Hours, tickets, parking

• During its three-week run the fair is open Wednesday through Sunday and the gates open at 9 a.m.
• Tickets are available in person and online. Tickets bought in advance are $11 + general admission tickets are $14.
• Pro tip: $3 Thursdays are Aug. 3, 10, and 17. Gate admission and midway rides are $3 each + every food stand will have $3 food options.
• Parking is available on- and off-site — advance parking is $8 and gate parking is $10.

This year’s theme

What’s new + what’s free

• Xpogo: Extreme Pogo Stunt team | Daily | Times vary | The Backyard
• Otter Adventure | Starting Wednesday, Aug. 2 | 4:30 p.m. + 6 p.m. | MHS Family Fun Park
• Land of Legends: Indiana’s Basketball Legacy | Daily | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Harvest Pavillion
• Illuminate! | Friday, July 28-Sunday, Aug. 6 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Expo Hall

Final game plan

• Big Thief | Wednesday, July 26 | 8 p.m. | Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis | $36-$60 | Hear the Grammy-nominated indie folk band known for “Not” and “Simulation Swarm.”

• Affogatos on The Patio | Thursday, July 27 | 4-6:30 p.m. | The Haverstick, 9111 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Enjoy free affogatos to celebrate the end of summer — plus ice cream sandwiches for kids.
• Introduction to Hydroponics | Thursday, July 27 | 6-7:30 p.m. | The AMP at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis | Free | Learn how set up a grow kit by selecting lighting, sowing seeds, and preparing fertilizer solutions.

• Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration | Friday, July 28 | 7-10 p.m. | Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St. | $50-$200 | Sample renowned spirits and learn more about the fine art of distilling.
• Climb L8! | Friday, July 28 | 6-11 p.m. | North Mass Boulder, 1411 Roosevelt Ave., Indianapolis | Free | All are welcome at this event aimed at breaking down barriers of entry to rock climbing, including first-time and adaptive climbers.

• IMPD is launching a new effort to help crack down on thefts of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The police department is handing out free steering wheel locks at each IMPD district from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday while supplies last. (FOX59)

• Before morning rush hour on Thursday, July 27, crews will reopen the westbound lanes of I-465 on the southwest side. INDOT said the closures allowed crews to safely complete work on bridge deck overlays, road surface upgrades, and drainage structures. (WTHR)

• Three years of dreaming, pop-ups, catering events, and jars of Salsa Macha later — Julieta Taco Shop announced yesterday that it’s officially open for business at The Stutz complex downtown. Stop by for some tacos from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Taco Bell Cantina — known for serving alcoholic beverages + offering amenities such as wedding packages and video game lounges — is planning its first Indiana location. The restaurant is expected to open in the former downtown Sugarfire Smoke House. An opening date has not yet been announced. (IBJ)

• Award-winning actor + comedian Dave Chappelle announced he’s making a stop in Indianapolis during his fall stand-up comedy show, “Dave Chappelle Live.” Dave will perform at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Sept. 13. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, July 27 at 10 a.m. (WTHR)

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