From wolves and bargains to fried pickle Oreos and glassblowing, get ready to celebrate the “Soundtrack of Summer” at this year’s Indiana State Fair.
Plan before you go
Where: The Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is at 1202 E. 38th Street in Indianapolis.
When: The fair’s hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Entry ends at 8 p.m. every day.
Building and exhibit hours are Tuesday – Sunday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Tickets at the gate will cost $16.80, but you can get a dollar off if you ride your bike.
The 168th annual fair kicks off Friday and runs through Aug. 17, remaining closed on Mondays. Throughout the 15 days, fairgoers can explore new family-friendly activities, enjoy free concerts and take advantage of special deal days presented by the Indiana Secretary of State and AAA.
The fair usually sees around 850,000 visitors each year. One of the key attractions is always food. This year’s lineup includes lobster mac and cheese, an all vegan Indianapolis “Philly,” blue cotton candy margarita and more.
“Each year, the Indiana State Fair is a celebration of everything we love about our state, community, tradition, and summer fun. This year’s theme, The Soundtrack of Summer, brings that to life in a whole new way,” said Executive Director Cindy Hoye. “We’re weaving music into nearly every corner of the Fair, from interactive exhibits and themed décor to incredible live performances on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. Guests can expect the familiar sights, smells, and tastes they love, along with some new experiences that truly hit all the right notes.”
Sounds of summer
Coinciding with the theme, fairgoers can explore The Art of Music Exhibit in the Harvest Pavilion, featuring a pop-up record store and hand-painted displays of legendary musicians, open daily from 9a.m. to 9p.m. during the fair.
Hoosiers can also show their love for music and the fair by purchasing this year’s merchandise filled with t-shirts and stickers taking a spin on famous album covers, such as Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” Notorious B.I.G. and the Beatles’ Abbey Road.
All merchandise is available for purchase online or at the Indiana State Fair gift shop on the fairgrounds. Fairgoers will also be able to purchase previous state fair shirts at a discounted price online, or at the gift shop.
The Indiana State Fair will continue its tradition of live music on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. All shows are free with paid fair admission. Visitors can go to concerts from popular artists like Hoosier native Babyface or bands such as America and Lonestar. Check the full concert lineup and reserve access online.
Money-saving deals
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales brings back $2 Tuesdays on Aug. 5 and 12. On these days, fairgoers can enter for $2, ride Midway attractions for $2 and purchase select concessions at the same price. The office pays the state fair $165,000 for this sponsorship.
The fair also brings back the popular $5 Value Menu, offering select food items priced at $5 or less.
Other theme days and deals include:
- Aug. 6 – Military and first responders day: free admission for service members and families with a valid ID.
- Aug. 7 – BMV discount day: admission for $8 with a printed or digital IN.gov voucher.
- Aug. 13 – IndyStar Free Ticket Day: Redeem a voucher from the IndyStar Aug. 11 print edition
- Aug. 14 – AAA Day: Free admission for AAA cardholders who show a valid card at the gate
Visitors can buy tickets, parking passes and Midway wristbands in advance. Single-day advance admission costs $14, while a family package – four tickets and one parking pass – costs $57. Children 5 and under get in free.
Family-friendly activities
Families can enjoy non-stop entertainment, starting with the Big Top Circus, with shows daily at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For a bird’s eye view of the fairgrounds, hop on the Ball State Skyride, which soars 35 feet above Main Street.
Guests can also ride Midway attractions with purchase of a wristband or tickets, watch strongman Mighty Mike juggle bowling balls and sledgehammers daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Main Street, or ages 10 and up can participate in DIY glassblowing workshops, where attendees melt, shape and take home their glass creations.
Other attractions include a corn eating contest, watching the only traveling wolf pack on Earth, playing ball on Indiana’s Court and more.
Fairgoers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or chaperone older than 21, to enter the Indiana State Fair after 6 p.m. Adults can only chaperone up to 6 individuals and must remain at the fair with the minors the entire time they are present.
Fairgoers can only bring bags that are 9 inches by 10 inches by 12 inches or smaller. Weapons of any kind are prohibited and visitors will be screened through metal detectors at the gates.
For the farmers
In addition to highlighting music, food and activities the event always focuses on farmers from across the state.
The Indiana State Fair in partnership with Corteva, an agriculture company headquartered in Indianapolis, will present the 2025 Featured Farmers. The program celebrates Hoosier agriculture and connects consumers with the people who grow the food they eat.
During the fair, visitors can attend a live chat in the Glass Barn with the featured farmers every day. A complete list of the farmers can be found online.
“Part of our mission at the Indiana State Fair is to preserve the rich agricultural heritage of Indiana and to connect our fairgoers with the farmers who work tirelessly to feed our communities. We are thrilled to honor our 2025 Featured Farmers and share their inspiring stories with the public,” Hoye said. “This program is a testament to the dedication and passion of Hoosier farmers, and we are grateful to partner with Corteva to bring these stories to life.”
Along with meeting the farmers, you can meet your new favorite animals on the fairgrounds.
Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com.
