What’s new to eat and drink this year?
The biggest draw of the fair is, of course, all of the food and drink options, and there’s no shortage of new items this year.
On Springfield Road, fans can expect a pair of new vendors. The Broccoli Bar is offering vegetable dumplings and broccoli tempura, while Hot Wisconsin Cheese is serving up a “super combo” of fare from the Badger State, plus the fan-favorite “Monster Mozzarella”: a deep-fried, quarter-pound of mozzarella cheese.
Head to Commonwealth Avenue to sip on coffee, lattes, and more creative cafe-style drinks over at newcomer Java Jungle. Fellow new vendor Steaming Tender will set up shop at the Craft Common with bites of whiskey bread pudding.
The Big E’s Young Building will have several new offerings, too. Fans of the viral Dubai chocolate should stop by the Crave Cafe to munch on a strawberry cup version of the dessert, plus all sorts of crepe options.
The Young Building will also house several spots to imbibe, from holiday-inspired cocktails at the Spirited Christmas Bar to The Krakow Smoking Dragon Bar, offering, as the name suggests, smoky-style drinks. Attendees can visit the Austrian Hideaway as well, a lodge-themed spot with a variety of craft brews available.
Many returning vendors will also have new items to eat and drink. Highlights this year include International Lobster House on West Road, which is introducing a “lobster volcano,” a bread bowl of lobster bisque with buttery lobster claw and knuckle meat on top. And if you prefer the crustacean over a bed of chips, head to New England Craft Pub on the Avenue of States for lobster nachos.
West Road will also feature West Springfield Lions Club and its new “flatliner,” a quarter-pound hot dog with chili, bacon, cheddar, and french fries. The food court’s White Hut is going big with a 2-foot-long chili cheese dog, while the Meatball Factory on Avenue of States is serving an elote-corn dog fusion, featuring crema, cotija, cilantro, and Cheetos.
Pickle fans will have a ton of new items to try as well, including a Pickle Sundae from Amy’s Sweet Treats; a Cheetos and pickle pizza at Rudy’s Pizza; and pickle-flavored popcorn courtesy of Red’s Red Apples. And long-time attendees don’t need to worry about fan favorites like the cream puff at the Big E Bakery (this year’s special flavor is espresso). The giant turkey leg is back too, available once again at the corner of the Avenue of States and West Road, near the entrance arena.
The Big E is bringing back its “bargain bites” day on Monday, Sept. 15, with participating vendors giving big discounts on food and drink items.
Who’s performing at the Big E?
The event has another packed lineup of performers in store for 2025, particularly on the Big E Arena stage (additional ticket purchases are required for these shows). First up on Friday is Atlanta rockers Gov’t Mule, joined by JJ Grey & Mofro, followed by rap icons Busta Rhymes and Rick Ross on Saturday and country crooners Cole Swindell and John Morgan on Sunday.
Fans can rev their engines during the Collector Car Live event with NASCAR star Ryan Preece on Sept. 18. Additional Big E Arena highlights include TLC (who had to drop off the Boston Calling lineup in May) with Big Boi on Sept. 19; the Avett Brothers on Sept. 20; Foreigner on Sept. 21; the Kid LAROI on Sept. 26; Train on Sept. 27; and the legendary ZZ Top, which closes out the fair on Sept. 28.
Over on the Court of Honor Stage, which is free for attendees to check out (premium seating available for purchase), there are more than two dozen performances scheduled throughout the festivities. Rock band Tonic starts the fun on Friday, with comedian Jonathan Burns also taking the stage through Sept. 17. Other Court of Honor performance highlights include Al Jardine and the Pet Sounds Band on Sept. 15 and 16; the Marshall Tucker Band on Sept. 17; B.o.B on Sept. 19; Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band on Sept. 22 and 23; the Band Perry on Sept. 25; Chubby Checker on Sept. 26; and Queensrÿche on Sept. 28.
Additional music programming will be on the E Stage, which will showcase emerging talent each day, while the Storrowton Gazebo will feature family-friendly programming daily. Dolly’s Honky Tonk is back as well, offering country music, line dancing, and mechanical bull riding. Local country band Trailer Trash will perform during a motorcycle showcase at the event’s first-ever Big E Bike Night Sept. 25.
The opening weekend will celebrate the halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day at the Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase at the Young Building, with a special lineup of Irish musicians and comedians on tap Friday through Sunday. Gaelic footballers will make an appearance on Saturday to celebrate the Kerry county pro team.
What other activities will be available?
Additional can’t-miss activities include carnival rides at the Midway, like the “sky-high” Ferris wheel, towering 150 feet above the action.
The Midway is open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Ride credits can be purchased in advance online, as well as in person at the box office. An express pass is available for $15
Attendees can see circus performers daily for free in the Big Top (ringside seats available for purchase). Meanwhile, a beloved attraction at the Big E since 1969, the 46-foot-tall slide will be located near the tent by the Better Living Center and open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
And, since it is a massive state fair, there will be several agricultural activities and contests held throughout the festivities, ranging from horse shows to livestock events. Plus make sure to visit the “Farm-A-Rama,” as the agricultural building has a new showcase this year celebrating urban farming in New England.
Party like its Mardi Gras during the Big Parade, with bands, floats, classic cars, and Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser Clydesdale horses taking part in the daily processions at 6 p.m. Emmy-winning chef Sandra Lee will take part in the parade on Saturday, before returning to judge the cake decorating contest on Sept. 18.
The Big E will also celebrate New England with days dedicated to each state, with Massachusetts Day set for Sept. 18.
Can you still get tickets?
Yes! Tickets are still available. Single-day adult tickets are $20 at the gate, while single-day tickets for children ages 6-12 are $12 (children 5 and under can attend for free). Value tickets are available as well; 17-day adult passes are $71.50 and children passes are $36.50.
Several discounted days will be offered, including free admission for veterans and active duty and retired military personnel on opening night. Admission will also be cut to $11 after 5 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays. Seniors 60 and over can attend for just $16 on Sundays through Thursdays as well.
Gates for the Big E open daily at 8 a.m.
THE BIG E
1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Sept. 12-28. thebige.com
Matt Juul can be reached at [email protected].
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.bostonglobe.com ’
