The Indiana State Fair is underway

August 2, 2022 at 6:46 p.m.
The Indiana State Fair is underway
The Indiana State Fair is underway

By Cassie Garrett-

The Indiana State Fair kicked off on Friday, July 29, and runs until Aug. 21. This year's fair is jam-packed with fun for all ages.

"This year, we're celebrating everything from four wheels to four legs – including more than a century of Hoosier heritage and horsepower. Mark your calendars and buckle up as we shift summer into high gear," the Indiana State Fair website states.

So, what's new this year at the fair? Thirteen new activities and events have been added to the state fair. A few highlights include:

The “Classic Car Exhibit" -  showcasing a stunning collection of classic, early-20th century cars with roots in the Hoosier State. It will be located in the Harvest Pavilion every day of the fair.

World of Speed Pres. by Subaru of Indiana - Automotive with classic Indiana-made cars, celebrity car appearances (including the Batmobile, the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, and more) plus SPEED: Science in Motion Exhibit, an all new attraction to the state fair, you won't want to skip your pit stop to World of Speed! Presented by Subaru of Indiana Automotive, this attraction celebrating our automotive excellence is open daily in Harvest Pavilion.

Momma Town - An interactive animal area focusing on moms and babies on the farm! See baby chicks and piglets and learn about the miracle of life on the farm. Find this experience in the Expo Hall daily from 9 a.m.- 8p.m.

Along with new exhibits and events at the fair, fair staples are offering their own unique experience for fairgoers. 

For example, the Indiana State Fair Pioneer Village was started by Mauri Williamson, an agricultural preservationist, storyteller, and visionary. When visiting the Pioneer Village, visitors can step back in time to a little village straight out of the 1800s while learning the history and importance of agriculture in Indiana. A few events and exhibits to check out are the Opry House, Antique Tractor Exhibition, Farm Toy Show, Liar's Contest, and Fiddle Contest.

The DNR's Natural Resources Building is another staple open during the fair providing visitors the opportunity to connect with fish and wildlife staff at the State Fair. The building is located in the northwest area of the fairgrounds. It is one of the few buildings offering air conditioning. In addition, families can stop by the Fishin' Pond, where children ages 5-17 can fish for free. 

Live raptors can be viewed daily at 4:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. The latest Recreation Guide, Fishing Guide, Hunting and Trapping Guide, along with the guides for boating, off-road vehicles, and more.

 Multiple programs will be offered at the DNR Building. Check out some of the highlights from the "Ask a biologist" event series:

•Aug. 3 – Meet herpetologists Nate and Jason as they show what tools they use in the field with their favorite reptiles from 5–7 p.m.

•Aug. 5 – Help mammologist Brad identify local mammal tracks from 5–7 p.m.

The State Fair is also known for its expansive Midway. Over 50 rides will be at the fair this year, including rides such as the "Zombie Hotel" and "The Indiana State Fair Slide." It also features the largest Ferris wheel in the United States. 

The price for wristbands is $40. Wristbands are valid ONLY on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the last Sunday of the Fair (Aug. 21). Sleep Number Skyride tickets are $6. Midway wristbands are not valid at this attraction. The Ball State Cardinal Super Wheel is $10 per rider and $15 for an upgraded VIP experience.

 Midway wristbands are not valid at this attraction. INDIVIDUAL MIDWAY TICKETS are $1.50 each 

The Indiana State Fair website provides other information for families, including a complete list of events and exhibits, livestock schedules, 4-H schedules, concert schedules, directions, parking options, 100 free things to do at the fair, fair program, and much more. Visit IndianaStateFair.com for complete details.

Admission hours for the fair are:Monday and Tuesday: closed.

Wednesday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

From Thursday to Saturday, the fair is open until 11 p.m. No entry into the State Fair after 8 p.m. daily. If you are in the gates before 8 p.m., you can stay to enjoy the fair until those close times.

The Indiana State Fair kicked off on Friday, July 29, and runs until Aug. 21. This year's fair is jam-packed with fun for all ages.

"This year, we're celebrating everything from four wheels to four legs – including more than a century of Hoosier heritage and horsepower. Mark your calendars and buckle up as we shift summer into high gear," the Indiana State Fair website states.

So, what's new this year at the fair? Thirteen new activities and events have been added to the state fair. A few highlights include:

The “Classic Car Exhibit" -  showcasing a stunning collection of classic, early-20th century cars with roots in the Hoosier State. It will be located in the Harvest Pavilion every day of the fair.

World of Speed Pres. by Subaru of Indiana - Automotive with classic Indiana-made cars, celebrity car appearances (including the Batmobile, the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, and more) plus SPEED: Science in Motion Exhibit, an all new attraction to the state fair, you won't want to skip your pit stop to World of Speed! Presented by Subaru of Indiana Automotive, this attraction celebrating our automotive excellence is open daily in Harvest Pavilion.

Momma Town - An interactive animal area focusing on moms and babies on the farm! See baby chicks and piglets and learn about the miracle of life on the farm. Find this experience in the Expo Hall daily from 9 a.m.- 8p.m.

Along with new exhibits and events at the fair, fair staples are offering their own unique experience for fairgoers. 

For example, the Indiana State Fair Pioneer Village was started by Mauri Williamson, an agricultural preservationist, storyteller, and visionary. When visiting the Pioneer Village, visitors can step back in time to a little village straight out of the 1800s while learning the history and importance of agriculture in Indiana. A few events and exhibits to check out are the Opry House, Antique Tractor Exhibition, Farm Toy Show, Liar's Contest, and Fiddle Contest.

The DNR's Natural Resources Building is another staple open during the fair providing visitors the opportunity to connect with fish and wildlife staff at the State Fair. The building is located in the northwest area of the fairgrounds. It is one of the few buildings offering air conditioning. In addition, families can stop by the Fishin' Pond, where children ages 5-17 can fish for free. 

Live raptors can be viewed daily at 4:30 p.m. at the amphitheater. The latest Recreation Guide, Fishing Guide, Hunting and Trapping Guide, along with the guides for boating, off-road vehicles, and more.

 Multiple programs will be offered at the DNR Building. Check out some of the highlights from the "Ask a biologist" event series:

•Aug. 3 – Meet herpetologists Nate and Jason as they show what tools they use in the field with their favorite reptiles from 5–7 p.m.

•Aug. 5 – Help mammologist Brad identify local mammal tracks from 5–7 p.m.

The State Fair is also known for its expansive Midway. Over 50 rides will be at the fair this year, including rides such as the "Zombie Hotel" and "The Indiana State Fair Slide." It also features the largest Ferris wheel in the United States. 

The price for wristbands is $40. Wristbands are valid ONLY on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the last Sunday of the Fair (Aug. 21). Sleep Number Skyride tickets are $6. Midway wristbands are not valid at this attraction. The Ball State Cardinal Super Wheel is $10 per rider and $15 for an upgraded VIP experience.

 Midway wristbands are not valid at this attraction. INDIVIDUAL MIDWAY TICKETS are $1.50 each 

The Indiana State Fair website provides other information for families, including a complete list of events and exhibits, livestock schedules, 4-H schedules, concert schedules, directions, parking options, 100 free things to do at the fair, fair program, and much more. Visit IndianaStateFair.com for complete details.

Admission hours for the fair are:Monday and Tuesday: closed.

Wednesday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

From Thursday to Saturday, the fair is open until 11 p.m. No entry into the State Fair after 8 p.m. daily. If you are in the gates before 8 p.m., you can stay to enjoy the fair until those close times.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

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