Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – While the theme of the 2025 Illinois State Fair is “Adventure Awaits,” many moms and dads will tell you the greatest adventure is affordability.

“The Illinois State Fair is one of the most affordable state fairs in the Midwest,” fair manager Rebecca Clark said during the fair’s preview news conference Thursday. “Every day of the Illinois State Fair, kids twelve and under are (admitted) free. We have a $2 admission day (Tuesday, Aug. 12). (Six) days (Aug. 7, 10, 11, 13, 14. 17) of our eleven-day run adult admission is only $5.”

The state’s campaign to promote Asian carp as a delicacy – by branding it as copi – continues, “with Chicago chef Maurice Jackson and his copi stand,” said Illinois Department of Natural Resources director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Fairgoers will be able to purchase copi chili dogs, copi-loaded nachos, and copi smashburgers.”

You can also opt for something more familiar, such as … a corn dog.

The Illinois State Fair runs Aug. 7-17.