Is This Year’s Indiana State Fair their Best One Yet?

Published July 30, 2021

When we think about the typical state fair, we usually picture a little cotton candy and a bunch of different carnival games. But The Indiana State Fair is not your typical state fair. They’re offering better deals than ever, one-of-a-kind events, and world-class entertainment that’s already making headlines. So, read on to make sure you get the most out of Indiana’s annual masterpiece!

Deals and Discounts

This year’s fair is offering some incredible discounts that are sure to get everyone’s attention. Their “$3 Thursdays” deal gets you in the door for $3, but also brings $3 menu items at select food stands. They’re also offering discounts for buying tickets in advance, and even when you buy in bulk through the “Family 4 Pack Special.” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Visit their discount page for more can’t-miss deals, including one that gets AAA Members in for free on August 18th.

Free Activities

A lot of people think that going to the State Fair means breaking out the money cannon. But did you know that our state fair offers 100 free activities? Yes, you read that correctly. After you pay for admission, you and the kids can choose from 100 completely free things to do. Do you like putt-putt golf, hot air balloon races, and free tractor rides? Do the kids love to pet baby goats? The Indiana State Fair is a perfect fit for every budget. Check out this list of 100 things that are totally free after you pay for admission.

Entertainment

You may not necessarily think of The Indiana State Fair as a concert venue…but did you know they’ve booked over a dozen musical acts this year? After you pay to get in, check out The Free Stage where you can see The Beach Boys, Kenny “Babyface” Edmunds, and Latino-Fest at no additional cost. With a live performance almost every night, this year’s musical line-up offers an absolutely unforgettable summer experience. Click here for the schedule of performers.

Culinary Adventure

We love the classics, like corn dogs and cotton candy. Who doesn’t? But part of what makes The Indiana State Fair great is that you get a chance to try something new. So, if you’re looking to experiment, check out the BBQ turkey “donut sandwich,” the funnel cake topped with Fruity Pebbles, or the pulled pork mac n’ cheese. You can see a more comprehensive list of the vendors here, but with countless options to choose from, the menu at the Fair always seems to deliver.

Competitions

Did you know that The Indiana State Fair plays host to a huge variety of competitions? Whether it’s art, livestock, or the beauty pageant, there’s a competition for almost everything. And these events are a great way to see our home state shine. In fact, you might even want to enter some of these competitions yourself in 2022. Bring your kids by The Youth Talent Show, get inspired, and start prepping your act for the following year. Click here for a comprehensive look at this year’s friendly, competitive happenings.

Rides

What would The Indiana State Fair be without a few rides? The Hoosier Cruiser Super Wheel, at a jaw-dropping fifteen stories tall, is a “can’t-miss” for any fair-goer. Then you have The Sleep Number Skyride, which resembles a chair lift at a ski resort, and is a milder alternative for those younger or more squeamish riders. And how could you miss the go-karts and pony rides? With a ton of options to choose from, The Indiana State Fair is sure to deliver on adventure.

Highlights

One of the things that makes our state fair so charming is all of the quirkier events that you can’t seem to find anywhere else. That includes The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, complete with a bit of axe throwing and log rolling. Then there’s The Watermelon Seed Catapulting Contest, where you really find out just how far these things can fly. And who could forget the gigantic cheese sculpture? Click here for a full schedule of the events that make The Indiana State Fair memorable.

Planning Your Visit

What are you waiting for? The Indiana State Fair has a little something for everyone. It runs from July 30th to August 22nd (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), so gather the family around the computer, take a look at the schedule of events, and pick a date to come out and send the summer off in style—Hoosier style, that is!