General Info

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.

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.

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 Daily 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 15 - Be A Kid For A Day/Military Appreciation Day

Saturday, September 16 - 4-H & FFA Day/Maine Day

Sunday, September 17 - Storrowton Day

Monday, September 18 - Salute to West Springfield

Tuesday, September 19 - Rhode Island Day/Salute to Holyoke

Wednesday, September 20 - Connecticut Day

Thursday, September 21 - Massachusetts Day

Friday, September 22 - New Hampshire Day

Saturday, September 23 - Vermont Day

Sunday, September 24 - Grange Day/ Chocolate Milk Day

Monday, September 25 - Salute to Springfield

Tuesday, September 26 - Salute to Chicopee

Wednesday, September 27 - Salute to Agawam

Thursday, September 28- Salute to Westfield

Friday, September 29 - Harvest New England Day

Saturday, September 30 - October Fun Day

Sunday, October 1 - Salute to Special Olympics

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.

Wheelchairs and a limited number of oversized wheelchairs are $25 per day. Electric scooters are $60 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.

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.

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.

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.

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