There’s plenty to see and do at the 2026 Indiana State Fair. The biggest problem is figuring out how to fit everything in.
Here is the definitive list of what you need to know about the Indiana State Fair this summer:
2026 Indiana State Fair dates: When is the Indiana State Fair this year?
The Indiana State Fair begins Friday, Aug. 7, and ends Sunday, Aug. 23.
2026 Indiana State Fair location
The Indiana State Fairgrounds are located at 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis.
2026 Indiana State Fair hours: What time does Indiana State Fair open, close?
Indiana State Fair gates are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; and from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Time of last entry into the fair is at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Building and exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Midway hours are noon to 11 p.m. Tuesday; noon to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; and special 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours Sunday, Aug. 23. The fair is closed on Monday.
2026 Indiana State Fair minor policy: What time do hours of supervision start for minors at Indiana State Fairgrounds?
The Indiana State Fair minor policy requires minors under the age of 18 to be accompanied by a chaperone 25 years of age or older, a legal guardian, or a parent each evening during the fair. The hours are:
Indiana State Fair parking
There are several locations to consider for parking at the Indiana State Fair:
Indiana State Fair prices
Indiana State Fair general admission tickets are $16 at the gate. Children ages 5 and younger are free. Advance discount tickets are available online for $14 apiece through Aug. 6.
Indiana State Fair discount tickets
Advance tickets can be purchased through Aug. 6 online at www.indianastatefair.com or at the fairgrounds box office. Advance general admission tickets are $14 apiece plus a convenience fee. A family four-pack plus a parking pass is $57, and a foodie family four-pack with a parking pass and $50 in food vouchers is $105.
Other discounts during the fair include:
Indiana State Fair Midway
The Midway is the place to be for amusement park rides and games. Unlimited ride wristbands are available for select days for $40 each at the fair or can be purchased online in advance for $30 before 11:59 p.m. Aug, 6. There is a $3 processing fee, and no refunds for tickets bought in advance. Wristbands are not sold onsite after 8:30 p.m. or accepted after 10 p.m.
Wristband days are limited to noon to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 11 p.m. Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23. Wristbands are not accepted for the Ball State Skyride.
Individual ride tickets are 50 cents each. Multiple tickets may be required for a ride. The Ball State Skyride costs $7.50, or 15 ride tickets. All rides cost $2 on Tuesdays except for the Ball State Skyride.
Indiana State Fair rentals
Indiana State Fair food
Taste of the Fair food items have not been released for 2026. Stay tuned for updates and what will be on the $5 value menu.
Indiana State Fair free stage concerts
Here’s a schedule of the free concerts available with paid admission announced so far for 2026:
Upgrade seats are available from $60 to $120 per ticket.
Indiana State Fair Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
Indiana State Fair schedule
Download the full slate of events and happenings at www.indianastatefair.com.
Chris Sims is a trending reporter at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When does Indiana State Fair 2026 open? Dates, free stage concerts, events schedule, ticket prices
Reporting by Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
