Here's how Indiana State Fair attendance compared to last year

INDIANAPOLIS - The "Soundtrack of Summer" hit all the right notes at this year's Indiana State Fair.




Despite several days of 90+ heat, attendance outpaced last year's event. The state fair drew 854,977 people, a slight uptick compared to 854,236 attendees in 2024.




Attractions like Vinyl Revival: The Art of Music Experience, the Big Top Circus and concerts on the Hoosier Lotter Free Stage drew hundreds of thousands of guests.




"The Indiana State Fair is a shining example of Hoosier hospitality, showcasing the heart of our state-our people, our agriculture, and our deep-rooted traditions," said Gov. Mike Braun in a statement.




"I had the pleasure of visiting the Fairgrounds several times this year, and it was incredible to see so many Hoosiers coming together to enjoy the music, food, and festivities," Braun continued. "Events like the State Fair not only celebrate our agricultural heritage but also support economic development across our state."




There were more than 50,000 entries in various competitions submitted by some 10,000 Hoosiers.




The Indiana State Fair shared a few impressive numbers from 2025:

• The Giant Pumpkin tipped the scales at 1,323 pounds





• Sara "The Cheese Lady" Kauffman carved 1,600 pounds of Indiana cheese





• More than 32,000+ canned goods were built into towering sculptures in the CANStruction exhibit, which were then donated to Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis

"Our team is honored to deliver the 168th year of the beloved tradition of the Indiana State Fair," said Cindy Hoye, executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission. "From the moment guests step through our gates to the memories they carry home, the Fair continues to showcase the very best of Indiana. It's not only a treasured tradition, but also a celebration of our Hoosier Spirit."




Organizers are already looking toward 2026. Next year's fair runs from Aug. 7 through Aug. 23.




The fair already announced one of its upcoming attractions: "REWIND: A VHS Revival," an exhibit that will transport visitors back to the days when video rental stores ruled the retail landscape.



via: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/heres-how-indiana-state-fair-attendance-compared-to-last-year/