The Big E - Fairground in West Springfield - Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave, USA

We love the Big E. Never miss it. There is so much to see and so much to eat. The Carnival food is outrageous. If you think about it; most likely someone is selling it. They also have hundreds of interesting booths and shops to buy things you never thought you needed. If you want to bring the kids for rides, they have plenty for their enjoyment.

Our second time here. Haven't been here in 5 years but to my comfort, it is still laid out the same. Great experience, good food, lots to see and do. I thoroughly enjoyed the pig race, the Clydesdales in the parade (my favourite), the little souvenirs I got and the food we got. Very good time, definitely buy tickets in ADVANCE! Parking is pretty cheap & easy & close. Found a lot for $15, walkable distance ☺

I've visited the Big E several times. On a sunny day, it's crowded and full of stimulating vibes - watching the people, dodging the crowds, and absorbing the energy adds to the experience. When it's raining, it's a lot less fun, but the upside is that you're inclined to eat less, and free parking is available. Thus far, my favorite foods are Sassy Sweet Potatoes Sweet Potato Tacos, Smoked Salmon on a stick in The Maine Bldg, and Moolicious Farm's Moo-nuts, which are ice cream filled donuts. Every time I go I regret the food I didn't try.

This fair was by far the best one I’ve ever been to. Being from Georgia we have plenty but none compare. I would travel back just to go. They have all the food you can think of, rides, beer gardens. And each states little capital was neat. You must try the cheddar pop on in Vermont.

It's good to visit once every 3 to 4 years since 99% of the food stands and other exhibits do not change. The circus was fun and many beer choices. Prices for food just keep getting higher and higher starting around $15 with no beverages. When ordering fried foods always ask that they make it fresh for order as many places precooked the fried foods, especially French fries, corn dogs, and chips. Those sit there and get very oily and taste soggy. Don't go on weekends as it will be extremely crowded and people have no manners in crowds.

Just moved here from the Seattle area and was so excited to visit The Big E! It was so hyped up by locals I just couldn’t pass up visiting! It wasn’t bad, but very different than west coast fairs- less agricultural focused and more food focused. Love all the food choices though and the hard cider in the food court! 10/10 recommend the Carmel Apple Cider (pictured below). The older gal working the booth was the sweetest worker at the entire fair! I don’t understand why all the other vendors looked like they hated their life…. Maybe it’s just a New Englander thing? But some booths I didn’t even feel comfortable walking into, to look at their items (mostly jewelry booths) because the worker looked so grumpy. No one ever greeted or said “hello” or welcomed us in. I was on a mission to purchase something to remember The Big E but I didn’t end up purchasing anything other than food.

Biggest farm fair you've ever seen. More animals, food, stuff for sale, entertainment... All of it is bigger, more and in some cases better than the smaller fairs. However, it is also noisier, more commercial, and more crowded as a consequence. It is possible to still see the farm side of things... You just have to know where to look and when.

2nd time coming to the big E. It was rainy and a bit cold, so we could've done with more overhead cover, but there's actually a decent amount of buildings to pop into to get out of the rain. Some of the state themed buildings can be more crowded than others. Rhode island is a great one to hit up for the lobster grilled cheese. Massachusetts building has some good treats as well. CT has the mac and cheese spot. There's also a new England tent with some bomb Thanksgiving nachos. Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking. Parking passes are available online, but there's also plenty of cash parking along the streets near the entrance. Most vendors take cards, but some are cash only, so for the best experience, come prepared with some cash on hand. As far as animals, the Clydesdales steal the show. Stay for the parade and catch some beads for your kiddo.