For Fairgoers
Look for St. Al's parking signs near E Sangamon Ave and Elizabeth St, just outside the fair's main gate. Volunteers will guide vehicles and help keep traffic moving.
Springfield fair parking
Park close. Support St. Al's.
Just outside the Illinois State Fair main gate, a short walk in, with proceeds supporting the St. Al's school community.
2026 State Fair
- Location
- Just outside the main gate at E Sangamon Ave and Elizabeth St
- Dates
- August 13-23, 2026
- Payment
- Cash only: $5 weekdays before Friday 4 PM, $8 Friday evening and weekends
Fundraiser
Parking proceeds support school programs, student activities, and the annual St. Al's community effort around the fair.
Cash Only
Parking is $5 Monday through Friday afternoon, then $8 from Friday at 4 PM through the weekend. Please have cash ready when you arrive.
From the Lot
A few familiar sights from St. Al's fair parking: handmade signs, full rows, and a close walk to the fairgrounds.
A Long-Running St. Al's Tradition
Saint Aloysius fair parking began as a PTO fundraiser in the mid-1980s and has grown into a steady community effort during the Illinois State Fair. The current lot at Sangamon Ave and Elizabeth St became part of the fundraiser in 2008, continuing a parking tradition connected to the fairgrounds neighborhood.
Families, parishioners, alumni, and school supporters keep the lot running each year. Recent fairs have raised record support for St. Al's, making every volunteer shift and every parked car part of the fundraiser's impact.
What To Expect
- Clear parking signs and volunteer direction at arrival.
- A school fundraiser atmosphere, not a commercial parking operator.
- A short walk from the lot to the Illinois State Fair main gate.
- Cash-only parking: $5 weekdays before Friday 4 PM, $8 Friday evening and weekends.
Map & Directions
Use the area around E Sangamon Ave and Elizabeth St, Springfield, IL 62702. The lot is just outside the main gate, with final traffic-flow notes to be added before the fair.
Helping With Parking?
Volunteers can choose an available shift online once the shift schedule is posted. A confirmation email will thank them and list their selected shift.