Last weekend of The Big E in West Springfield: What to expect

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The last weekend of The Big E is underway, so it’s your last chance to visit New England’s greatest fair!

Fairgoers have just two days left to enjoy all the sights and sounds of The Big E, and this weekend’s lineup of events will make for a fun-filled final weekend. Saturday is Hooplandia Day, and basketball fans will be celebrating Springfield’s basketball tradition. Plus, Special Olympics Day is Sunday, and athletes will be welcome to experience all the fair has to offer.

This year, The Big E broke seven attendance records, and it’s not done yet! The 2024 attendance totals just over 1.2 million people, and the all-time single-day attendance record was set last Saturday with 178,608 people through the gates.

Despite the crowds and hours-long traffic, people still made the trip and enjoyed everything the fair had to offer.

“It’s worth it. It’s well worth it,” John Sganga of Long Island said.

“We’ll still wait in that line,” Giana of Springfield added.

Farmer Eugene Lodrini has been showing his animals at the fair for over 50 years. He said he waits for September all year, and is pleased that the fair reaches people from all over the world.

“I think it’s good that there’s more people coming,” Lodrini said. “More people exposed to agricultural community, you can buy locally, from your farmers. Buy locally from your farmers. It takes a lot to do that.”

Some big-name performers will take to this stage this weekend. Public Enemy performs Saturday night, and then Big Time Rush takes to the Big E Arena on Sunday to close out the fair.

There is likely to be traffic heading into the fair, especially in the evening. Leave early, have a plan to park, and stay patient. Once you’re through the gates, there are so many ways to celebrate New England at its greatest fair.

“Definitely come out to the Big E and support all your New England States,” Michael Rodriguez of Rhode Island said. “Best time to be here.”

What time do the gates and buildings open?

• The gates open at 8:00 a.m. every day.
• The Big E Bakery is open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
• The Buildings and Craft Common is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• The Avenue of States and Storrowton Village Museum & Shops is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The New England Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Midway is open Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

The Big E Fair

September 13 to September 29

Last weekend of The Big E in West Springfield: What to expect

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Final weekend of The Big E’s record-breaking run

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