The Midway. The wild, fried fare. Summer concerts on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. All this could only mean one thing: The Indiana State Fair returns to the fairgrounds Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 18.

Since 1852, the event has attracted thousands of people to the 250-acre fairgrounds to celebrate Indiana's agriculture + the end of the summer harvest. This year, it lasts 15 days (closed on Mondays) with new events, deals, and opportunities every day. Ride with us while we prep you for everything you need to know before you go.

Hours, tickets, parking

During its 2024 run the fair is open Tuesday through Sunday; the gates open at 9 a.m.
Tickets are available in person and online. General admission tickets purchased by Thursday, Aug. 1 costs $13 — 20% off the price at the gate. Kids age 5 and under get in free.
Pro tip: The Foodie Family Four Pack is new this year. It costs $100 and includes one parking pass, four general admission tickets, and $50 Fair Bucks to spend on snacks. There's also the classic Family Four Pack for $52, which includes one parking pass and four general admission tickets.
Parking is available on-site and off-site — fairgrounds parking costs $10. You could also try $10 State Fair E-Z Park lots located south of 38th Street and at the Indiana School for the Deaf on 42nd Street.
Pro tip: Buy a wristband Wednesdays-Fridays (plus Sunday, Aug. 18) to enjoy lots of games + attractions on the midway.

This year's Happy Together tour takes place on Wednesday, Aug. 16. | Photo via Indiana State Fair

The concerts

Some big names are headlining the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage, including:

Foghat | Friday, Aug. 2
Hard Day's Night: A Tribute to the Beatles | Saturday, Aug. 3
Gladys Knight | Sunday, Aug. 4
Buddy Guy | Wednesday, Aug. 7
Dogstar (Keanu Reeves' rock band) | Thursday, Aug. 8
Bell Biv Devoe | Friday, Aug. 9
Sublime with Rome | Thursday, Aug. 15
Gary Allan | Friday, Aug. 16

All shows start at 7:30 p.m. and are included with fair admission; you can also splurge for premium access to reserved seats for each concert.

The theme

This year's theme is "The Art & Nature of Fun" presented by art institution Newfields. Expect artsy exhibits aligned with the theme.

The fried fair fare

As always, expect a lot of fried food along the Midway, as well as various barbecued concoctions. We hear there are 43 new snacks to try this year, including:

The Bison Smashburger Taco from Red Frazier Food Truck
The Deep Fried Golden Oreo from Orme Deep Fried Treats
The Happy Jack Sandwich from Black Leaf Vegan
The Spicy Pickle Pizza from Swains Concessions
The Peanut Butter + Jelly Chicken Wings from Urick Concessions

Get a "Taste of the Fair" with the full list of this year's fair food.

Pro tip: On a budget? Peep the $5 value menu.

The state fair's attendance in 2021 was ~830,390. | Photo by Indiana State Fair

What's new + what's free

Are you a seasoned state fair vet looking for something new? A fair fanatic hoping to save money on repeat visits with free things to do? Here are some events that fit both categories.

State Fair Splash Pad | Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | MHS Family Fun Park
Meet and pet baby goats | Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Goat Mountain
Indiana State Fair Parade | Daily, times vary | Main Street
Stilt Circus | Daily, times vary | Around the fairgrounds
Indiana Lore + Tall Tales at the Indiana History Train | Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | MHS Family Fun Park
Illuminate! Outdoor Lantern Exhibit | Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | The Backyard
Great American Duck Race | Daily, times vary | MHS Family Fun Park

Final game plan

Of course, no fair is complete without rides + games, and the Indiana State Fair will have plenty of those, too. The fair’s program of events will also help you map out your visit. Whatever you do, give yourself plenty of time to explore it all— and wear comfy shoes.