The Ultimate Indiana State Fair Guide

Updated July 2025

Looking to make the most of your visit to the Indiana State Fair? You’ve come to the right place. As Indiana’s largest and most iconic multi-day event, the fair has brought joy to generations of Hoosiers since its inception in 1852. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fairgoer, this guide is packed with helpful tips, must-know details, and insider advice to enhance your experience.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with heart-pounding rides, live music, crowd-pleasing attractions, and mouthwatering food. With the 2025 theme, Soundtrack of Summer, expect even more fun as the fair blends timeless traditions with musical memories. And FREE concerts!

2025 State Fair Information

Dates: August 1-17 (closed on Mondays)

Running from August 1 to 17, 2025, this beloved Hoosier tradition has been delighting fairgoers since 1852. As Indiana’s largest multi-day event, it offers an unbeatable mix of thrilling rides, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and mouthwatering food. Admission is $16 (with discounts available online), and children 5 years old and under are admitted free of charge. For added convenience, parking can be purchased online for $9.

As a media representative, I receive a Media Pass to the Indiana State Fair. As always, my opinions are my own. Thank you!

What’s New at the 2025 Indiana State Fair? Let’s Dive In!

If you’re looking to shake up your fair routine, 2025 is bringing some fresh, can’t-miss experiences to the Indiana State Fair. Here are some of the coolest new attractions you’ll want to check out:

Vinyl Revival (Harvest Pavilion): Step into a nostalgic yet fresh world of album art at Vinyl Revival. Browse a curated record store, sip on themed cocktails in a retro speakeasy, and admire massive hand-painted covers and neon displays. This is an immersive art-meets-music exhibit.
Taste & Create: Moonshiners Live (August 14): Mark and Digger from Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners are making a special appearance! Catch them live and register for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience presented by Sugarlands Distilling Co.
Mighty Mike (Main Street): Mighty Mike juggles bowling balls, bends metal, and rips through packs of cards like paper. He’s part circus act and part superhero.
Ikonic DIY Glass Workshop: Create your own glass art in just 20 minutes! For anyone 10 and up, this hands-on workshop allows you to create your masterpiece by melting and molding.
Wolves of the World (Meijer Family Fun Park) This unique traveling wolf pack puts on a show you won’t forget, showing off their pack instincts, climbing skills, and more.
Wilson’s Corn Eating Competition (August 10): Be part of the first-ever corn-eating contest at the Fair. It’s going to be big and buttery.
Tiny Tots Motorcycle Riding Experience (Meijer Family Fun Park): Little ones can safely try out pint-sized motorcycles thanks to ABATE of Indiana.
Rivers, Rails & Roads Exhibit (Meijer Family Fun Park): Take a stroll through Indiana’s 1000-year journey in transportation. From maps to oral history, this exhibit connects our past with how we move today.

If you’re a thrill-seeker, music buff, foodie, or want something new to explore, 2025’s Indiana State Fair is stacked.

Save Money at the Indiana State Fair

Let’s be honest, a day at the fair can add up, especially when you’re bringing the whole family. With a little planning, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fun without breaking the bank. Here are some smart tips to help you save:

Buy Tickets Early: Skip the full price at the gate and purchase your tickets online in advance for a discount. You can get Family Packages that offer bundled savings on admission for groups.
Enjoy Free Entertainment: Numerous free activities are available at the fair. Need inspiration? Check out the list of “100 Free Things to Do” — your wallet will thank you.
Bike to the Fair: Ditch the parking fee and get some fresh air! Bike to the fair and use the free, secured bike racks just off the Monon Trail (north of 38th Street). Bonus: You’ll save $1 on admission just for riding your bike.
Free Concerts: Catch amazing shows for free at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage — no extra ticket required!
Grab Freebies at the Info Booths: Stop by the State Fair Information Booths at Gate 6 or Gate 12 for a free map and sunscreen.
Bring Your Own Snacks & Water: If attending with children or have special medical needs, some items are allowed. Like sealed bottled water or empty reusable bottles, and small snacks are allowed.
Ride the Free Tractor Shuttle: Tired feet? Hop on a free tractor shuttle to get around the fairgrounds. Shuttle stops are located all along the main fair road — look for the signs!

Special Discount & Themed Days

Mark your calendar for these budget-friendly days:

$2 Tuesdays (Aug. 5 & 12): $2 admission, $2 rides, and $2 food deals all day long!
Military & First Responders’ Day (Wed, Aug. 6): Free admission for first responders and current/former military personnel and their families with valid ID.
BMV Discount Day (Thurs, Aug. 7): Pay just $8 for admission with a printed or digital voucher from in.gov/BMV.
Hoosier Lottery Day (Sat., Aug. 9): Adults 18+ with paid admission may redeem a Hoosier Lottery gate flyer (received at any entry gate) at Hoosier LotteryTown for one (1) FREE $1 Scratch-Off!
Farmers’ Day (Wed., Aug. 13): Grab a copy of the IndyStar on Mon, Aug. 11, for a free fair ticket — valid only on Farmers’ Day (Aug. 13).
AAA Day (Thursday, August 14): AAA members receive free admission with a valid membership card (one per person).

Indiana State Fair Entertainment

Hoosier Lottery FREE Stage: The fair features more than a dozen nights of free entertainment. Shows at the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage are free with paid fair admission, unless you opt to purchase Premium Reserved VIP seating. Check out the free concert schedule here.
Hoosier Lottery Grandstand Events: Attendance to these is free or may require a paid ticket (see schedule and ticket options here).
Midway Rides & Games: No fair is complete without carnival rides. The Individual Midway tickets and wristbands can be purchased online or onsite. The Ball State Cardinal Super Wheel is a 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel with 36 individual climate-controlled gondolas. The Sleep Number Skyrider will be available for $6 a rider (or 4 Midway tickets; wristbands are not valid on the Skyride).
MHS Family Fun Park: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Family Fun Park is great for all ages. Go-karts and pony rides are available for an additional fee for the little ones. Little Hands on the Bard, with 13 interactive barns, the Indiana History Train, the Otter Adventure, the Dino Experience, and a splash pad, can be found here.
Pioneer Village: Located between the Machinery Field and the Family Fun Park, you’ll step back into the 1800s with a visit to the village.
Livestock Barn & Buildings: Are you interested in meeting the sheep, horses, rabbits, llamas, alpacas, mules, donkeys, cattle, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and goats of the 4-H fair? You can visit them in these buildings.
Big Top Circus: It’s bold. It’s breathtaking. It’s under the Big Top — only at the Indiana State Fair! This show is packed with high-flying stunts, daring feats, and nonstop excitement!
Corteva Agriscience: 15 Featured Farmers Shine a Light on the People Behind Indiana Agriculture. Now in its 10th year, the program connects fairgoers with the real Hoosiers who grow our food, representing diverse farms, regions, and stories from across the state.

2025 Indiana State Fair Food

Ready to eat your way through the Indiana State Fair? The 2025 Taste of the Fair, presented by Pepsi, is back with 40 must-try creations that show off the bold flavors, big creativity, and pure Hoosier pride of our amazing food vendors.

From sweet to savory, deep-fried to fresh and fun, this year’s lineup is full of surprises and totally worth the calories. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie chasing the next big flavor or just love a good twist on a fair classic, the Taste of the Fair is your go-to guide for the most unforgettable bites of the summer. Come hungry… and maybe wear stretchy pants.

All Vegan Indianapolis Philly
Bacon Honeybun Burger
Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Chicken on a Stick
BBQ Machos
Blue Cotton Candy Margarita
Blueberry Breakfast Sausage Flapjack
Brunch Mary
Brunch Mimosa
Butterfinger Funnel Cake
Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Fries
Cinnamon Toast Cookie Butter Pretzel Bites
Cookie Butter Cold Brew Float
Cotton Candy Lemon Shake Up
Deep Fried Pork Chop Sandwich
Dirty Dancing Egg Rolls
Hot Honey Beignets
Jalapeño Popper Pizza
Jerk Cheesy Fries
Jessops’ Butterscotch Apple Crunch
Key Lime Pie Milkshake
Lobster Mac & Cheese
Passion Fruit Boba Lemonade Shakeup
Peach Tea
Pickle Bacon Ranch Pizza
Pickle Fried Oreos
Piggy Funnel
Piggyback Stack
Pineapple Lemonade Shake-up
Pineapple Whip Shake-Up
Slime Licker Boba Blast
S’MORES Cookie
State Fair Cotton Candy Ale
Street Corn Steak Tacos
Sweet Heat Sausage Sandwich
The Hog & Slaw
The Smoked Gouda’cue
Trio of Italy (Mini Funnel Cake Flight)
Tropical Thunder Shake-up
Turkey Sausage Pizza Quesadilla
Yes Cer’s Burger (Bison)

Indiana State Fair Parking

Parking: Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis and costs $10 at the gate. You can purchase a parking pass online. Parking is available at the Fairgrounds Infield, South Lot (38th Street), and at the Indiana School for the Deaf (42nd Street)
Accessible Parking can be found in the southeast & west corners of the infield, adjacent to the ADA-accessible walk tunnels, as well as in the South Lot, the Indiana School for the Deaf Lot, and behind the Indiana Arts Building.
Drop Off – If you are being dropped off by someone (E.g., Uber, Lyft), please have your ride use the address 3700 Woodland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46205 as the rideshare drop-off location. It is across from Gate 3.
Bike to the Fair: Ride your bicycle to the Fair and save $1 off admission.
Free Tractor Shuttle Rides: Hop on a tractor shuttle for FREE transportation around the
grounds.
IndyGo Public Transportation – Take IndyGo Routes 4 & 39 for drop-off at the State Fair entrance.

Know Before You Go! Tips

Bag Policy: Bags must be 9” x 10” x 12” or smaller. There’s no limit to the number of small bags you can bring. All bags will be searched.
Allowed Items: Empty reusable bottles, cups, and souvenir cups are permitted. Items for family care (like diaper bags, snacks for children, or medical needs) are also allowed (no medical note is required).
Under 18 Policy (in the evenings): Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone (age 21 or older). One adult can chaperone up to six minors and must remain on the grounds. Enforcement begins at 6:00 PM daily, Tuesday through Thursday, and at 4:00 PM daily, Friday through Sunday.
Service Animals Only: Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. Only trained service animals are permitted.
Smoking Policy: Smoking and vaping are only allowed in designated smoking areas.
Re-entry Policy: You may leave and re-enter the fair on the same day with a hand stamp (available until 7:30 PM each day).
Weapons Policy: No deadly weapons (including knives) are allowed. Firearms must be secured and hidden in a locked vehicle if you’re licensed to carry them.
Footwear Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be doing a lot of walking! A free shuttle service is available, but please note that there may be long waits on busy days.