F Sensory Friendly Sunflower Hours at the Illinois State Fairgrounds | Springfield, Illinois | Visit Springfield
Events



August 15, 2026 - August 18, 2026
Aug 15 (Illinois State Fair & Conservation World) & Aug 18 (Conservation World Only)

Illinois State Fairgrounds
801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 782-6661

Admission


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The Illinois State Fair will host special sensory friendly Sunflower hours.  There will also be a sensory station at the Emmerson Building available 10a-7p daily.

On Saturday, August 15 (Kids Day), the Illinois State Fair will host Sunflower Hours from 9:00am-12:00pm.  During this time, the Fair will make adjustments to select programming to create a softer more calming environment for children and adults who experience sensory processing sensitivities. 

A variety of free entertainment options will be available within this timeframe to enable families with special needs to visit, explore and experience the Illinois State Fair. All entertainment offered during the Sunflower Hours is included in the cost of admission to the fair, there is no additional charge.  These various stages will offer fun family friendly programming -- the same entertainment that is offered all 11-days of the fair-- but without the use of large sound systems and loud music.

Sensory Friendly Performances:
 8:30 Conservation World Sensory Hours
10:00 Carnival Sensory Hours
10:00 Dino Encounters Show (Happy Hollow)
10:00 Sunflower Showmanship (Coliseum)
10:30 Sky High Balloon Guy (Adventure Village)
10:30 Kardenni (Roaming Entertainment)
11:00 Big Top Adventures (Happy Hollow)
11:00 Zoo Lady & Her Friends (Adventure Village)

Sunflower Carnival (pre-registration required.  Check in at Sensory Station.  Select Rides at the Carnival Midway & Adventure Village)

Conservation World will host Sunflower Hours August 15th & August 18th 8:30am-10am

Upcoming Events at  Illinois State Fairgrounds
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