Important Safety & Security Information

The following are prohibited everywhere on the State Fairgrounds:

• Firearms
• Weapons
• Illegal substances including drugs
• Laser pointers
• Drones
• Air horns or similar noise makers
• “cuts” or “colors” representing affiliation with a gang; gang shall have the same meaning as in state or federal law

These prohibited items found after entry will be confiscated and discarded. The Illinois State Fair and Illinois State Police will not store confiscated items.

The following are prohibited outside of the camping areas on the State Fairgrounds:

• Pets. Pets does not include service animals or animals in State Fair competitions or exhibits.
  • Service animals should register with the Illinois State Fair and their handlers should wear the Fair-provided lanyard and credentials.
  • People attempting to enter the Fairgrounds with a pet will be turned away at the gate and advised to take their pet home.
  • If you have a dog on the Fairgrounds and are not wearing a Fair-provided lanyard identifying the dog as a service animal, you will be approached by Fair staff, security, or law enforcement to ask about the dog. Service animals and their handlers will be directed to the Fair Administration Office for credentials.
  • Persons with pets on the Fairgrounds will be asked to leave the grounds and not return with their pet.
• Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices: including, but not limited to: bicycles, tricycles, ebikes, Razr type scooters, motorized scooters, hoverboards, roller skates, roller blades, Segways, and similar type items.
  • This does not include wheelchairs, equipment rented on the Fairgrounds, or mobility assisted devices used by individuals with mobility disabilities as defined in the ADA.
  • When found outside the campgrounds, these prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned until the end of the Fair.

Firearms are strictly prohibited.

• Concealed carry is prohibited anywhere on the Fairgrounds.
• Violators will be arrested, and firearms will be confiscated in accordance with Illinois law.

Weapons of any kind are prohibited.

• Items including but not limited to knives, pepper spray, stun guns, brass knuckles, batons, bats, and any other item deemed by security personnel or law enforcement to be a weapon or pose a safety risk are not allowed on the premises.
• Tools that are used for Illinois State Fair competitive events, in exhibition areas, are permitted at law enforcement discretion.

All bags are subject to search upon entry.

• All bags brought onto the Fairgrounds are subject to a thorough search by security personnel or law enforcement officers

Enhanced Screening Grandstand System

• This year the Fairgrounds will implement advanced walk-through screening systems at the Grandstand, similar to those used at major sporting events.  Please be prepared for this process and limit the items that you bring into the event to expedite entry.

Disruptive Conduct Policy

• Any conduct deemed by security personnel or law enforcement to pose a risk to others' safety or cause disruption will not be tolerated.
• Individuals determined to be engaging in/displaying such conduct will be notified and risk removal from the Fairgrounds for the remainder of the Fair. Warnings are at the discretion of law enforcement.

Prohibited Clothing/Colors Policy

• To promote a safe and family-friendly environment for all fairgoers, clothing or accessories associated with known gangs or hate groups are prohibited on the Fairgrounds.
• Determination about violations of this policy and appropriate response and enforcement options will be at officer discretion, as relevant intelligence, colors, insignias, symbols, and logos change.

Drone Prohibition Policy

• To ensure the safety, privacy, and enjoyment of all attendees, unmanned aerial systems (UAS)—commonly referred to as drones—are strictly prohibited on the entire Fairgrounds.
• This restriction applies to all individuals, including the general public, vendors, media, and private security personnel, unless explicit written authorization has been granted by IDOA and Event Management in coordination with law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if applicable.    

In addition, the following items are prohibited in the Grandstand: 

• Glass containers (including bottles, jars, or drinkware)
• Coolers
• Wagons
• Bags larger than 14” x 8” (diaper bags and medical equipment excepted)
• Umbrellas
• selfie sticks
• Audio or video recording equipment (except personal phones)
• Signs or flags that are on poles or would obstruct the view of others
• Fireworks or flammable materials
• Any item that may cause harm or disrupt the event
• These items must be left at home or secured in your vehicle before entry into the Grandstand.