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: 8am
The Big E Bakery: 9am - 10:30pm
Buildings and Craft Common: 10am - 10pm
Avenue of States and Storrowton Village Museum & Shops: 10am - 9pm
New England Center: 10am - 9pm
Midway: 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 are this years Special and State Days?
Experience something new every day of the Fair by aligning your schedule with The Big E’s special and state 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!
Friday, September 13 - Be A Kid For A Day/Military Appreciation Day
Saturday, September 14 - 4-H & FFA Day/Maine Day
Sunday, September 15 - Storrowton Day
Monday, September 16 - Salute to West Springfield
Tuesday, September 17 - Rhode Island Day/Salute to Holyoke
Wednesday, September 18 - Connecticut Day
Thursday, September 19 - Massachusetts Day
Friday, September 20 - New Hampshire Day
Saturday, September 21 - Vermont Day
Sunday, September 22 - Grange Day/ Chocolate Milk Day
Monday, September 23 - Salute to Springfield
Tuesday, September 24 - Salute to Chicopee
Wednesday, September 25 - Salute to Agawam
Thursday, September 26 - Salute to Westfield
Friday, September 27 - Harvest New England Day
Saturday, September 28 - Hooplandia Day
Sunday, September 29 - Salute to Special Olympics
How much does it cost to park? Can I take a shuttle or train to the Fair?
On-site parking is available for $10 (cash only) in Lot 9. Motorcycles can park in Lot 9 for $5 (cash only). Bicycles and Bird Scooters can park for FREE at 915 Memorial Avenue. The Big E provides 580 handicapped accessible parking spaces 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.
Can I rent a scooter, stroller or wheelchair?
Wheelchairs and a limited number of oversized wheelchairs are $25 per day. Electric scooters are $65 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 ($11), double strollers and wagons ($17) 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.
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.
Do you have ATMs? Where can I find out information on the fairgrounds?
ATMs can be found along the Avenue of States and inside the Coliseum, Young Building, Better Living Center, Mallary Complex, Food Court and Transportation Center. Machines are also located near the Midway, Flag Plaza, Craft Common, Lost & Found/First Aid, as well as Gates 4, 5 and 7. Information personnel are on duty at booths located throughout the grounds to assist guests with questions, comments and concerns. Information booths are located near the Coliseum, across from the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Buildings, Gate 5 and at the Food Court.