An Insider’s Guide to the 2024 Indiana State Fair

A new year means new and exciting experiences at the Indiana State Fair! From August 2-18, enjoy 15 days of entertainment, concerts, 4-H youth competitions, interactive agriculture education programs, fun foods, Midway rides, games and lots more.  

This year’s fair theme, The Art & Nature of Fun presented by Newfields, highlights the creativity of art and the wonders of nature to inspire and engage. Look forward to seeing lots of new, unique experiences that celebrate the intersection of art and nature. 

Here are some of the things we’re looking forward to seeing, experiencing (and eating!) at this year’s Indiana State Fair! 

Splash Pad 

Looking for a quick way to cool off? Check out the State Fair Splash Pad located in the MHS Family Fun Park. This gentle water play experience is the perfect gathering spot for families.  

Illuminate! Outdoor Lantern Exhibit

With 14 all-new lantern displays, experience this spectacular exhibition of artistry every day of the fair.  

WTHR Olympic Zone – Paris  

Embark on a journey of sporting excellence and entertainment with this engaging Olympic-themed activation, designed to immerse visitors in the spirit and excitement of the world’s most prestigious athletic event.   

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Artscape! Where Imagination Grows 

Located in Newfields Harvest Pavilion Exhibit, this bite-sized taste of the Newfields museum features art demos, performances, artmaking and outdoor inspired free play. 

DockDogs presented by T-Mobile  

Catch the incredible Dock Dogs show at Celebration Park, with dogs soaring through the air in amazing high-flying water jumps.  

Celebrating the Beatles 

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of The Beatles playing their shows at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, enjoy a full day of Fab Four-themed entertainment on Saturday, August 3!  

Taste of the Fair 

One of our favorite things to do at the Indiana State Fair is EAT! Here are some of the new, deliciously wacky food and beverage items we think families might like. Bonus: After you try each entry, vote for your favorite at the fair!  

Amish Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites 

Wilson Concessions
Pretzel bites slathered in Amish peanut butter spread topped with marshmallows. 

Blue Ribbon Blueberry Milkshake 

American Dairy Association
The name says it all! This first-place worthy, refreshing blueberry shake boasts just the right amount of berry flavor and makes for a beautiful photo opportunity.  

Boba Lemonade Shake-Up 

Indiana Ribeye
Fresh-squeezed lemonade shake-ups with various flavors of boba for a burst of extra flavor of your choice. 

Chocolate Fries 

North American Midway Entertainment
Home potatoes fried in Indiana duck fat garnished with a duo of delightful white and dark chocolate. 

Hot Honey Pepperoni Pull Grilled Cheese 

American Dairy Association
The perfect mix of mozzarella cheese, sandwich-style pepperoni and hot honey between two slices of sweet Hawaiian bread, topped with a sprinkling of Italian seasoning.  

Peanut Butter & Jelly Chicken Wings 

Urick Concessions
Crispy chicken wings tossed in a creamy peanut butter sauce and topped with a sweet jelly drizzle.  

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Promotional Days + Deals 

There are lots of ways to save at the fair! 

$2 Tuesday 

Tuesdays, August 6 & 13
$2 admission, $2 midway rides and $2 food options at food & beverage stands around the fairgrounds.  

Military & First Responders’ Day 

Wednesday, August 7
First responders, current and former military and their families receive free admission with valid ID presented at the gate.  

BMV Discount Day 

Thursday, August 8
$8 gate admission with printed or digital voucher from in.gov/bmv.  

Farmers’ Day 

Wednesday, August 14
Check the IndyStar on Monday, Aug. 12 for a free ticket, redeemable at the gates only on Aug. 14. 

AAA Day 

Thursday, August 15
AAA members receive free admission when a valid AAA card is presented at the gate. One valid card per person.  

Must-Know Info 

Dates: Aug. 2-18 (closed on Mondays)  

Admission:
General: $16
Online Discount: $13
Family 4-Pack: $52
Kids 5 and Under: Free 

Website: indianastatefair.com/p/state-fair 

Nicole Sipe
Nicole Sipe
Nicole Sipe is the editor of Indy's Child and Southwest Ohio Parent magazines. She has a BA in Journalism from California State University Northridge, and has been involved in the print and digital publishing world for most of her life. Born and raised in Southern California, Nicole traded the city and sun for corn and creeks, and now lives in central Indiana with her husband, two sons and Collie. Her latest book for children, “All About Me! Art Journal” was published in 2022 by Walter Foster Jr. In her spare time, she likes traveling with her family, enjoying good food and drink, volunteering at her children’s schools and around her community, and practicing yoga.

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