EASTERN STATES EXPOSITION WRAPS THE BIG E 2026, CELEBRATING AGRICULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT AND NEW ENGLAND TRADITIONS

Eastern States Exposition (ESE) closed the 2026 edition of The Big E Sunday after 17 days of welcoming guests from all 50 states and internationally, once again demonstrating the organization’s significant role as an economic engine for the Northeast.
 
As a predominately outdoor live event, however, The Big E’s ability to generate that impact is dependent on factors that cannot always be controlled. Weather significantly affected the first Sunday and middle weekend of this year’s Fair, a particularly consequential loss when a typical single weekend day can account for approximately 10-13% of ESE’s annual income. Unlike many businesses, those opportunities cannot be recovered. There is no rescheduling a Fair day once it has passed.
 
The impact extends far beyond ESE. Hundreds of independent concessionaires, agricultural exhibitors, vendors, entertainers and small businesses rely on the Fair and events like it to earn their living. Many travel from event to event throughout the year, building their businesses around a finite number of days to generate revenue.
 
That responsibility is not lost on ESE.
 
“We feel an enormous responsibility to deliver because so many people depend on this organization,” said Gene Cassidy, president and CEO of ESE. “Our success isn’t measured solely by our own bottom line. It’s the concessionaire who has invested in getting here. The farmer who has invested months raising and preparing livestock to exhibit here. The vendor supporting a family. The seasonal employee counting on these weeks of work. The hotels, restaurants and businesses throughout our community that benefit when more than a million people come to Western Massachusetts. There is an economic ripple created by The Big E that reaches far beyond our gates.”
 
That ripple is substantial. ESE, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, generates $1.2 billion in economic activity, supports thousands of jobs and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in personal income and gross regional product.
 
The scale of that impact also underscores the importance of reliable infrastructure serving the ESE campus. The 2026 Fair took place amid the State’s newly redesigned Memorial Avenue, which reduced travel lanes to and from the grounds by 50%, from four lanes to two, exacerbating traffic challenges for an event already susceptible to weather and other conditions beyond its control.
 
“When you're producing a live event of this magnitude, there are risks you simply cannot eliminate,” Cassidy said. “We can't control the weather. We can't move Saturday to Tuesday and get that opportunity back. What we can do is work together to ensure the infrastructure surrounding this campus gives our guests, exhibitors, employees and businesses every opportunity to get here safely and efficiently while not clogging our community’s roads for its residents.”
 
As ESE looks toward its next century, organization leaders are calling for continued collaboration with municipal, state and federal partners to protect and enhance the regional infrastructure that is necessary to strengthen an economic asset whose impact is felt throughout the region.
 
Despite the challenges, The Big E delivered 17 days of the traditions, experiences and opportunities that have made the Fair a New England institution. Fairgoers came from across the country and around the world to take part in a historic celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, an exciting entertainment lineup, iconic and inventive Fair foods, exhilarating Midway rides, unique shopping experiences, agricultural competitions and educational opportunities found throughout the grounds.
 
ESE welcomed 1,273,109 people to The Big E during the Fair in 2026. Ticket purchasers represented all 50 states, Puerto Rico and 10 countries outside the United States, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy, Brazil, Australia, Ireland, Spain, France and India.
 

At its core, The Big E continued to reinforce ESE’s position as the premier agricultural showcase in the Northeast, bringing together farmers, exhibitors and youth from 26 states and three Canadian provinces. ESE hosted competitions for dairy and beef cattle, sheep, horses, alpacas, llamas, swine, giant pumpkins, giant squash and more, including nine regional and 10 national shows. For the first time since the 1980s, rabbits and poultry competitions returned. Including all competitive events, there were 5,245 exhibitors.
 
Livestock exhibition provides an important window into the science and stewardship behind animal agriculture, allowing breeders to evaluate genetics that support animal health, soundness, temperament and longevity while giving the public an opportunity to better understand animal husbandry and the people who raise livestock. That education extends to the next generation. Our competitions, especially 4-H and FFA programs, provide a platform for young people to develop practical knowledge of animal care, nutrition and behavior while building responsibility, confidence and an understanding of the food and fiber systems that sustain our communities.
 
Youth agriculture remained a cornerstone of The Big E, with nearly 4,100 FFA participants representing chapters from 16 states and more than 2,200 4-H members from the six New England states and New York participating throughout the Fair.
 
A highlight of the 4-H program was the New England 4-H Beef Activity and Auction, where 40 steers generated $362,017 in income for participating youth, averaging $7.01/lb. The Grand Champion Overall and Heavyweight Champion, a 1,445-lb. crossbred steer named Titan raised by Jane Carroll of New York, sold for $24/lb. to brothers Chris and Everett Skinner of The Barnyard in Ellington, Conn., and their families. Support extended beyond the auction ring. Donated raffle baskets representing each of the six New England states generated $16,850 for the 4-H Beef Program, a 64% increase over 2024.
 
The Big E continued to offer expansive agricultural education opportunities for fairgoers of all ages in Farm-A-Rama. The building hosted more than 75 animals throughout the Fair for educational display, including sheep, ponies, ducks, pigs, alpacas, goats, chickens and llamas. More than 2,000 honeybees were on display and nearly 2,000 chicks hatched in the incubator. Farm-A-Rama was also home to Hobby Knoll Clydesdales of Duxbury, Mass., whose eight horses weighed a combined 14,250 lbs.
 
The Urban Farming exhibit along the Coliseum-side wall of Farm-A-Rama featured an expanded garden through “Harvesting Change: Urban Farming in New England,” a project brought to life by members of the This ‘N’ That and Chicopee Pacers 4-H Clubs. The garden showcased sustainable growing techniques and fresh produce while demonstrating how agriculture can thrive in urban environments.
 
Native produce displays celebrated the diversity and abundance of crops grown throughout the region, including the always-popular giant pumpkins and squash. Repeat champion Art Kaczenski of Erving, Mass., won the Giant Pumpkin Competition with a 1,250-lb. entry and took top honors in the Giant Squash Competition with an 883-lb. entry.
 
The Eastern States Exposition Horse Show continued its longstanding tradition in the Coliseum, drawing exhibitors from across the United States and Canada throughout the Fair. Hunter Week welcomed exhibitors from 17 states and saw participation increase 35%, while a record 69 entries competed in the $15,000 Opening Night Hunter Classic, won by Luminare, ridden by Julie Hogan of Hadley, Mass., and owned by Linda Evans of South Hadley, Mass.
 
The Horse Show culminated with the $50,000 Six-Horse Hitch Show, boasting the largest purse of its kind in the country. Eleven hitches representing six states and five Canadian provinces competed for top honors, with Red Oak USA of Kahnawake, Quebec, named Grand Champion and earning $15,000. Lor-Rob Farms of New York earned Reserve Champion honors and an $11,000 prize.
  Entertainment was everywhere at The Big E, with more than 580 live performances across the Fair’s stages, attractions and parade route, representing more than 485 hours of live entertainment throughout the 17-day run. Combined with demonstrations and educational attractions, The Big E presented more than 845 hours of entertainment and experiences.
 
Special programming commemorating America’s 250th anniversary and the nation’s history drew significant audiences. The 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit, produced by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and staffed by retired members of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), welcomed 15,787 visitors during its six-day stay, making The Big E its most successful museum pop-up to date. The Freedom 250 Mobile Museum welcomed more than 21,000 visitors during the Fair, its largest attendance at an event to date.
 
The Big E Arena, sponsored by Truly Hard Seltzer, delivered 10 concerts, including Jessie Murph, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Brad Paisley, deadmau5, All Time Low, Twisted Sister featuring Sebastian Bach with Tesla, Ice Cube and Styx. The Court of Honor Stage, sponsored by MattressFirm, presented 68 performances throughout the Fair, with a diverse lineup that included Uncle Kracker, The Calling, Dax, Frankie Avalon, Jet, The Family Stone, Switchfoot and Drew Baldridge, among others.
 
The E Stage, sponsored by Patrón, continued its mission of showcasing emerging talent with more than 40 bands performing throughout the Fair, with an emphasis on artists from throughout New England. Storrowton Gazebo, sponsored by Good Health Saunas, complemented the music lineup with daily variety entertainment and community performances, while Dolly’s Honky Tonk delivered six shows daily with live music, line dancing, mechanical bull riding and Western-themed entertainment.
 
Special events added another dimension to the lineup. Collector Car Live returned to The Big E Arena with hosts Wayne Carini and FOX NASCAR’s Mike Joy, special guests April Rose and Tyler Hoover and more than 100 classic, custom and collector vehicles. The event celebrated New England auto racing and honored racing legend Bob Polverari with a lifetime achievement award. The Big E Bike Night, sponsored by the Haymond Law Firm and Old School Harley-Davidson, brought more than 100 motorcycles to the Arena and featured a performance by local band Trailer Trash.
 
Across the grounds, entertainment extended well beyond the stages. Daily and recurring attractions included The Big Parade, sponsored by MGM Springfield; Circus Spectacular, sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar; Sea Lion Splash; Disc-Connected K-9s; Strolling Boombox; Stilt Fun; and Mobile Glass Studios.
 
Hooplandia expanded its presence at The Big E with twice-weekly 3x3 basketball clinics, powered by 3x360 Sports, and the third annual Hooplandia Day on Oct. 3. The day-long celebration featured a Pro-am tournament with eight professional teams from across New England and New York, with the Hartford Colts of Connecticut capturing the championship and $1,500 prize. Hooplandia General Manager and National Coach Drew Dawson announced the return of ESE’s 3x3 basketball tournament and festival June 25-27, 2027. Additional entertainment included a jump contest hosted by internet personality Jumps by Chi and peach basket basketball at Storrowton Village Museum.
  Special events throughout the Fair celebrated industry legacies, community service and individuals making a difference. On Opening Day, ESE unveiled Showmen’s Park, a permanent walk of fame honoring the dreamers, doers and showmen who have shaped the amusement industry. The inaugural class recognized Johnny and Tina Doolan of Doolan Amusement Co.; Joie Chitwood, Jr. of the Joie Chitwood Thrill Show; Bob Commerford of R.W. Commerford & Sons; Bob and Bea Negus of Conklin Shows; Fred Pittroff, creator and manufacturer of the Giant Slide; and North American Midway Entertainment (NAME).
 
The Fair also continued its tradition of recognizing circus legends, inducting Johnny Rockett, daredevil clown, and Tina Winn, known as Galaxy Girl, into The Big E’s Circus Walk of Fame.
 
Community presentations brought moments of recognition and gratitude to the Storrowton Gazebo throughout the Fair. On Military Appreciation Day, Gumersindo Gomez received a Quilt of Valor recognizing his military service, while Hyundai Dealers of Western Massachusetts gifted a vehicle through Hyundai’s Salute to Heroes program.
  The Big E continued to build on its reputation as a food destination, introducing more than 100 new menu items and a slate of new dining locations in 2026. Newcomers ranged from Crave Café, Tater Tot Heaven and Golden K-Dog to Cantina Louie, Crazy Sushi by K’s Japanese Restaurant, Moose Joose Slush and Tripp’s Farmhouse Café, bringing even greater variety to the Fair’s expansive food scene.
 
Several longtime concessions also entered new eras. Yankee Boy, the Food Court and The Cream Puff Bakery in the Better Living Center debuted major location renovations, while some of the Fair’s most enduring concessionaires celebrated milestone anniversaries. Billie’s Baked Potato and Captain Nemo’s marked 50 years at The Big E, while Yankee Boy celebrated an extraordinary 100 years at the Fair.
 
Creativity remained a hallmark of The Big E menu, with more than 100 new food and beverage offerings ranging from Sweet & Salty’s Dirty Sodas and Barbie’s Upside-Down Banana Split to Macho Taco’s Birria Bomb, Moolicious’ Buttered Popcorn Ice Cream, Crazy Sushi’s Push-up Sushi Pop and White Hut’s Deep-Fried Uncrusta Double Burger.
 
The Big E Cream Puff, the Fair’s signature food, remained a guest favorite with more than 115,000 sold during the 17-day run. Peanut Butter debuted as the 2026 Flavor of the Year, joining the traditional Cream Puff and offering guests a limited-edition take on the Fair’s most iconic treat. The fan-favorite Big E-clair also returned to The Big E Cream Puff Bakery.
 
The Big Eats, sponsored by Cutco Cutlery, put some of the Fair’s most inventive creations before celebrity judges Sandra Lee, Chef Paul Wahlberg and Daym Drops. Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts earned Best Sweet Treat for its Biscoff Cookie Butter Donut, while Yankee Boy’s Centennial Colossal Lobster Roll took Best Savory Snack, fittingly created to commemorate the concessionaire’s 100th year at The Big E. During the final week of the Fair, fairgoers had their say, naming NOLA Cajun Kitchen & Raw Bar’s viral Cajun Lobster Tail the Fairgoer Favorite.
 
Bargain Bites returned on the first Monday of the Fair with more than 75 participating food vendors offering specially priced selections from $3-$5. The promotion gave fairgoers an affordable way to sample favorites from across the grounds while showcasing the breadth of The Big E’s food offerings. The promotion attracted record numbers to the Fair on that Monday, Sept. 21, setting a single day attendance record of 80,641 people.
  Shopping remained an integral part of The Big E experience, with 280 non-food vendors creating a diverse marketplace across the fairgrounds. Guests discovered everything from home goods and appliances in the Better Living Center, sponsored by American Comfort, to handcrafted products in the Craft Common and New England Grange, locally sourced goods at The Front Porch, sponsored by Westfield Bank, and products representing each New England state along the Avenue of States.
 
The International Plaza in the Young Building brought a global dimension to the marketplace, including the Dingle Peninsula Showcase and its authentic Irish products from Louis Mulcahy Pottery, Brian de Staic Jewelry, Dingle Crystal, Dingle Distillery and more. The space also served as a centerpiece of the Fair’s Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebration, including the Dingle Mingle with live music and visiting Irish dignitaries.
 
For the first time, ESE recognized outstanding exhibitors with Retail Excellence Awards honoring professionalism, presentation and guest experience. Jelly Belly’s Pools and Spas earned Outdoor Large Format honors; Elegancia, Outdoor Small Format; Falcetti Music, Indoor Large Format; Pottery Cellar, Indoor Small Format; 3 Graces, Outdoor Newcomer; and RedFive Toys & Collectibles, Indoor Newcomer.
  From state pride and living history to traditional craftsmanship and education, The Big E continued to celebrate the people, places and traditions that define New England while creating opportunities to preserve and share them with future generations.
 
Each building along the Avenue of States serves as a portal to the state it represents, giving fairgoers the opportunity to experience the best of New England along one walkable route. Several buildings benefited from significant investments and renovations this year, including Rhode Island and Vermont.
 
Storrowton Village Museum brought New England history to life through tours of its 18th and 19th century buildings and demonstrations of traditional trades and skills, including broom making, blacksmithing and open-hearth cooking. The Museum Partner Program extended that educational mission, welcoming six museums and historical societies from Massachusetts and Connecticut to connect fairgoers with the region’s cultural institutions.
 
Education extended beyond history through The Big E Scholars Program, which welcomed more than 300 students from elementary school through college and adult learners. Programs explored agriculture, emergency responder protocols, interpersonal skills for adults with disabilities and other subjects through experiential learning opportunities across the Fair.
 
The New England Center celebrated another form of the region’s cultural heritage through Creative Arts. Competitions in quilting, lacemaking, rug hooking, plein air painting, sewing, dollmaking, knitting and other disciplines drew 1,000 exhibitors and more than 3,000 entries. The Center also hosted the Chick-E Design Contest, which challenged students from five local high schools to paint The Big E’s agricultural mascot through the lens of America 250. Fairgoers voted throughout the 17-day run, ultimately selecting Agawam High School as the winner. Seventy volunteers contributed 2,700 hours of service to the New England Center, supporting exhibitors, caring for entries and sharing their knowledge through presentations on the New England Center Stage.
 
As the gates close, ESE turns its focus to the year ahead and the continued work of advancing agriculture, supporting the region’s economy and preserving the traditions that have defined the organization for 110 years. With thousands of exhibitors, concessionaires, employees, volunteers, partners and businesses contributing to its success, The Big E remains far more than a 17-day event. Its impact is felt year-round, throughout Western Massachusetts, across New England and well beyond.
   
About The Big E
The Big E is the only multi-state fair in North America, celebrating the rich history, culture and traditions of the six New England states. As the principal event of Eastern States Exposition, The Big E presents the finest in agriculture, innovative, commercial, industrial and artistic developments, and the highest caliber of varied entertainment to the people of the United States for more than a century. The 17-day event has grown and become the largest event on the East Coast, recognized as the fourth largest fair in North America by its recent record annual attendance. Visit TheBigE.com for more information.