What to know about the 2025 Indiana State Fair

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana State Fair returns for another year of fun, food, entertainment, rides, concerts and more.




The event spans 15 days at the Indiana State Fairgrounds located at 1202 E. 38^th St. It's an annual tradition for many families around the state.

When is the Indiana State Fair?

The State Fair starts Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 17.




It's closed on the two Mondays that fall during that span (Aug. 4 and Aug. 11).




Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The fair is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.




The last chance for entry is 8 p.m. on all days.

What's the theme for 2025?

This year's theme is "Soundtrack of Summer."




Organizers see the Indiana State Fair as the ultimate soundtrack for summer fun, with the various sounds of the fair providing lasting memories for those who drop by.

Those classic auditory cues include rides at the Midway, cheering concert crowds, the sizzling of fair food, laughter and the various calls of animals.




The celebrate the theme, the fair will feature "The Art of Music Exhibit" highlighting album cover art and hand-painted displays.

Who's headlining free concerts this year?

From a Beatles tribute to gospel music and some country acts, everyone will find something to like on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage.




Each night of the fair features a concert that's free with paid admission.

Some of the acts include Indiana's own Babyface (Aug. 6), Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers (yes, actor and comedian Bill Murray; Aug. 8), Phil Vassar and Lonestar (Aug. 14) and Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 15).




Find the entire lineup here.

What's new for 2025?

Fairgoers will find a variety of new attractions and exhibits for 2025, including the Big Top Circus, a comedic strongman named Mighty Mike, a traveling wolfpack, glassblowing workshops and more.

What are the featured foods?

For many, the Indiana State Fair means food. That could mean classics like funnel cake and lemon shake-ups, or it could mean some unique deep-fried monstrosity.

This year's fair boasts dozens of mouthwatering food and drink options like BBQ mac and cheese nachos, a cotton candy margarita, key lime milkshake, pickle-fried Oreo and pickle bacon ranch pizza.




Find the food lineup here.

What discounts are available?

There are multiple ways to save some money at this year's fair. Fairgoers will get the biggest bang for their buck by buying tickets in advance or getting a family four pack that includes tickets and parking.




Midway wristbands are available for steep discounts during selected presale days.




Other ways to save include $2 Tuesdays (Aug. 5 and Aug. 12), BMV Discount Day ($8 admission on Aug. 7) and IndyStar free day (Aug. 13 with a ticket from the Aug. 11 edition of the IndyStar).

What's the policy on minors?

Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult (parent, legal guardian or chaperone who's 21 or older) to enter starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.




Learn more here.

What's the bag policy?

Visitors can bring in bags smaller than 9" x 10" x 12". Anything larger will have to be returned to a vehicle or taken home before entering the fairgrounds. Hard-sided coolers aren't allowed.




All bags are subject to a search. Any prohibited items will be confiscated.




Learn more here.

How much is parking?

Fairgrounds parking costs $10 per vehicle.




Parking is available at the Fairgrounds Infield, South Lot (38th Street) and at the Indiana School for the Deaf (42nd Street), while space is available.




Parking hours run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.




Find more information here.



via: https://fox59.com/indiana-news/what-to-know-about-the-2025-indiana-state-fair/