Visitors can sample a range of dishes, but also popular classics like giant turkey legs, Big E Bakery’s giant cream puffs and eclairs, and deep-fried versions of everything, including Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, spaetzle, and even Kool-Aid. The Big E’s Maine Building also has its famous baked potatoes (expect a line). And if you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry, because there will be gluten-free and vegan options. Stop by the Big E on Monday, September 16, and feast on “Three-Buck Bites,” where select vendors will offer items at discounted prices, including Pickle Lemonade, Lobster Roll Sliders, Maple Coffee, and dozens more options.
As for drinks, there are plenty of watering holes at the Big E, like the Opa Opa Saloon, the Tavern Terrace and Oktoberfest Munich Style. Guinness will have an Irish pub, while Sam Adams is bringing a beer garden. And all you Swifties out there, don’t forget to stop by the V-One Craft Cocktail Bar and try Taylor’s Lavender Haze lemonade. These are just a few of the highlights, so come hungry.
Who is performing at the Big E?
Fans can also look forward to many big-name artists this year. Atlanta rapper Ludacris will perform a sold-out show at Big E Arena on September 14, while fans can dance “The Twist” when Chubby Checker takes to the Court of Honor Stage on September 16 and 17. Also on the Court of Honor Stage are “Stay” singer Lisa Loeb on September 27 and impersonator comedian Matt Friend on September 28. DJ and producer Diplo takes the Big E Arena stage on September 21, followed by the band America on September 22. Also at Big E Arena are boy band Big Time Rush and Chuck D and Flavor Flav of Public Enemy on September 28. Fans must purchase separate tickets to see all shows at Big E Arena.
And although the queen of pop music won’t be in attendance, Swifties can relax with “Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience” during the tribute show on September 13 on the Court of Honor Stage. Australia’s Bee Gees will perform the group’s classics Down Under, turning it up on the Court of Honor Stage on September 16 and 17. Other highlights include daily shows Disc-Connected K9’s, which will feature athletic dogs showing off their skills, and the Circus Spectacular, which will take place in the Big Top. That’s just a taste of the action, so expect plenty of entertaining performances throughout the 17 days of the fair.
What else can I watch?
Where do we begin? Experience thrills at the Midway with a number of popular attractions including a carousel, free fall tower and high-flying swings. Fans can also enjoy a great view of the Big E from the Midway’s Super Wheel. Kiddieland also offers rides for younger visitors. All attractions at the Midway require ride tickets, which are available for 50 cents each. Discounts are available for bulk purchases. Fans can secure a one-day Magic Pass for $35, which provides access to all rides Monday through Friday. Express Access Passes will also be available for $15, allowing fans to skip the lines.
Meanwhile, Dolly’s Honky Tonk brings a little bit of Nashville to New England, featuring country music, a cowboy circus and a mechanical bull. More family-friendly entertainment can be found at Storrowton Village, which hosts daily musicals, circus acts and other performances. And for car lovers, there’s the Collector Car Live Cruise Night on Sept. 17, which is free with a ticket to the Big E. There are also daily Bourbon Street-style parades with carnival revelers, and the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day shows Sept. 13-15, featuring Irish dance workshops and plenty of Irish music.
No fair would be complete without agricultural activities like livestock viewing, farmers market visits and butter sculptures. Visit the ESE Museum to take a trip through Big E’s past and visit all of New England without leaving West Springfield at Avenues of States. The six buildings are each dedicated to a different state in the region and feature booths, foods and other offerings they are known for. Big E has plenty of contests planned again this year, from food and drink to art and animals.
Can I still get tickets?
Yes! Tickets are $20 at the door for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Save on admission by stopping by after 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, when tickets are available for just $11. Seniors 60 and older can get tickets for just $16 on Senior Days Sunday through Thursday. Planning to stay multiple days? Grab a 17-day pass for $70 for adults and $35 for children ages 6-12.
Is there anything else I should know?
If you plan to visit on the weekend, be sure to arrive early. The gates to the Big E open at 8am every day, the Midway area is open from 11am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10am to 11pm Friday and Saturday.
Cashless parking is available on-site outside Gate 9 for $10 for cars and trucks and $5 for motorcycles. Handicap parking is also available there on a first-come, first-served basis. Bicycles can be parked for free at 915 Memorial Ave. Visitors can camp in the parking lot for $20 per day, with additional fees for awnings and additional vehicles. Tents are also permitted provided visitors have a car and pay the $20 per space per day fee. Don’t plan on driving? Take the train! Free shuttles are available from Union Station in Springfield on Saturdays and Sundays.
Other tips: Leave drones, weapons and pets (except service animals) at home. Rent a locker (if needed) inside Gate 1A and outside Gate 9A. And most importantly: Have fun!
THE BIG E
1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 13th-29th September. www.thebige.com
You can reach Matt Juul at [email protected].
