INDIANAPOLIS — New attractions, old favorites and sweet and savory treats await in Indianapolis with the return of the Indiana State Fair.
The fair opens Friday, July 30 with a hot air balloon race at dawn. It continues five days a week through Aug. 22 with the theme “Celebrating the Hoosier Spirit.”
It’s a theme perhaps appreciated especially this year, since the 2020 fair was canceled due to the pandemic. The fair, designed to honor Hoosier youth and agriculture, will feature 4-H student exhibits from around the state and several new shows and attractions.
New this year is the Hoosier Cruiser Super Wheel, the largest Ferris wheel in the state at 150 feet tall. Located on the north stretch of the fairgrounds, gondolas fit four to six guests for a birds-eye view of the fairgrounds and beyond.
A Mallard duck race, Street Drum Corps performers, and a lumberjack show are also among new attractions. The “Mighty Mike Show” will feature a performer dressed in a 1920s-style bathing suit, juggling bowling balls and sledgehammers.
Those who love Legos will enjoy “City of Bricks,” an interactive exhibit featuring nature-inspired sculptures and creations by noted lego artist Sean Kenney. Other hands-on attractions include a solar-powered bubble tower and “Forever Forest,” where children can play and learn about sustainability.
Those curious about animal yoga can give it a try with a 45-minute beginner-level session featuring goats, pigs, rabbits and lambs that may climb and cuddle as you stretch.
And come hungry. Indulging in sweet and savory treats often ranks the No. 1 reason people attend the fair, and a few new and wacky culinary creations are on the menu this year. The lineup includes a buttermilk wafflewich, bison steak fajitas, barbecue sandwiched on fresh donuts, deep fried cheesecake bites, Fruity Pebbles funnel cake and even a funnel cake ale. Fairgoers are encouraged to vote for their favorite food stand, and winners will receive cash prizes in the “Taste of the Fair” competition.
The Indiana State Fair this year expanded by an additional weekend in hopes crowds will spread across the month of August as a health and safety measure. The fair will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow for a refresh of the fairgrounds.
Fully-vaccinated fairgoers and staff will not be required to wear face masks at the fair. Guests are encouraged to wear masks if they are not vaccinated. Additional COVID-19 measures for this year’s fair include the elimination of the park-and-ride shuttle; food service utensils and condiments are individually packaged; contactless entry; and more than 500 hand-sanitizer or washing stations throughout the fairgrounds. Tractor shuttles will be free to ensure a contactless experience. Vaccinations will be offered at the fairgrounds.
Tickets to the state fair are $10 plus a convenience fee when bought in advance online before 11:59 p.m. today. General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate for $13. Children ages 5 and under get in free. Value packs of tickets are also available, and other deals and discounts for certain days are online at indianastatefair.com.
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From gospel to country, rock and roll to R&B, the Indiana State Fair Free Stage features a lineup of performances free with paid fair admission.
Here’s the schedule. For more details, visit indianastatefair.com.
July 30: State Fair Yacht Rock Night with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall and Oreleans
July 31: John Waite and Kyle Cook of Matchbox Twenty
Aug. 1: Mary Mary
Aug. 4: Josh Turner
Aug. 5: Run Forrest Run, Ultimate ‘90s Party Band
Aug. 6: Noah Cyrus
Aug. 7: Blanco Brown
Aug. 8: Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
Aug. 11: For King and Country
Aug. 13: Vince Neil of Motley Crue
Aug. 14: Home Free
Aug. 15: Casting Crowns
Aug. 18: Happy Together Tour, featuring The Turtles, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Association, Classics IV, The Vogues, The Cowsills
Aug. 19: Barracuda – America’s Heart Tribute
Aug. 20: The Beach Boys
Aug. 21: Latino-Fest featuring AK7, Banda Blanca and La sonora Dinamita de Colombia
Aug. 22: Gospel Music Festival with Hezekiah Walker
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The Indiana State Fairgrounds is at 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis.
Dates: July 30-Aug. 22
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Admission Wednesday-Sunday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Fair closes at 10 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday
Fair closes at 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Admission: Tickets, which cost $10 each, can be purchased online at www.indianastatefair.com until 11:59 p.m. today (Thursday, July 29). After tonight, admission is $13 at the gate. Family packages and parking passes are available.
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