The Ultimate Indiana State Fair Guide

Updated July 2026

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 2026 theme, Always A Hit!, expect even more fun as the fair blends timeless traditions with musical memories. And FREE concerts!

2026 State Fair Information

Dates: August 7-23 (closed on Mondays)

Running from August 7 to 23, 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. Discount admission is available online, and children 5 years old and under are admitted free of charge. For added convenience, parking can be purchased online.

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

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 cost and purchase your tickets online in advance for a discount. You can get Family Packages that offer bundled savings on group admission.
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. Sealed bottled water, 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 and Themed Days

Mark your calendar for these budget-friendly days:

$2 Tuesdays (Aug. 11 and 18): $2 admission, $2 rides, and $2 food deals all day long!
Military & First Responders’ Day (Aug. 12): Free admission for first responders, current and former military personnel, and their families with valid ID.
Indianapolis Indians’ Family Day (Aug. 13): $9 gate admission with a printed or digital voucher from IndyIndians.com/StateFairFamilyDay
Hoosier Lottery Day (Aug. 15): 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 (Aug. 19): Check the IndyStar on Aug. 17 for a free fair ticket — valid only on Farmers’ Day.
AAA Day (Aug. 20): 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 is free or may require a paid ticket (see the 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 Skyrider).
MHS Family Fun Park: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., it’s 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, is located here.
Pioneer Village: Located between the Machinery Field and the Family Fun Park, the village lets you step back into the 1800s.
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.

2026 Indiana State Fair Food

Ready to eat your way through the Indiana State Fair? The Taste of the Fair, presented by Pepsi, is back with 40 must-try creations showcasing 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.

Some of the new items this year include (but are not limited to):

Dew Drop Banana Dirty Soda
Deep Fried Lindor Dubai Chocolate Truffle
Craft Beer Soft Serve
Cornbread & ‘Que
Cookie Butter Biscoff Funnel Cake
Mexican Street Corn Pizza
Bacon Jalapeno Honeybun Burger
Hot Cheeto Fried Oreo
Loaded Bourbon Chicken Fries
Pork Rind Nachos
The Junkyard Spam Dog

Avoiding fair food to save $$ or because of allergies?
List of Best Restaurants Near the Fairgrounds

Indiana State Fair Parking

Parking: Available on a first-come, first-served basis. 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/Pick Up – If you are being dropped off or picked up 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 bicycle parking is available.
Free Tractor Shuttle Rides: Hop on a tractor tram for FREE transportation around the
grounds.
IndyGo Public Transportation: Take IndyGo Routes 4 & 39 to the State Fair entrance for drop-off.

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 (such as diaper bags, snacks for children, or medical supplies) are also allowed (no medical note is required).
Minor Policy (in the evenings): Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone (age 25+). Enforcement begins after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and after 4:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Service Animals Only: Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. Only registered 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.
Staying Cool: It’s a smart idea to bring a few things to keep cool; it can get very hot in August. Ideas such as portable fans, reusable water bottles, clear bags, sunscreen, and cooling towels.