The Big E 2026
September 18th, 2026 to October 4th, 2026
The Big E is the largest event on the East Coast and the fourth largest fair in North America. Attendees can enjoy hours of free entertainment and attractions, terrific food, plus the best that New England—and beyond—has to offer. Highlights include authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras in The Big Parade, an immersive Ireland adventure in the International Plaza’s Dingle Peninsula Showcase, North American Midway, as well as countless educational opportunities from the Avenue of States to Storrowton Village Museum, Farm-A-Rama and more. The Big E offers a diverse and vibrant experience to visitors from throughout the country.
Fairtime Hours:
Gates: 8am
The Big E Bakery: 9am–10:30pm
Buildings and Craft Common: 10am–10pm
Avenue of States: 10am–9pm
Storrowton Village Museum & Shops: 10am–9pm
New England Center: 10am–9pm
Midway: Sunday–Thursday, 11am–10pm; Friday–Saturday, 10am–11pm
The Big E is an annual event that begins on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days. Eastern States Exposition is home to the Fair. ESE is not owned by any specific individual or group and is organized as a not-for-profit, educational institution under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its governing body is a volunteer Board of Trustees consisting of distinguished civic, business and agricultural leaders from each of the six New England states.
