Eastern States Exposition (Big E)

By the Numbers

A 17-day fair representing all six New England states, the Big E set an all-time attendance record in 2024. It's the largest fair in the northeastern United States and a regional institution dating back to 1916.

Good to Know

The Big E is located at 1305 Memorial Ave in West Springfield, easily accessible from I-91 and I-90. Purchase tickets online in advance to save. The fair's 17-day run provides flexibility but weekends are extremely crowded — weekday visits are strongly recommended. The cream puffs at the Vermont Building are a must. The Coliseum hosts major concerts — check the entertainment schedule.

Highlights

Six state buildings each showcasing the agricultural and cultural heritage of a New England state, championship livestock competitions from across New England, spectacular carnival midway with hundreds of rides, major national entertainment acts in the Coliseum, agricultural exhibitions, craft and commercial vendors, the iconic Avenue of States, and the legendary Big E cream puffs and other fair food.

Eastern States Exposition (Big E) Overview

The Eastern States Exposition — universally known as "The Big E" — is the largest fair in New England and one of the top ten attended fairs in the United States, representing all six New England states on a single massive fairground in West Springfield. It began in 1916 and has stayed a fixture of Massachusetts agricultural life for more than a century. Since 1916, the Big E has been the premier fall event of the region, drawing over 1.5 million visitors across its 17-day run.

Nearby County Fairs