Information - The Big E

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Join Us at The Big E!

Sept. 18-Oct. 4, 2026

The Big E is the largest event on the East Coast and the fourth largest fair in North America. Attendees can enjoy hours of free entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England—and beyond—has to offer. Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plaza’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase, North American Midway, as well as countless educational opportunities from the Avenue of States to Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rama and more. The Big E offers a diverse and vibrant experience to visitors from throughout the country. _ of Transcript

Fairtime Hours

Gates: 8amThe Big E Bakery: 9am–10:30pm Buildings and Craft Common: 10am–10pm Avenue of States: 10am–9pmStorrowton Village Museum & Shops: 10am–9pmNew England Center: 10am–9pmMidway: Sunday–Thursday, 11am–10pm; Friday–Saturday, 10am–11pm_ of Transcript

FAQ

What is The Big E?

The Big E is an annual event that begins on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days. Eastern States Exposition is home to the Fair. ESE is not owned by any specific individual or group and is organized as a not-for-profit, educational institution under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its governing body is a volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of distinguished civic, business and agricultural leaders from each of the six New England states.

What are the hours of The Big E?

Gates: 8amThe Big E Bakery: 9am - 10:30pmBuildings and Craft Common: 10am - 10pmAvenue of States and Storrowton Village Museum & Shops: 10am - 9pmNew England Center: 10am - 9pmMidway: Sunday-Thursday, 11am - 10pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am - 11pm

How do you keep the fairgrounds safe?

No weapons are allowed on the grounds. Metal detectors are in use at every entrance gate to the fairgrounds and bags are subject to search at gates. Our Security staff is comprised of Big E Security personnel as well as dedicated members of the West Springfield Police Force. The Security office is located on Hampden Avenue and is open the Monday before Opening Day and throughout the Fair, 24-hours a day. The full services of the West Springfield Fire Department are available on our grounds 24-hours a day during the Fair at the Fire Station on Hampden Avenue. The First Aid Station and the Lost People Center (LPC) is located across from the Fire Station, staffed daily by dedicated, caring professionals. Guests are encouraged to seek assistance from the LPC immediately upon discovering when someone has been separated from their group. The LPC also maintains a waiting area and outside message board for postings. ALL lost and found items should be brought to the LPC.

What items are prohibited at The Big E?

All guest entering through the gates are subject to search. Weapons detection devices are being utilized at each gate. To ensure guest have a safe and enjoyable time at The Big E, the following items are not permitted at The Big E.• Weapons, including knives over 1.5” of any kind. • Mace or Pepper spray• Drones• Alcohol• Contraband• Illegal drugs and controlled substance, drug paraphernalia including ANY form of marijuana• Explosives• Ammunition• Sticks, bats, poles, sling shots• Fireworks, Sparklers• Toys that replicate actual guns• Spears, machete, blades• Laser pointers• Noise makers• Balloons• Handcuffs or flex cuffs• Stun guns• Cans or glass bottles, aerosol cans (exception spray sunscreens)• Skateboards• Bicycles• In-line skates• Hover boards• Lawn chairs, stadium seats• Kites, inflatables or balloons• Rubber band guns or any device designed to launch or propel any type of projectile. • Pets except authorized Service animals- (See Service Animals Policy)• Other carry-ins as determined by The Big E management.

Can I bring a water bottle into The Big E?

Yes. Guests may bring unopened, sealed plastic water bottles onto the fairgrounds. You may also bring an empty, refillable water bottle. Please note that glass bottles of any kind are not permitted.

What are the Special and State Days?

Experience something new every day of the Fair by aligning your schedule with The Big E’s themed days. Walk through one of the State Buildings and visit its exhibits or watch The Big Parade, which honors each day in a special way. Live locally? Be sure to come on the day honoring your city or town and run into friends, neighbors and family!Click here to view this year's listing of Special & State Days.

What's the best day to attend The Big E?

We recommend coming to The Big E on weekdays if you are looking for a more relaxed experience. If weather is good on weekends, you can expect large crowds and traffic delays.

How much does it cost to park?

On-site parking for cars/trucks is available for $10 (cash only) at Gate 9. Motorcycles can park for $5 (cash only) at Gate 9. Bicycles can park for free at 915 Memorial Avenue. The Big E provides 1,200 handicapped accessible parking spaces at Gate 9 on a first-come, first-served basis. The Gate 9A area is available for drop-off/pick-up of passengers and has a large canvas tent with benches for patrons.

Where is your ADA parking located?

We have 1,200 ADA parking spots located in Gate 9 with shuttle service. The parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I rent a scooter, stroller or wheelchair?

Wheelchairs and a limited number of oversized wheelchairs are $25 per day. Electric scooters are $70 per day and may not be available on extremely wet days. Wheelchairs and scooters from Scootaround can rented on the grounds during the Fair at Gates 4, 9A and at the Transportation Center. Strollers ($15), double strollers and wagons ($20) can also be rented at Gates 4 and 9A. If you would like to rent a scooter or wheelchair in advance you will need to make a reservation 24 hours prior to the day you plan to attend the Fair. Rent a scooter or wheelchair online. All reservations made in advance require a credit card payment to reserve over the phone or online. Walk up rentals have the option to pay with cash or credit.

Can I camp at The Big E?

Parking spaces at Gate 9 are available on a first come, first served basis for visitors with self-contained and pop-up campers. Spaces per day are $20 and additional cars or awnings are $10 per space/per day. Visitors with tents are $20 per space/per day with car included. Portable restroom facilities are nearby though no other amenities will be provided during Fairtime.

Can I bring my pet to the Fair?

Service animals, including service animals in training, are allowed through the gates. Fairgoers are not allowed to bring pets or emotional support animals. Learn why we only allow service animals on our grounds.

Do you have ATMs?

ATM's can be found along the Avenue of States and inside the Coliseum, Young Building, Better Living Center, Mallary Complex, Food Court, Transportation Center and the Midway. Machines are also located near the Flag Plaza, Lost & Found/First Aid, Craft Common, Info booth near Gate 2, as well as Gates 1, 4, 5 and 7.

Do you accept Apple Pay, Google Pay & Contactless Payments?

The Big E Gates and Midway accept Apple Pay, Google Pay and Tap to Pay (contactless) payments. Many vendors accept these payment types as well, although it's best to ask before ordering.

Do you have any accommodations for nursing mothers?

The Nursing Mothers Center is located inside the First Aid Building, located on Hampden Avenue.

How do I contact Lost & Found?

Lost an item? Please call our Lost & Found at (413) 205-5164 and the staff will be able to assist you.

Can I bring my professional photography equipment to The Big E?

Eastern States Exposition does not permit professional photography equipment on the fairgrounds during The Big E. This policy is in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Can I bring my drone to The Big E?

Eastern States Exposition does not permit the use of drones on the Fairgrounds during The Big E. This policy is enforced by the Massachusetts State Police Drone Team to ensure the safety and security of all attendees.

Are there rules about what guests can wear to The Big E?

The Big E is a family-friendly event. All guests are required to wear shirts, pants and shoes while on the grounds. Clothing that contains profane, obscene or otherwise offensive language or imagery is not permitted. Guests may be asked to cover, change or remove inappropriate attire in order to continue enjoying the fair.

Can I wear a costume to The Big E?

For the safety of all guests, costumes are not permitted on the Fairgrounds. Only performers contracted by Eastern States Exposition may appear in costume or interact with guests in an entertainment capacity. This policy helps prevent confusion, protects the integrity of our entertainment program and ensures all performers are properly vetted and trained. Thank you for your understanding.

Can The Big E remove someone from the fairgrounds?

Yes. Eastern States Exposition (ESE), the nonprofit organization that operates The Big E, is a private entity. While we welcome millions of guests each year, admission to our fairgrounds is at our discretion. ESE reserves the right to remove or deny entry to any individual at any time, for any reason, to ensure the safety, comfort and enjoyment of all fairgoers.

Can media attend The Big E in a professional capacity?

Yes, but advance approval is required. All media representatives covering The Big E professionally must submit a media credential request to the Eastern States Exposition Marketing Department for review and approval prior to attending. Working members of the media who have not received proper approval and credentials are not permitted to be on the grounds in a professional capacity and may be removed if they attempt to conduct business without authorization.

Are influencers allowed to create content at The Big E?

Yes. Guests are welcome to share their personal experiences at The Big E on social media. Casual posting for personal accounts does not require approval.

What if I am an influencer creating sponsored or professional content?

Influencers who plan to produce content in a professional capacity—such as sponsored posts, brand collaborations or commercial promotions—must request approval from the Eastern States Exposition Marketing Department in advance. The Big E is a private, family-friendly event with strict brand, safety and conduct policies. Professional content creators, including influencers, must follow the same standards as working media. Approval ensures content creation is consistent with our mission and that all parties operate respectfully on the fairgrounds. Serving Big Moods All Day, Every Day Back toTop My Account Log Out Log In Search Search Buy Tickets Getting Here Contact Site Map Privacy, Terms & Cookies Purchase Policy