MAIN Travel USA Massachusetts The Big E 2023

Watch for Big E in '23 to to kick off on Friday, September 15 running through to Sunday, October 1, 2023 providing food, family fun and a star-powered concert lineup.

All about the Big E

The Eastern States Exposition, also known simply as the "Big E", is a very unique kind of state fair.

Rather than serving just one state, the Eastern States fair is, as the name suggests, the state fair of several states — six in fact: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont all consider the Eastern States Fair their home.

The very first Eastern States Exposition was held in 1916, and in 2021 it marked its 105th anniversary.

The original purpose of the fair, like most state fairs, was to promote the region's farming and agricultural industries by holding competitions, displaying the latest farming technology, and interacting with the public.

Today, the Big E is the only cross-state fair of its kind in the United States, and is ranked sixth among the American agricultural fairs in terms of size. It is held every year in West Springfield, MA for just over two weeks, starting on the second Friday after Labor Day and continuing until the third following Sunday.

2023 Big E concert lineup

Drop Kick Murphys and Nelly headlined duiring last year's Big E concert lineup.

The Big E Arena features free admission on a first-come first-serve basis, but premium reserved tickets for these shows can also be purchased that includes admission to the fair. Prices usually range from $39 - $59.

In addition, all shows at the E "Emerging Talent" Stage are FREE with fair admission, with premimum tickets available for front row seats.

Meanwhile, keep it here for the complete Big E concert lineup when it is announced over the summer!

What else to see and do at the Big E

And what would a state fair be without the food? At the Big E, selection can vary from groumet treats to down-home favorites -- including deep-fried hamburgers, taco chompers, and bacon-loaded tater tots! For dessert, the upside down banana split is another popular favorite.

While the Eastern States Exposition began as a farming and agricultural fair, that tradition also continues with horse shows, petting zoos, and various livestock displays and shows.

It's all about -- the food! -- at BIg E With new tempting entries added to the menu each year.

Another popular attraction is the Avenue of States, which features replicas of the original state houses of the six states involved in the fair. Exhibits and vendors within each house represent their own cultures and traditions with land that each house is built upon actually belonging to their respective state.

Along with carnival rides, Mardi Gras parades, concerts and entertainment, don't miss the reenactment Storrowton Village where fair goers can experience 19th century New England first hand.

DID YOU KNOW? Big E trivia & fun facts

Here a chick, there a chick, at Farm-A-Rama:

• How big is the Big E? Covering 175 acres of fairgrounds, the Big E is the largest agricultural event in the northeast and the seventh-largest fair in the nation attracting more than 1.5 million people a year.

• The Big E's chicken hatchery is a major draw for kids of all ages. Three weeks before the fair opens, the hatchery begins putting eggs into incubators to ensure chicks will hatch every day at Farm-A-Rama.

• More than 600 pounds of butter go into making the annual butter sculptures that have been another star attraction at the fair for the past 20 years.

• The Eastern States Exposition was the official name of the fair until 1967, when it took on the easier-to-remember and more popular nickname, "The Big E."

More about the Big E around the Web:

The Big E 2023 - The official site with information on the concert lineup, shows and events, admission and ticket prices, directions, map, photos.

The Big E - Wikipedia - Good overview including history, fun facts, fair highlights and related resources.

Eastern States Exposition - Star-rated reviews from Yelp members with tips and information on food, fun and entertainment.

also see -> Lowell Folk Festival | New York State Fair

Vermont State Fair