A tribute to the VHS era, a full Wiffle ball field and back-to-back appearances from the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile are on deck at the 2026 Indiana State Fair.
With the countdown opening day in the home stretch, the fair has rounded out its Hoosier Lottery Free Stage lineup, its Taste of the Fair offerings and, now, its new entertainment. This year’s fair, themed “Always a Hit” to highlight baseball, will run from Aug. 7-23. The fair is open every day except Monday, and daily admission is $14.
Here’s what’s new at the state fair this year:
‘Rewind: A VHS Revival’
The popular exhibit celebrating the VHS era will make its Indiana State Fair debut. “Rewind” will feature movie poster artwork from the 1980s through the 2000s, a baseball movie theater, a Moulin Rouge speakeasy and an Indianapolis Indians gift shop. Last year’s Indy CD and Vinyl pop-up will make its return within the exhibit. Entry is free with fair admission.
Train ride across the Indiana State Fairgrounds
Catch a ride across the north side fairgrounds with the fair’s new train ride. Two trains, each seating 90 passengers, will roll along the one-mile track as narration points out key areas of the grounds before returning to the ride’s depot. Train rides last around 15 minutes and cost $5 per passenger.
Wiffle ball at Schumacher Stadium
The centerpiece of the fair’s salute to sluggers, the Schumacher Stadium Wiffle ball field will take over the fairground’s Meijer Family Fun Park. Named for longtime Indianapolis Indians executive Max Schumacher as the team celebrates 30 years at Victory Field, Schumacher Stadium will feature free play, tournament games and celebrity player appearances.
New Big Top Circus lineup
The fair’s Big Top Circus is back with a new lineup of acrobats, motorcycle racers, knife throwers and more. Multiple “America’s Got Talent” alumni and other renowned artists will perform daily under an air-conditioned tent. Shows last 45 minutes and will take place at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and entry is free with fair admission.
Other attractions at the 2026 Indiana State Fair
All occur daily at the fair and are free with admission unless otherwise stated.
Contact IndyStar Pop Culture Reporter Heather Bushman at hbushman@indystar.com. Follow her on X @hmb_1013.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: VHS exhibit, train headline new Indiana State Fair entertainment
Reporting by Heather Bushman, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Heather Bushman, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
