Support Us Button Widget

Major moments in the history of the Indiana State Fair

Fun rides. Fried food. World-class music. We all know what the State Fair looks like today, but how has it transformed over its 170+ year history?

INDYtoday: INDY_Indiana State Fair history 1946_JUL25

This is what the State Fair looked like in 1946.

Photo courtesy of Indiana Historical Society

We’re fair-ly sure summer is our favorite season in Indy — and it’s all thanks to The Indiana State Fair. The Hoosier tradition returns on Friday, Aug. 1, with thousands of exhibits, attractions, rides, food options, and vendors for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Let’s take a look back at some of the fair’s most memorable moments — starting at the very beginning.

1852

The first Indiana State Fair took place from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22 at Military Park in downtown Indy. Admission was 20 cents and estimated attendance was 30,000 people.

The fair focused primarily on agriculture, with a smaller women’s area dedicated to domestic arts. Agriculture-related prizes included Best Farmhouse Plans, which is great and all — but we wish we could see who won the awards for Best False Teeth, Best Underwear, Best Coffin, and Best Artificial Limbs.

1892

After brief stays in other Indiana cities and a long tenure on the Old Northside, the fair found its permanent home at the new Indiana State Fairgrounds + Event Center. On opening day, the site’s 214 acres contained 72 buildings, a 6,000-seat grandstand, and a mile race track.

1963

During a holiday ice show in the Coliseum, a gas explosion killed 81 people and injured ~400 others. The coliseum reopened about six weeks later, but the disaster remains one of the worst in Indiana history.

INDYtoday: INDY_Beatles 1964 Indiana State Fair poster_JUL25

In 1964, The Fab Four took a 14-day trip to the US, which included a stop at the Indiana State Fair promoted by this poster.

Photo courtesy of Indiana Archives and Records Administration

1964

The fair welcomed the arrival of one of the most popular musical acts in modern history: The Beatles. The band performed two sold-out shows to thousands of screaming fans who paid the $5 admission fee.

1990

After years of deteriorating conditions, the Indiana State Fair Board was assembled to revamp and run the fair, and the fairgrounds began hosting events year round.

2012

The fairgrounds underwent a $63 million renovation, the largest project in its history. Improvements included a complete overhaul of the Coliseum’s interior and the addition of the youth arena now known as the Pop Weaver Youth Pavilion. Work was completed in 2014.

You can read a more detailed history of the Indiana State Fair here.

Have a fun memory or fact to share about the fair? Send it our way and we may feature you in an upcoming newsletter.

More from INDYtoday
Find out how to dispose of old pumpkins + leaves during the fall and winter seasons.
Avril Lavigne? Check. Keith Urban? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
Looking for a weird way to spend your Halloween day? Here are some suggestions — and most of them are free.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Sponsored
Dining in Indy is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Uncover ghoulish architecture features that make a place look haunted and find out where to see a few around town this Halloween season.
At Cake Picnic, sharing is caring. Pick up one of these local confections to share with family, friends, and strangers at the trending public gathering.
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community. We’re here to get your recommendations and help others find their third place.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Indy, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.