Monday, September 5, 2016

Saving Money At The Big E - Admission


What would Autumn in Western MA be without fall fairs, especially the Big E?  Of course, all that fun can come with a big price tag!  Parking and admission can set a family back over $50 before you even enter the gates.  Check out this series for tips on saving money at New England's Fair. 

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Save Before You're In the Gate!

                Regular admission to the Big E will put you back $15 per person, but if you are already planning this fall’s Big E visit there are a few ways to reduce the gate price, and start saving before you even enter the fair.

Be A Kid!
                Everyone’s favorite Big E special, “be a kid day” is back again.  On opening day, Friday September 16, everyone pays children’s admission - $10.

Military Appreciation
                In addition to letting everyone be a kid, the Big E also celebrates opening day as military appreciation and offers free admission discounts to active duty military members, veterans, and certain military dependents. 

Advance Tickets
                If you are already certain you will be headed to the Big E this year, buy your tickets now, and save 20%!   Special $12 tickets are available on the Big E website, be sure to buy before the fair begins though, these special prices are only available through September 14.   Don’t have access to a printer, or just prefer to purchase in person?  Discounted tickets can also be purchased at the Big E box office, Big Y Supermarket and all branches of Greylock Federal Credit Union (while supplies last).   Midway passes can also be purchased in advance for $23, a five dollar discount off the normal price.

$6 After 5
                This is my personal favorite!  I can visit the Big E in the evening after work, and pay less than half the normal admission cost!  PLUS the fair is always far less crowded on a midweek evening than it is during the weekend!  Sounds like a win, win to me!   This discounted admission price is available after 5pm Monday-Thursday throughout the fair.

Multi-Day Ticket
                Are you a Big E aficionado who plans to make multiple trips to the fair?  Then the 17 day pass, with admission for the entire Big E run at $40 for adults and $20 for kids, may be a good option.  Be sure to do the math though!  You must visit at least three times at full price admission, or four times at the discounted admission in order to get your money’s worth on the adult pass.  If you are planning on only a few day long trips, or one long weekend day and some evening visits after work you may save more money with options like advanced tickets or evening admission discounts

6 comments:

  1. We don't have that here in Omaha but this looks like such a fun fair. We have a little fair that comes to my town and it's a lot of fun. I think it's wonderful how you're trying to help others save at the fair. Things can get pretty pricey at these events. The multi-day ticket seems to be the best deal in my opinion. =)

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    1. Yes, I agree if you plan to go more than once that is the best deal! We don't really have state fairs here in New England, so this is basically our state fair for all 6 New England States!

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  2. What a great promo. Miami has a museum month in May. I love it when cities make attractions more accessible.

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    1. How fun! We have free fun fridays in Ma with diffeent museums each week, but an entire month would be so cool!

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  3. Very cool. I need to do some USA exploring :)

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    1. Absolutely! SO many great places to visit in the States.

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