The Big E has always been known for big rides, big crowds, and even bigger food choices, but the 2026 lineup may be one of the fair’s most creative menus yet. From sushi served as a handheld pop to deep-fried comfort foods and over-the-top desserts, this year’s fair is giving visitors plenty of new reasons to arrive hungry.
The Eastern States Exposition, better known as The Big E, returns to West Springfield, Massachusetts, from September 18 through October 4. Organizers have announced more than 100 new food items, drinks, and pop-up dining options joining the fairgrounds, adding even more variety to an event that already attracts about 1.5 million visitors during its 17-day run.
Representing all six New England states, The Big E has built a reputation around bringing together entertainment, agriculture, local businesses, and memorable food experiences. This year’s additions continue that tradition, with new vendors introducing unexpected combinations while longtime favorites find fresh ways to reinvent classic fair treats.
New food vendors bring sushi pops, fried calzones, and Korean-inspired favorites.
One of the most talked-about additions coming to the fair is K’s Japanese Restaurant, which will introduce deep-fried sushi and push-up sushi pops at the East Road Food Court. Available in spicy tuna roll and California roll varieties, the handheld creations are designed for fairgoers who want a familiar sushi flavor in a more portable format.
The sushi pops reflect what makes fair food so popular: taking something recognizable and giving it a completely different experience.
Another newcomer, Golden K-Dog, is bringing Korean-style corn dogs to the Front Porch with options that combine sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The Half & Half Korean Corndog features mozzarella, while the CinnaMozza adds a dessert-like twist with butter, cinnamon sugar, and crushed Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Visitors looking for more heat can try a version coated in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
For those who believe almost anything tastes better fried, Deep-Fried Calzones will serve up crispy versions of classic favorites at Industrial Avenue. The menu will include cheese, pepperoni, and meatball parmesan options.
Other new vendors are adding even more variety. Tater Tot Heaven will offer loaded buckets of tots topped with cheese, bacon, and other toppings. At the same time, Cantina Louie will bring Mexican-inspired dishes including birria tacos, loaded nachos, walking tacos, and a frozen margarita mocktail.
Spudtastic will give baked potatoes a creative upgrade with toppings ranging from apple pie filling to black beans and cilantro ranch. Simply Gluten Free will also join the lineup with gluten-free versions of fair favorites, including funnel cakes, corn dogs, and fried Oreos prepared in a cross-contamination-free kitchen.
New drinks and desserts bring more flavor to the fairgrounds
The Big E’s 2026 food lineup is not stopping at savory dishes. Drinks and desserts are getting plenty of attention, with several vendors creating sweet treats designed for the fair atmosphere.
Sweet & Salty will bring the popular dirty soda trend to Springfield Road with customizable drinks featuring flavored syrups and creative combinations. The menu includes the Fluffy Cola, made with marshmallow syrup and maraschino cherries, along with a Pumpkin Spice option. Guests can also create their own drinks using flavors such as green apple, mango, and chocolate.
Frozen treats will also have a major presence. Moose Joose Slush will serve seasonal creations including Fall in a Cup, a green apple slush mixed with caramel and topped with whipped cream and fresh appleslices. Another option, Summerween, combines Halloween-inspired flavors with a creamsicle-style frozen drink.
McLaughlin Family Homemade Ice Cream, a Maine-based business, will bring tractor-churned ice cream flavors to the fair, including real Maine blueberry and sea salt caramel.
For visitors who want something less sweet, Rickey’s Jerky will offer traditional beef jerky along with specialty varieties such as antelope, wild boar, and pheasant.
Returning Big E favorites add new twists to familiar classics.
While new vendors are creating excitement, many longtime Big E food favorites are also expanding their menus for 2026.
The Big E Bakery is putting a new spin on one of the fair’s most famous treats by naming peanut butter its Cream Puff Flavor of the Year. The annual flavor announcement has become a highlight for visitors who return each year looking to try a new version of the iconic dessert.
NOLA Cajun Kitchen & Raw Bar is bringing more New Orleans-inspired dishes, including a Cajun Lobster Tail and a Crawfish Po’ Boy featuring crispy crawfish, Cajun slaw, and remoulade.
Yankee Boy is also going big with its Colossal Centennial Lobster Roll, packed with lobster claw and knuckle meat. The vendor will also serve a Wagyu Beef Surf ’n Turf Burger topped with lobster meat and Old Bay garlic aioli.
Other returning vendors are adding playful creations to the menu. White Hut will introduce the “Uncrustadouble” burger, featuring an Uncrustable-style bun. At the same time, Moolicious Farm will serve Campfire on a Stick, combining chocolate-covered graham crackers, marshmallows, and vanilla soft serve.
Additional new offerings include chocolate-covered pickles, an upside-down banana split, and a Fluffernutter panini.
The Big E continues supporting small food businesses.
Beyond the unusual combinations and oversized portions, The Big E’s food program has long supported small and family-run businesses. Eastern States Exposition has previously highlighted its role in helping food vendors introduce new ideas and grow their businesses through the fair.
The 2026 lineup reflects that mission by giving both new and returning vendors a place to experiment. Some offeringscelebrate regional favorites, while others focus on creating the kind of memorable food experiences that have become part of the fair’s identity.
Visitors looking to sample the newest additions can plan for Bargain Bites Day on Monday, September 22, when discounted tastes of select new menu items will be available across the fairgrounds.
With more than 100 new foods and drinks waiting to be discovered, The Big E’s biggest challenge this year may not be finding something exciting to eat. It may be deciding which one to try first.
