A fan’s guide to the Big E: What you need to know about this year’s fair

From food to music and everything in between, here’s what you need to know as the Big E returns this weekend

The Big E returns Sept. 13-29.Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

Like a state fair on steroids, the 17-day Big E is billed as “the biggest party on the East Coast,” drawing more than 1.4 million visitors from across New England and beyond to last year’s festivities. Once again taking over West Springfield, the annual fair by Eastern States Exposition is back for its 108th year, returning Sept. 13-29 with plenty of food, music, rides, competitions, and more. Planning a trip out to Western Massachusetts for the Big E 2024? Here’s what you need to know.

What’s available to eat and drink?

Saying there’s a lot going on at the Big E is a bit of an understatement, but among all the attractions, the biggest reason to visit the fair for most fans each year is the food — and there’s tons of it. Among the more than 75 new bites on hand, visitors can expect to munch on offerings like pickle fries (which can be served with a side of “cheese n’ gravy”); deep-fried deviled eggs and other variations of the appetizer; a revamped “Craz-E” smash-style burger featuring cheese, bacon, onion rings, plus a pair of glazed doughnuts in lieu of buns; and New Orleans-inspired fare courtesy of NOLA Cajun Kitchen. Hot Wisconsin Cheese will be on hand serving up “Monstah Mozz” sticks, too. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Visitors can munch on an array of cuisines, as well as fan-favorite returning items like giant turkey legs, the Big E Bakery’s massive cream puffs and eclairs, and deep-fried versions of everything, including Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, spaetzle, and even Kool-Aid. There’s also the famous baked potato located inside the Big E’s Maine Building (expect a line). And if you have dietary restrictions, don’t fret, as there will be gluten-free and vegan options. Stop by the Big E on Monday, Sept. 16, to feast on “three-buck bites,” with select vendors offering items at discounted prices, including pickle lemonade, lobster roll sliders, maple coffee, and dozens more options.

As for drinks, there’s no shortage of watering holes to check out at the Big E, like the Opa Opa Saloon, Tavern Terrace, and Ocktoberfest Munich Style. Guinness will have an Irish pub on hand, while Sam Adams will bring a beer garden. And for all the Swifties out there, don’t forget to make a trip to the V-One Craft Cocktail Bar to sip on Taylor’s lavender haze lemonade. These are just some of the highlights, so come hungry.

Who’s performing at the Big E?

Fans can also expect to see a lot of big-name performers this year. Atlanta rapper Ludacris is set to perform a sold-out show at the Big E Arena on Sept. 14, while fans can do “The Twist” when Chubby Checker takes over the Court of Honor Stage on Sept. 16 and 17. Also coming to the Court of Honor Stage is “Stay” singer Lisa Loeb on Sept. 27 and impressionist comic Matt Friend on Sept. 28. DJ and producer Diplo takes the stage at the Big E Arena on Sept. 21, followed by the band America on Sept. 22. Also coming to the Big E Arena are boy band Big Time Rush, plus Chuck D and Flavor Flav of Public Enemy, on Sept. 28. Fans will have to purchase separate tickets to see all shows held at the Big E Arena.

And while the queen of pop music won’t be in attendance, Swifties can shake it off to “Let’s Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience” during the tribute show’s performance in the Court of Honor Stage Sept. 13. The Australian Bee Gees will give a down-under-spin on the group’s classics while stayin’ alive on the Court of Honor Stage Sept.16-17. Other performance highlights include daily shows Disc-Connected K9′s, featuring athletic pooches showing off their skills, and the Circus Spectacular, which will set up shop in the Big Top. That’s just a taste of the action, so expect plenty of entertaining acts throughout the fair’s 17-day run.

Ludacris performs at the Big E on Sept. 14.Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Room to Read

What else can I check out?

Where do we start? Have a thrill on the Midway with a collection of fair-favorite attractions, including a carousel, drop tower, and high-flying swings. Fans can also get a great view of the Big E from the Midway’s Super Wheel. The Kiddieland will have rides geared toward younger attendees as well. All attractions in the Midway require ride tickets, available for 50 cents each, with discounts offered for bulk purchases. Fans can secure a single-day magic pass for $35, offering access to all rides, Monday through Friday. Express access passes will be available as well, allowing fans to skip lines, for $15.

Meanwhile, Dolly’s Honky Tonk brings a bit of Nashville to New England, featuring country music performances, a cowboy circus, plus a mechanical bull. For more family-friendly entertainment, head to Storrowton Village to enjoy daily musical, circus, and other performances. And for car enthusiasts, there’s the Collector Car Live Cruise Night on Sept. 17, which is free to attend with a ticket to the Big E. There will also be daily parades that channel Bourbon Street with Mardi Gras-style revelers, plus the “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” shows Sept. 13-15, featuring Irish dance workshops and plenty of Irish music on hand.

No fair would be complete without agriculture activities like seeing livestock, perusing farmer’s market, and checking out the butter sculptures. Head to the ESE Museum to take a trip through Big E’s past, and visit all of New England without even leaving West Springfield at the Avenues of States. The six buildings are each dedicated to a different state from the region, complete with vendors, food, and other offerings that they’re known for. The Big E has a ton of competitions set for this year, as well, ranging from food and drinks to art and animals.

Can I still get tickets?

Yes! Tickets at the gate are $20 for adults, $12 for kids ages 6-12, and free for kids ages 5 and under. Save on admission by swinging by after 5 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, available for just $11. Seniors 60 and over can get tickets for just $16 on senior days, Sundays through Thursdays. Planning on going multiple days? Snag a 17-day pass for $70 for adults and $35 for kids 6-12.

Avi Ana Kelly from Mahomet, lll., talks to The Living Zultar in 2021.Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

Anything else I should know?

If you’re planning to visit during the weekend, make sure to get there early. Gates to the Big E open each day at 8 a.m., with the Midway area open 11 a.m. through 10 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. through 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Cash-only parking is available on site for $10 for cars and trucks, and $5 for motorcycles, outside of Gate 9. Handicapped accessible parking spaces will be available there, too, on a first-come, first-served basis. Bikes are free to park at 915 Memorial Ave. Visitors can camp out in the parking lot for $20 per day, with additional fees for awnings and added 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! Shuttles will be available from Springfield’s Union Station for free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Other things to note: leave drones, weapons, and pets (aside from service animals) at home; rent a locker (if needed) inside Gate 1A and outside Gate 9A; and most of all, have fun!

THE BIG E

1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Sept. 13-29. thebige.com