TrekUnity
When
September
Attendance
~1,600,000
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
The Big E — the Eastern States Exposition — is New England's largest fair, a 17-day September celebration in West Springfield, Massachusetts that draws well over a million visitors with its Avenue of States (full-size replicas of all six New England statehouses), a giant midway, agricultural shows, concerts, and famously outrageous fair food.
It's the region's answer to the great Midwestern state fairs, packing six states' worth of food, crafts, and character into one enormous fairground.
Want to go? Turn The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
17 days from mid-September into early October
Admission
Daily gate admission · rides & concerts extra
Parking
On-site paid lots with shuttles; expect traffic on weekend days.
Nearest airport
Bradley International, Hartford (BDL) — ~25 min
Typical weather
Crisp New England early fall — 60s–70s °F days, cool evenings; bring a layer.
Official website
Location
West Springfield, MA
Where to stay
Sheraton Springfield
Downtown Springfield hotel near the fair.
West Springfield hotels
Closest cluster to the fairgrounds.
Connecticut River Valley inns
Country inns in the surrounding valley.
Where to eat & drink
The Big E cream puffs
A legendary fair specialty.
Avenue of States food
Each state building serves its own specialties (Maine lobster rolls, etc.).
Springfield eateries
Dining in the nearby city.
Nearby attractions
The Avenue of States
Full-size replica statehouses of all six New England states.
Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden
A whimsical Springfield attraction.
Basketball Hall of Fame
In Springfield, the birthplace of basketball.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Springfield
- •Fly into BDL
- •Afternoon: Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden
- •Dinner in Springfield
2Fair day
- •Day: Avenue of States, midway, agriculture, and cream puffs
- •Evening: a grandstand concert
3Hall of Fame + depart
- •Morning: Basketball Hall of Fame
- •Head to BDL
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Eat your way down the Avenue of States.
- Don't skip the famous cream puffs.
- Go on a weekday to dodge the biggest crowds.
Frequently asked questions
When is The Big E?
17 days from mid-September into early October in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
What is the Avenue of States?
Full-size replicas of all six New England statehouses, each serving its state's food and showcasing its products.
What should you eat?
The famous cream puffs, plus each state building's specialties — like Maine lobster rolls.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.