The Midway. The wild, fried fare. Summer concerts on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. All this could only mean one thing: The Indiana State Fair returns to the fairgrounds from Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 18.
Since 1852, the fair has attracted thousands of people to the 250-acre fairgrounds to celebrate Indiana agriculture + the end of the summer harvest. It lasts just a little over two weeks (closed on Mondays) with new events, deals, and opportunities every day. Ride with us while we prep you for everything you need to know before you go.
Hours, tickets, parking
- During its 15-day run the fair is open Tuesday through Sunday and the gates open at 9 a.m.
- Tickets are available in person and online. General admission bought by Thursday, Aug. 1 costs $13 — that’s 20% off the price at the gate. Kids age 5 and under get in free.
- Pro tip: The Foodie Family Four Pack is new this year. It costs $100 and includes one parking pass, four admission tickets, and $50 Fair Bucks to spend on snacks. There’s also the classic Family Four Park for $52, which includes one parking pass and four admission tickets.
- Parking is available on- and off-site — fairgrounds parking costs $10. You could also try $10 State Fair E-Z Park lots located south of 38th Street and at the Indiana School for the Deaf on 42nd Street.
- Pro tip: Buy a wristband to enjoy the games + attractions on the midway; wristbands are only valid on Wednesdays-Fridays, plus Sunday, Aug. 18.
The concerts
Some big names are headlining the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage, including:
- Three Dog Night | Friday, Aug. 2
- Hard Days Night: A Tribute to the Beatles | Saturday, Aug. 3
- Gladys Knight | Sunday, Aug. 4
- Buddy Guy | Wednesday, Aug. 7
- Dog Star (Keanu Reeves’ rock band) | Thursday, Aug. 8
- Bell Biv Devoe | Friday, Aug. 9
- Sublime with Rome | Thursday, Aug. 15
- Gary Allan | Friday, Aug. 16
All shows start at 7:30 p.m. and are free with fair admission; you can also splurge for premium access to reserved seats for each concert.
The theme
This year’s theme is “The Art & Nature of Fun” presented by the art institution, Newfields. Expect artsy exhibits aligned with the theme.
The fried fair fare
As always, expect a lot of fried food along the Midway, as well as various barbecued concoctions. We hear there are 43 new snacks to try this year, including:
- The Bison Smashburger Taco from Red Frazier Food Truck
- The Deep Fried Golden Oreo from Orme Deep Fried Treats
- The Happy Jack Sandwich from Black Leaf Vegan
- The Spicy Pickle Pizza from Swains Concessions
- The Peanut Butter + Jelly Chicken Wings from Urick Concessions
Get a “Taste of the Fair” with the full list of this year’s fair food.
Pro tip: Peep the $5 value menu.
The hot air balloons will be located in the infield + will be viewable from the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand.
Photo by Indiana State Fair
What’s new + what’s free
Are you a seasoned state fair vet looking for something new? A fair fanatic hoping to save money on repeat visits with free things to do? Here are some events that fit both categories.
- State Fair Splash Pad | Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | MHS Family Fun Park
- Meet and pet baby goats | Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Goat Mountain
- Indiana State Fair Parade | Daily, times vary | Main Street
- Stilt Circus | Daily, times vary | Around the fairgrounds
- Indiana Lore + Tall Tales at the Indiana History Train | Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | MHS Family Fun Park
- Illuminate! Outdoor Lantern Exhibit | Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | The Backyard
- Great American Duck Race | Daily, times vary | MHS Family Fun Park
Final game plan
Of course, no fair is complete without rides + games, and the Indiana State Fair will have plenty of those, too. The fair’s program of events will also help you map out your visit. Whatever you do, give yourself plenty of time to explore it all — and wear comfy shoes.