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.
Post may contain affiliate links, see The Hometown Tourist page for complete disclosures.
Post may contain affiliate links, see The Hometown Tourist page for complete disclosures.
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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
