We’re fair-ly sure summer is our favorite season in Indy — and it’s all thanks to The Indiana State Fair. Before the Hoosier tradition returns on Friday, Aug. 1, let’s take a look back at some of the its most memorable moments.
1852
The first Indiana State Fair took place in Military Park in downtown Indy. Admission was 20 cents and estimated attendance was 30,000 people.
The fair focused primarily on agriculture, with a women’s area dedicated to domestic arts. We wish we could see who won the awards for Best False Teeth, Best Underwear, and Best Coffin.
1892
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.
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 history: The Beatles. The band performed two sold-out shows for $5 admission.
Slingshot Experience Tour | 10 a.m. | Tom Wood Powersports Indy | Free | Take a demo ride on the all-new 2025 Slingshot Lineup, plus receive a $25 coupon for clothing or gear.
Glowing Grace Charm Bar One-Year Event | 4 p.m. | Event Nest Carmel | Cost of purchase | Treat yourself to an evening filled with boutique shopping, build-your-own bouquets, lavender coffee, and a charm bar.
Adult Night | 8:15-10:45 p.m. | Freedom Springs Aquatic Center, Greenwood | $20+ | Enjoy wine, craft beer, live music, and fun on the water.
Saturday, July 19
Teddy Bear Concert Series | 11 a.m. | IPL Decatur Branch | Free | Kids will get to move with the music, play real violins, and interact with ISO musicians at this musical storytime.
Live at The Rails | 6-10 p.m. | Depot Street Park, Greenfield | Free | Enjoy music from a Heart tribute band, plus food trucks, a kids zone, and swag giveaways.
Sunday, July 20
“Jumanji” | 3 p.m. | Flix Brewhouse, Carmel | $5 | Celebrate Robin Williams’ birthday with a special screening — free slice of cake included.
Help send Indiana students back to school in style. | Photo courtesy of Hensley Legal Group
Big milestone alert: Hensley Legal Group is about to hand out its 50,000th backpack to an Indiana student — and you’re invited to be part of the celebration.
Since its launch just four years ago, Backpacks 4 Good has provided more than 43,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students across Indiana. This summer, another 10,200 are headed out the door — free to families who need them.
Each backpack includes classroom must-haves like folders, pencils, scissors, crayons, glue sticks, and even a water bottle — everything a student needs to start the year strong.
“Families are facing more financial pressure than ever,” said HLG founder John Hensley. “We want to make sure no child has to start school without the tools for success.”
This summer, HLG will host multiple in-person backpack giveaways open to the public — including stops in Greenwood (Friday, July 25), Fishers (Saturday, July 26), and Evansville (Tuesday, July 29). Pre-register for each event and stay informed about event updates.
Sad news: After suffering a groin injury this week, Caitlin Clark will not participate in the WNBA All-Star weekend games. She assured fans she will still be coaching and cheering her team on from the sidelines. (WTHR)
State
In the wake of Texas’ devastating floods, Gov. Braun announced the creation of a new task force to strengthen Indiana’s emergency alert systems. Read more about its mission + partners. (WTHR)
Community
Have a kid who walks or bikes to school? If you think there’s room for improvement in their commute, you can get a mini-grant from Health by Design that can be used for everything from repainting crosswalks to installing new lighting. Apply by Friday, Aug. 22. (WRTV)
Announced
What good is sitting all alone in your room? Come hear the music play at the Cabaret, which released the lineup for its 2025 Fall-Winter season. Get tickets to see some of the brightest stars of Broadway, jazz, and more before they sell out.
Real Estate
Does it feel like something is missing in your home? If yes, and the answer is a vampire crypt, dungeon cell, blacksmith shop, or mermaid pond, you should probably check out this southern Indiana castle that couldn’t wait for Mansion Monday. (WTHR)
Shop
Silver in the City, one of the highest rated boutiques in Indy, is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Friday, July 25 at its Mass Ave location. Stop by for vendor meet-and-greets, hourly giveaways, and a special anniversary sale.
Listen
Upsets ahead. Locked On’s Jacob Goins predicts the outcomes of the explosive match-ups that will define the Hoosiers’ season.
Show
Red, white, and tunes — get ready for a musical celebration that’ll have you singing along and feeling all the patriotic pride. “Celebrate America” hits the stage on select dates July 18–26 with a high-energy show that blends powerful anthems, classic rock, and country favorites. Grab tickets.*
Arts
Celebrate women + girls in sports and the arts with free performances, guided tours, and vibrant installations at “Indy’s Home Court,” presented by the Indy Arts Council and WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee. It all starts today — here’s what to expect.*
51,860. That’s how many potential candidates are looking at this right now. Ready to promote your job listing to find your dream hire? It’s absolutely free on our INDYtoday Job Board. List it now.
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The Buy
No more gatekeeping. These are our top five summer essentials we wish we’d purchased sooner:
🩴 A pair of comfy + versatile Crocs sandals. Pro tip: Keep them by the front door for last-minute errands, walking the dog, and more.
🧊This No. 1 best-selling cooler backpack that features a built-in bottle opener and can fit up to 40 cans.
🧺 A waterproof blanket that’s perfect for beach days, family picnics, baby playtime, and more.
☀️ La Roche-Posay’s award-winning tinted sunscreen that’s non-greasy and fast-absorbing.
👗This flowy sundress that’s available in 20+ colors and patterns like blue floral, pink, khaki polka dot, and purple.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Anyone craving some free zen? The Invoke location at 1315 W. 86th St. is offering six free classes on Wednesday, July 23. Plus, if you haven’t tried Invoke before, you’ll get a free two-week unlimited class pass.
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