The Big E
The Big E is New England’s annual state fair and is held at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. The event features carnival rides and foods, agriculture shows, live music, and the Big E Super Circus. Attendees can enjoy foods and culture from every New England state at this event. It is perfect for RVing families who love state fairs and carnival experiences. If you don’t own an RV, browse our RV rentals in West Springfield, Massachusetts. If you’ve never RV camped, read our first-time RVers blog.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The Big E offers a diverse and vibrant experience, featuring everything from educational historical walk-throughs to agricultural competitions and exhibits, including a sculpture made from over 600 pounds of butter. Some of the best attractions include the Avenue of States, which showcases brick replicas of New England’s original six statehouses. Visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the region, including Massachusetts bog berries, zesty Vermont cheddar cheese, and more. Another highlight is Storrowton Village, an authentic recreation of an 18th and 19th-century New England village that offers tours and events. Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase features Irish dancing and fine handcrafted products, offering a cultural experience for all ages. The fair also boasts livestock shows, car shows, and classic Midway rides and games. In the evening, visitors can enjoy concerts, variety acts, and other musical performances.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Throughout the fairgrounds, you'll find ATMs, food and drink vendors offering a variety of tasty treats, and well-maintained restrooms for your comfort. For those who need mobility assistance, the fair provides wheelchair, scooter, and stroller rentals, as well as handicapped parking spaces and designated drop-off areas for easy access. Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated nursing lounge and baby changing stations. Should any additional assistance be required, you'll find information booths, first-aid stations, and lost-and-found areas for support.
LOCATION
The Big E is held at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds. The address is 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089.
FAQs About the Big E
Can you bring an RV to the Big E?
Yes, RV camping is permitted at the Big E; however, you must reserve a camping spot. The campground offers dry camping, but you can bring a generator.
Where can you park an RV for the Big E?
Yes, you can park your RV at the designated day-use parking area specifically for RVs at Gate 9. All day-use parking will close nightly.
Are there RV hookups at the Big E?
Currently, there aren’t any electric or water hookups at the Big E campground. However, you can bring a generator.
Is the Big E family-friendly?
Yes, the Big E is family-friendly and offers many family-oriented activities. You’ll find a circus, concerts, livestock, and agricultural shows for everyone. There are also kiddie rides.
LINEUP
The 2026 Big E lineup includes Jessie Murph, Alice Cooper, The Beach Boys, Brad Paisley, Jet, Switchfood, and Ice Cube. For more information, visit The Big E Arena page.
RVING AT THE EVENT
RVing at the Big E is possible with an RV camping reservation or a day-use parking pass if you want to camp elsewhere. All RV camping spots at the Big E are for dry camping and available at Gate 9.
Where to Camp Near The Big E
RVing near the Big E is also possible, and your options include Northampton/Springfield KOA Holiday, which is only 17 miles from the fairgrounds. The campground offers full hookups, a dog park, and two swimming pools. The Prospect Mountain Campground is only 19 miles from the venue, and it offers modern bathhouses, full hookups, and an in-ground heated pool. If you need advice about RV models, read our travel trailer and Class C blogs.
RV Rental Tips for The Big E
Book your reservation for RV camping in advance. Arrive early if your preferred campground is first-come, first-served. You can bring a generator if you are RV camping at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds offer portable restrooms, but currently, there aren’t any electric or water hookups or other facilities, including showers. Read our packing checklist if you need advice about what to bring to your campground.
RV Rentals Near West Springfield, Massachusetts
Nearby RV Rentals
WHERE TO STAY
The Big E is a multi-day event with several nearby lodging options for travelers who prefer not to camp. The MGM Springfield and the Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield are less than two miles away from the festival. If you’d prefer a cozier spot, Naomi’s Inn Bed & Breakfast is also close by.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Big E offers free or low-cost weekend shuttles from West Springfield to the fair only. You can use Springfield Union Station’s shuttle service on the weekend. It will arrive at Gate 24 at Springfield Union Station. You can also use the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority buses to get to and from the fair. ● From Connecticut: Take I-91 North from Rte. 2, I-84, I-95, or the Merritt Parkway. Follow I-91 N to MA Exit 3. Take Rte. 5 North to Rte. 147 W, Memorial Ave., about 3/4 mi. to ESE’s Gate 9 parking lot. ● From Boston: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike I-90 W to Exit 45, then take Rte. 5 S to Rte. 147 W. Continue about 3/4 mi. to ESE’s Gate 9 parking lot. ● From Berkshires: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike E to Exit 45, then take Rte. 5 S to Rte. 147 W. Continue about 3/4 mi. to ESE’s Gate 9 parking lot. ● From Vermont: Take I-91 South to Mass. Exit 10B, then take Rte. 5 S to Rte. 147 W. Continue about 3/4 mi. to ESE’s Gate 9 public parking lot.
PARKING
Parking is available on the grounds at Gate 9, with a cash-only charge. Please note that there are no ATMs near the gate, so be sure to bring cash. Parking fees vary depending on the type of vehicle: cars are $10 per vehicle, motorcycles are $5, and campers are $20 per space per day, with an additional $10 fee for extended awnings or cars occupying adjacent spaces. In addition to the on-site parking, private parking lots are available in the neighborhoods along Memorial Avenue. These lots are not affiliated with The Big E, and the fees are set by the property owners, so prices may vary.
TICKETS & PRICING
You can purchase tickets for The Big E online or at the box office. Discounted tickets are available through September 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM. The Advance Discount for Adult 1-Day tickets is $16 (regularly $20 at the gate) for ages 13 and older. The Advance Discount for Child 1-Day tickets is $10 (regularly $12 at the gate) for ages 6 to 12, while children ages 5 and under are free.
WRAP UP
The Big E combines concerts, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, food vendors, games, and cultural exhibits representing all six New England states during its annual run in West Springfield. RV travel is a convenient way to experience the fair because it allows visitors to stay at nearby campgrounds while exploring the Pioneer Valley throughout the event. Whether you spend your time attending concerts, visiting exhibits, or relaxing at your campsite, the fair offers activities for visitors of many ages. For updates and event information, follow The Big E on Instagram.
3-Day RV Itinerary for the Big E
● Day 1: Fair Immersion and Agriculture: Arrive at the campground early and set up your RV. Greet your neighbors, eat breakfast, and wait for the fair gates to open. Head to the Avenue of States to experience unique food and culture from all New England states. The baked potatoes and giant cream puffs are crowd favorites. In the afternoon, visit the Better Living Center. You will see vendors create huge butter sculptures. Next, go to the Mallary Complex to see the sheep, 4-H animals, and the Clydesdales. By evening, you can attend the Mardi Gras parade around 5 p.m. and then attend a concert. ● Day 2: History, Shopping, and Food: Begin the day at Storrowton Village Museum at the fairgrounds. It features history and culture, including weaving and blacksmith demonstrations. Later, indulge in the culinary favorites available through vendors, including Rhode Island clam fritters. Next, visit the Crafts & Wine Pavilion for delicious wines and more. By the evening, stroll through the midway and enjoy carnival games and rides. ● Day 3: Explore the Pioneer Valley: Take a drive to downtown Northampton. You’ll enjoy boutiques, bookstores, cafes, and downtown vibes. By lunch, stop in at Sylvester’s Restaurant for a quick bite. In the afternoon, take a drive to Look Park for walking trails and green space on the Mill River. In the evening, grab dinner at the fair and attend a concert.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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