The Big E or The Big Eats as I like to call it; is the largest agricultural fair in New England and was established over 100 years ago. The Big E lasts for 17 days each year starting in mid-September. A trip to the Fair is a must for every New Englander before the fall sets in. The fair has so much to offer, including livestock, live entertainment, crafts, Avenue 
of the States, rides and foods from around the world!
On the Avenue of States, you will find representation from all six states that comprise New England; Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Each building offers food and goods native and well known to their specific state. A great place to check out is Storrowton Village Museum, a living history museum of 18th and 19th-century buildings open for exploration and old-time demonstrators on the Village Green you will also find a lot of arts and crafts in this area. The Big E Coliseum features daily horse shows, while the 
Mallary Complex houses livestock and other farm animals, including goats, chickens, pigs, and sheep. Other animals, such as those found at petting zoos or in the Big E Circus Spectacular. You’ll also find the Xfinity Arena and each weekend, bigger bands and musicians come to perform. There are ticketed shows (admission to the fair is included with the purchase of a concert ticket as long as it is purchased before the date of the show). There is the Midway which offers tons of rides and carnival-style games for the young and old alike and daily Mardi Gras parades Mon-Thurs at 7:30 Fri-Sun at 5pm. There is also a Big E daily parade at 5pm; on weekends it’s held in conjunction with the Mardi Gras parade.
BIG E TIPS & TIME SAVERS
- Go at night you’ll save yourself some money if you do too. On Monday thru Thursday, you’ll pay $6 dollars after 5PM and parking at side lots tends to be cheaper too.
- If you want to go on a weekend go at 2PM on a Sunday the crowd starts to thin out and after 5-6 the crowd really starts to thin out you’ll see tumbleweeds blowing the streets around 7 or 8. People go home early to get ready for school and work the next day.
- Go get a Maine baked potato during the Mardi Gras parade the line is almost non-existent during that time as most people go and watch the parade.
- Ride tickets are $1.25 each, If you are at the Big E for a while it is worth getting a wristband for $25 (weekdays only) and you can ride all the rides that you want multiple times!
- Wear a backpack or a sinch sac it not only frees up both hands but you can store some of your smaller purchases and brochures that you’re bound to pick up in the state houses.
- The Big E has their own lot for parking at $10 dollars however the walk is often very long to get to and from the car. I suggest parking in a private lot close to Gate 1 or 4 it’s centrally located to the fair so a very short walk. You can come and go at the Big E so you can bring your purchases to the car so you don’t have to lug them around all day.
- Bring some Purell! There are petting zoos and kids are going to want to touch the animals, for the bathrooms in case they are out of soap (happens a lot) and for after riding the rides and who knows what else you may encounter.
Bernat’s Deli on East Road newest menu items are Kielbasa Chili and Polish Sampler Platter.
The Donut Family on Commonwealth Ave now serves Cinn-a-Roll Gourmet Mini Donuts, covered with cinnamon cream cheese drizzled with sugar glaze topped with homemade whipped cream.
Poutine Gourmet at Gate 7 (next to the Circus) will offer two new Poutines — Pulled Pork and Ground Sirloin and Corn.
International Lobster House & Yankee Boy on Springfield and West Roads newest menu item is Shrimp Mac & Cheese.
Deluca’s Family Foods on New England Avenue will offer Italian Stuffed Peppers.
The Irish Pub inside Young Building at the International Plaza will transform into the Guinness Pub, featuring beers from around the world.
The Coffee Break in the Food Court will offer breakfast favorite Deep-Fried Pop Tarts.
The Deep South Company on Industrial Avenue will have Deep-Fried Corn on the Cob, an ear of corn dipped in buttermilk, lightly dusted with creole seasoning and fish fry batter then deep fried golden brown.
Craft Cocktails Inc, home of the Deep Fried Martini, will serve the Frozé Martini, with V-One Vodka and Rosé wine inside and outside Door 1 of the Young Building.
Amy’s Sweet Treats on Commonwealth Avenue will offer the Nacho Sundae: cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips topped with ice cream and choice of toppings.
Cranston Enterprises in the Better Living Center will present 40 different flavors of licorice, including a three-foot-long sweet and sour licorice rope filled with soft sherbet.
Giant Corn Dog on the corner of West Road and the Avenue of States will serve the Dilly Dilly Dog, a pickle cored out with a hot dog stuck inside and then dipped in homemade corn dog batter.
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