What’s New at the 2026 Indiana State Fair: New Attractions, Food and Deals

Batter Up, Indiana! From home runs to hometown fun, the 2026 Indiana State Fair is knocking summer out of the park.

Get ready for a Fair packed with BIG-LEAGUE fun! Our partnership with the Indianapolis Indians brings exciting activations to both Victory Field and the Indiana State Fair, including the NEW Schumacher Stadium, a “mini-Victory Field” Wiffle ball diamond where fans can step up and play.

As part of America’s 250th celebration, we’re blending the best of Americana into one unforgettable, all-American season!

Related Article: 7 Ways to Save at the 2026 Indiana State Fair

REWIND: A VHS Revival

Travel back to the video store era inside Harvest Pavilion. This immersive experience celebrates iconic movie poster artwork from the 1980s through the early 2000s while adding new surprises around every corner. Guests can enjoy a baseball movie theater, the Moulin Rouge Speakeasy, an official Indianapolis Indians gift shop and the return of the popular Indy CD & Vinyl pop-up store.

REWIND VHS video store exhibit inside Harvest Pavilion at the 2026 Indiana State Fair

The State Fair Train

All aboard! One of the largest additions to this year’s Fair is the brand-new State Fair Train. Guests can climb aboard for a narrated ride through the north side of the Fairgrounds, offering a relaxing way to experience the sights, sounds and history of the Indiana State Fair. This new family attraction operates daily for $5 per ride.

State Fair Train carrying guests through the 2026 Indiana State Fairgrounds

Schumacher Stadium (Wiffle Ball Field)

Baseball fans of all ages can take the field inside Meijer Family Fun Park at Schumacher Stadium. Named in honor of longtime Indianapolis Indians executive Max Schumacher, this interactive attraction invites guests to swing for the fences, play with family and friends and celebrate Indiana’s baseball tradition every day of the Fair.

Two boys playing Wiffle ball at Schumacher Stadium during the 2026 Indiana State Fair

An All-New Big Top Circus

The Big Top Circus returns with an entirely new lineup of thrilling performances inside its air-conditioned tent. From breathtaking acrobatics to laugh-out-loud comedy, each show offers free family entertainment three times daily, with premium seating upgrades available.

Shows daily at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.
Paid seating and entry upgrades are available at IndianaStateFair.com.

Big Top Circus performer at the 2026 Indiana State Fair

More Entertainment Around Every Corner

  • Break A Boyz brings an energetic mix of breakdancing, comedy and street performance to Main Street with multiple daily shows.
  • Marc Dobson’s One Man Band turns one performer into a full musical experience while entertaining guests throughout the Fairgrounds every day of the Fair.
  • Characters from PBS KIDS favorites Daniel Tiger on Aug. 15 and Dinosaur Train on Aug. 8 and 22 make special appearances for family photos in Meijer Family Fun Park.

Midway ride at the 2026 Indiana State Fair

Taste of the Fair Presented by Pepsi

Bananas Foster Cold Brew Float | Hook’s Drugstore Museum

Vanilla cold brew with vanilla ice cream, topped with banana cold foam, cinnamon powder and caramel drizzle.

Buffalo Chicken Dip Pizza | DG Concessions

Our made-from-scratch pizza crust is topped with homemade Buffalo chicken dip, green onions, a drizzle of Buffalo sauce and a tortilla chip crunch.

Cornbread and ‘Que | Indiana Pork Producers

Our Cornbread & Que stacks our most popular pulled pork on warm cornbread and finishes it with a drizzle of hot honey for the perfect sweet-meets-savory bite.

Cornbread and Que with pulled pork and hot honey from Indiana Pork Producers

Deep Fried Lindor Dubai Chocolate Truffle | Ormes Deep Fried Treats

We take three Lindor Dubai Chocolate Truffles filled with pistachio cream and put them on a skewer. They are dipped into our sweet funnel cake batter and fried to golden perfection. The truffles can be topped with pistachio cream or any of our premium Ghirardelli sauces.

Grand Slam Mary | Urick Concessions

This over-the-top Bloody Mary celebrates the Indianapolis Indians with a full lineup of ballpark-inspired garnishes, including a burger slider, hot dog slider, waffle fries, soft pretzel stick, Cracker Jacks, celery, lemon and more. Built with vodka and Zing Zang mix, it’s the ultimate game-day cocktail in a cup!

Grand Slam Mary Bloody Mary from Urick Concessions at the Indiana State Fair

Nashville Hot Fried Pickles | Dr. Vegetable Inc.

A spicy take on our classic fried pickles! We add Nashville hot seasoning to our crispy fried pickle spears and serve them with ranch dressing.

The S’MORK | Nitro Hog BBQ

The “S’MORK” is Nitro Hog BBQ’s sweet-and-smoky mashup of a classic s’more and slow-smoked pulled pork, served on a fried sugar biscuit.

Promotional Days and Deals

$2 Tuesday Presented by Indiana Secretary of State

Tuesdays, Aug. 11 and 18
$2 admission, $2 midway rides and $2 food options at food and beverage stands around the Fairgrounds.

Military & First Responders’ Day Presented by Ivy Tech Community College

Wednesday, Aug. 12
First responders, current and former military members and their families receive free admission with valid ID presented at the gate.

Carousel at the 2026 Indiana State Fair

Indianapolis Indians’ Family Day

Thursday, Aug. 13
$9 gate admission with a printed or digital voucher from IndyIndians.com/StateFairFamilyDay.

Farmers’ Day Presented by Corteva Agriscience™

Wednesday, Aug. 19
Check the IndyStar on Monday, Aug. 17, for a FREE ticket redeemable at the gates only on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Tractor attraction at the 2026 Indiana State Fair

AAA Day

Thursday, Aug. 20
AAA members receive FREE admission when a valid AAA card is presented at the gate. One valid card is required per person.

2026 Indiana State Fair dates, Aug. 7 through 23

Know Before You Go

Dates: Aug. 7–23, closed Mondays

Admission: General admission: $18; online discount: $14; family four-pack: $57; children ages 5 and younger: free

Website: indianastatefair.com

About the Author

Indy's Child Staff
Indy's Child Staff
For over 40 years, Indy's Child has been the go-to resource for Indianapolis families seeking fun, educational, and enriching experiences. Our award-winning magazine and website are devoted to offering expert advice, insider tips, and the latest information on everything from the top local attractions and events to invaluable parenting resources and support. As deeply rooted members of the central Indiana community, our passionate team at Indy's Child is committed to uncovering the best family-friendly experiences and resources that our city has to offer. Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, Indy's Child is here to guide you in the adventure of raising a family in central Indiana.

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