Dust off your acid-wash jeans and cowboy boots because the Illinois State Fair is turning up the volume for 2025. With rock legends and a country star already on the lineup, this year’s Grandstand is guaranteed to blow you away.

Illinois State Fair 2025: Pour Some Sugar on Your Summer Plans!

Journey, Def Leppard & Steve Miller Band In Concert
Getty Images
loading...
Eagle 102.3 logo
Get our free mobile app

If you thought last year’s Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup was epic, hold on to your 1980s hair because the first headliner for 2025 has been revealed—and it’s a rock-and-roll dream come true! Def Leppard, the legendary 80s rock band, is set to perform at the fair on Aug. 16, delivering their iconic hits to fans of all ages. Yes, the fair is officially bringing the "Pour Some Sugar on Me" energy to Springfield.

MORE: 5 Most Expensive Places to Live In Illinois

But wait, there’s more! Rising country sensation Megan Moroney will also take the Grandstand stage, promising an unforgettable mix of rock nostalgia and modern country vibes. Whether you’re there for the guitar solos or the heartfelt ballads, the 2025 Illinois State Fair is already shaping up to be a musical masterpiece.

The fair runs Aug. 7-17, and tickets for Def Leppard’s performance start at $85—they go on sale Nov. 16, so set your reminders now because these are going to sell faster than a funnel cake on a hot summer day.

Stay tuned for even more announcements as the Illinois State Fair continues to build a lineup that’ll make you want to camp out by the Grandstand every night. August can’t come soon enough.

For more information and ticket details, visit the Illinois State Fair website.

MORE: Best Place to Grab Cheeseburgers in Illinois, According to Yelp

Bestselling Bands of the '80s: Then & Now

Stacker scoured Billboard charts from the '80s and chose 25 of the top bands whose music became the soundtrack of the decade. 

Gallery Credit: Stacey Marcus

The 40 Best Cover Songs by Rock Bands

 

Illinois' 5 Most Iconic Foods All Visitors Must Try

Every state has some food for which they're well-known. Welcome to Illinois, where we have several legendary foods. When you visit the Land of Lincoln, these are the state's most iconic foods you must try.

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon

20 Hidden Gem Spots from Across Illinois You Should See

Illinois is home to a plethora of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Parks, historic sites, roadside attractions, boutique hotels, and more. Go discover.

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon

More From Eagle 102.3