 per day.

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

• 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 electricand 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.

• All vendors and exhibitors are required to pay for admission and parking for the entire duration of the Fair, starting on opening day.
• Admission booklets are available for $45 and include 11 single-day tickets. Each ticket grants one person admission for one day only.
• Parking permits cost $40 for the entire length of the Fair. These permits are not vehicle specific and may be used with any car.  To be valid, the permit must be clearly visible through the windshield while parked on-site.
• Vendors are not required to park on the Fairgrounds. Those choosing to park elsewhere must arrange alternative accommodations. 

• Free Wi-Fi is generally available across the Fairgrounds. However, vendor/exhibitors should be aware that connectivity is not guaranteed and may vary in strength or reliability depending on location and usage. Vendors/exhibitors should be prepared, regardless of the situation.
• The Wi-Fi password can be obtained thru the Space Rental Office at check-in.

• Camping on the Fairgrounds is available, but space is limited. The general guideline allows for one camping spot per contracted vendor location, subject to availability.
• Vendors may submit camping forms at any time once they become available for the current year. 

• 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.

• For the 2026 ISF, vendors and exhibitors are allowed to set-up between Thursday, August 8^th through Wednesday, August 12^th . 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 Saturday, August 8^th, will be charged $50/day for electricity (if needed.)
• Tear-down can begin after closing (midnight) on Sunday, August 22^nd, with the expectation that they vacate the grounds within 48 hours.
• Vendors that remain hooked up for electric after the last day of the fair will be charged $50/day.

• 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. 

• Golf cars are the only acceptable means of transportation. Continuous running vehicles - i.e.: Gators™, Mules, Rhinos, ATVs, and other similar vehicles - are PROHIBITED unless approved by ISF Management. 
• All golf cars used on the ISF grounds during active Fair dates must have a valid permit. Permits must be obtained through the Credentials Office prior to opening day. Unauthorized golf car operation without a permit may result in removal from the grounds.
• To ensure the safety of all Fairgoers, golf cars are only permitted in designated areas during the ISF. Vendors and participants must adhere to these boundaries during active Fair hours (10a-12a). For details on permitted areas, please consult the Golf Car map available in the Vendor-Exhibitor Handbook or obtain a copy in the Space Rental Office.

• The contracted footprint is the agreed upon size a vendor/exhibitor needs to have a successful 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, lights, 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.

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.

• The ISF maintains an exclusive contract with Springfield Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. and Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. All vendors are required to purchase beverages, including water, through these two authorized providers.
• While there are many food providers that support our vendors on-site daily, vendors are not required to purchase their supplies on-site.
• Vendors may request specific suppliers to support them on-site, but those suppliers must have an executed contract on file, a valid Certificate of Insurance on file, and obtain a permit to be on the grounds during the Fair.

• Most locations have drains in 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.  

No. Supply lots are designated exclusively for stock trucks. Personal or non-stock vehicles are strictly prohibited from parking in supply lots or around your contracted location(s). Vehicles parked outside of designated, approved parking lots/locations will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Grease barrels are placed throughout the Fairgrounds to provide vendors with a safe and convenient way to dispose of cooking grease.

Golf cars and personal vehicles are prohibited on the Fair’s main streets from 10am – midnight daily. During restricted hours, vendors must use dollies, wagons, or other non-motorized equipment to transport supplies.