The Big E: A Full Day of Food, Fun & A LOT of Walking!…read more
I went to The Big E on Saturday, and if there's one thing I can say right away: come prepared for traffic, crowds, walking, and spending money but there is SO much to see and do!
Parking & Getting In
The traffic getting to The Big E was INSANE. Once we got into the area, it took us about an hour just waiting to be able to park. We ended up parking at Gate 9 in the public parking area, but parking isn't free. There were also plenty of private lots around The Big E charging different prices, so definitely factor parking into your budget.
The good news is that once we actually got parked, entry into the fair was super easy. We didn't have to wait at all. We bought our tickets online ahead of time and got a good deal, so I definitely recommend checking online before going.
Something for Everyone
Once inside, there was SO much happening. There were tons of things to see, food everywhere, desserts, vendors, entertainment, rides, and a parade where they were throwing beads. Even though it was packed because it was the weekend, we were still able to walk around without constantly being shoulder-to-shoulder with people.
There are definitely things for all ages, whether you're going with kids, friends, or just looking for a fun day out.
Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to visit the different state buildings. A lot of the attractions and entertainment had lines ranging anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, so we had to choose where we wanted to spend our time.
Midway & Rides
The midway was definitely one of the busiest areas. The lines for the rides and entertainment were extremely long. We even purchased the additional Fast Pass, but even those lines were still pretty long.
While we were waiting in one of the lines, a fight broke out. The sheriffs responded promptly and cleared the area, but the ride was temporarily closed because of the incident, so we ended up having to wait even longer.
Thankfully, that was an isolated incident and didn't ruin the overall experience for us.
Now Let's Talk About the FOOD!
There were SO many food options that it was honestly impossible to try everything in one day.
We had corn dogs, and my kids had chicken tenders with fries topped with bacon and cheddar.
I also tried a Wagyu surf-and-turf burger with lobster, which was definitely one of the more interesting things I ate that day. I also tried an alligator burger, because when else are you going to get the opportunity to try something like that at a fair?
And on our way home, I had some mini donuts, which were absolutely delicious. Those were such a good sweet treat to end the day.
Season Cups
We also purchased the seasonal cups for $11, and you can refill them for $5 at participating locations. If you're planning to drink throughout the day, this is something worth considering.
Be Prepared to Spend
This is probably one of the biggest things I would tell anyone planning to go: bring enough money!
For a family of three, I spent nearly $400 at The Big E, and that DOES NOT include the cost of our admission tickets. Between food, drinks, rides, parking, and everything else, it adds up very quickly.
Clean & Plenty of Places to Rest
One thing I really appreciated was that the bathrooms were clean. There were also plenty of sitting areas throughout the grounds. Every time we needed to stop and sit down, we were able to find somewhere available.
And trust me, you're going to want those sitting areas because there is A LOT of walking! Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to be on your feet for most of the day.
Overall
Despite the traffic, the long waits, and how much we spent, we had a great time at The Big E. There is so much to see, eat, experience, and explore that I can understand why people come back year after year.
I do think you need to plan your day strategically because you probably won't be able to do everything, especially on a busy weekend. If you want to see the state buildings, ride several rides, eat, shop, and catch entertainment, be prepared to spend a LOT of time there.
For me, The Big E was definitely an experience. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'll be planning ahead, wearing my most comfortable shoes, budgeting more money, and mentally preparing myself for that traffic!
Come for the experience. Stay for the food. And definitely bring your walking shoes!
