Your Ultimate 2025 Indiana State Fair Guide (August 1–17 in Indianapolis)
Calling all Hoosiers! The 2025 Indiana State Fair is rolling back into town from August 1–17 (closed Mondays), and we’ve got your complete guide to help you do it right—whether you’re planning your first visit or it’s already an annual tradition.
From deep-fried everything to 100+ free attractions, this Indy summer staple is more than just a fair—it’s the soundtrack of Indiana’s summer.
A Hoosier Tradition Since 1852
Did you know the Indiana State Fair has been running since before the Civil War? What started in 1852 as a celebration of agriculture and industry has grown into a full-blown cultural phenomenon—drawing nearly a million visitors every year. Since settling in Indianapolis in 1892, it’s become a pillar of Central Indiana summers, bringing together farms, food, rides, music, and everything in between.
Major moments in the history of the Indiana State Fair - INDYtoday
✅ When & Where to Be
Dates: August 1–17, 2025 (closed Mondays)
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis
Parking Tips:
$10 parking lots available on-site
Ride your bike via the Monon Trail and score a discount
Hop on the free tractor shuttle to get around the grounds once you’re in
🎟️ Save on Tickets
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the fair on a budget—especially with these themed discount days:
$2 Tuesdays – On August 5 & 12, enjoy $2 admission, $2 midway rides, and $2 food samples from select vendors
BMV Day – Show your valid BMV coupon on Wednesday, Aug 7 for free admission
AAA Day – AAA members get in free with their card on Thursday, Aug 8
IndyStar Day – Use an IndyStar coupon for entry on Wednesday, Aug 14
First Responders Day – Honoring our heroes with free entry on select dates
Kids 5 and under – Always free, every day
Pro tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the gate lines and save even more.
🎪 Free Things to Do
Not everything at the fair will cost you! In fact, there are over 100 free experiences included with admission:
Play a round of mini-golf
Cast a line at the DNR Fishing Pond
Watch the sunrise balloon launch
Catch the Main Street Parade
Walk through the livestock barns and meet the stars of Indiana agriculture
Cheer on pups at the Dock Dogs jumping competition — one of the most crowd-pleasing events at the fair!
You can find the full list of free attractions at indianastatefair.com.
100 Free Things To Do - Indiana State Fair
🎶 Entertainment & Concerts
This year’s theme, “The Soundtrack of Summer,” is bringing all the vibes—and live music is front and center.
The Big Top Circus is back with jaw-dropping acrobats, aerialists, and free daily performances
The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will host a nightly concert lineup ranging from country to classic rock to family-friendly acts
Stay tuned in June and July when the full lineup drops at indianastatefair.com
Indiana State Fair Announces 2025 Theme: 'The Soundtrack of Summer' | Hoosier Ag Today
Quick Q&A: Know Before You Go
Q: When is the Indiana State Fair 2025?
A: It runs August 1–17, 2025, and is closed on Mondays.
Q: What days have free or discounted admission?
A: $2 Tuesdays (Aug 5 & 12), BMV Day, AAA Day, and IndyStar Day all offer discounts. Kids 5 and under are always free.
Q: Where do I park at the Indiana State Fair?
A: On-site lots are $10, but you can also bike in on the Monon Trail for a discount or take a shuttle from nearby locations.
🎟️ More from the Fair
Want the full Indiana State Fair experience?
From rides to deep-fried delights, we’ve got every angle covered.
Let’s Make It a Fair to Remember
Whether you’re here for the corn dogs, the concerts, or the cows, the Indiana State Fair is summer at its most Hoosier. So mark your calendars, grab your crew, and don’t forget to tag us in your funnel cake selfies. 🍿🎡🎟️
Have a favorite fair memory or tip? Drop it in the comments or send us a DM—see you at the fairgrounds!
Your Ultimate 2025 Indiana State Fair Guide (August 1–17 in Indianapolis)
Calling all Hoosiers! The 2025 Indiana State Fair is rolling back into town from August 1–17 (closed Mondays), and we’ve got your complete guide to help you do it right—whether you’re planning your first visit or it’s already an annual tradition.
From deep-fried everything to 100+ free attractions, this Indy summer staple is more than just a fair—it’s the soundtrack of Indiana’s summer.
A Hoosier Tradition Since 1852
Did you know the Indiana State Fair has been running since before the Civil War? What started in 1852 as a celebration of agriculture and industry has grown into a full-blown cultural phenomenon—drawing nearly a million visitors every year. Since settling in Indianapolis in 1892, it’s become a pillar of Central Indiana summers, bringing together farms, food, rides, music, and everything in between.
Major moments in the history of the Indiana State Fair - INDYtoday
✅ When & Where to Be
Dates: August 1–17, 2025 (closed Mondays)
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis
Parking Tips:
$10 parking lots available on-site
Ride your bike via the Monon Trail and score a discount
Hop on the free tractor shuttle to get around the grounds once you’re in
🎟️ Save on Tickets
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the fair on a budget—especially with these themed discount days:
$2 Tuesdays – On August 5 & 12, enjoy $2 admission, $2 midway rides, and $2 food samples from select vendors
BMV Day – Show your valid BMV coupon on Wednesday, Aug 7 for free admission
AAA Day – AAA members get in free with their card on Thursday, Aug 8
IndyStar Day – Use an IndyStar coupon for entry on Wednesday, Aug 14
First Responders Day – Honoring our heroes with free entry on select dates
Kids 5 and under – Always free, every day
Pro tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the gate lines and save even more.
🎪 Free Things to Do
Not everything at the fair will cost you! In fact, there are over 100 free experiences included with admission:
Play a round of mini-golf
Cast a line at the DNR Fishing Pond
Watch the sunrise balloon launch
Catch the Main Street Parade
Walk through the livestock barns and meet the stars of Indiana agriculture
Cheer on pups at the Dock Dogs jumping competition — one of the most crowd-pleasing events at the fair!
You can find the full list of free attractions at indianastatefair.com.
100 Free Things To Do - Indiana State Fair
🎶 Entertainment & Concerts
This year’s theme, “The Soundtrack of Summer,” is bringing all the vibes—and live music is front and center.
The Big Top Circus is back with jaw-dropping acrobats, aerialists, and free daily performances
The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will host a nightly concert lineup ranging from country to classic rock to family-friendly acts
Stay tuned in June and July when the full lineup drops at indianastatefair.com
Indiana State Fair Announces 2025 Theme: 'The Soundtrack of Summer' | Hoosier Ag Today
Quick Q&A: Know Before You Go
Q: When is the Indiana State Fair 2025?
A: It runs August 1–17, 2025, and is closed on Mondays.
Q: What days have free or discounted admission?
A: $2 Tuesdays (Aug 5 & 12), BMV Day, AAA Day, and IndyStar Day all offer discounts. Kids 5 and under are always free.
Q: Where do I park at the Indiana State Fair?
A: On-site lots are $10, but you can also bike in on the Monon Trail for a discount or take a shuttle from nearby locations.
🎟️ More from the Fair
Want the full Indiana State Fair experience?
From rides to deep-fried delights, we’ve got every angle covered.
Let’s Make It a Fair to Remember
Whether you’re here for the corn dogs, the concerts, or the cows, the Indiana State Fair is summer at its most Hoosier. So mark your calendars, grab your crew, and don’t forget to tag us in your funnel cake selfies. 🍿🎡🎟️
Have a favorite fair memory or tip? Drop it in the comments or send us a DM—see you at the fairgrounds!
Your Ultimate 2025 Indiana State Fair Guide (August 1–17 in Indianapolis)
Calling all Hoosiers! The 2025 Indiana State Fair is rolling back into town from August 1–17 (closed Mondays), and we’ve got your complete guide to help you do it right—whether you’re planning your first visit or it’s already an annual tradition.
From deep-fried everything to 100+ free attractions, this Indy summer staple is more than just a fair—it’s the soundtrack of Indiana’s summer.
A Hoosier Tradition Since 1852
Did you know the Indiana State Fair has been running since before the Civil War? What started in 1852 as a celebration of agriculture and industry has grown into a full-blown cultural phenomenon—drawing nearly a million visitors every year. Since settling in Indianapolis in 1892, it’s become a pillar of Central Indiana summers, bringing together farms, food, rides, music, and everything in between.
Major moments in the history of the Indiana State Fair - INDYtoday
✅ When & Where to Be
Dates: August 1–17, 2025 (closed Mondays)
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis
Parking Tips:
$10 parking lots available on-site
Ride your bike via the Monon Trail and score a discount
Hop on the free tractor shuttle to get around the grounds once you’re in
🎟️ Save on Tickets
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the fair on a budget—especially with these themed discount days:
$2 Tuesdays – On August 5 & 12, enjoy $2 admission, $2 midway rides, and $2 food samples from select vendors
BMV Day – Show your valid BMV coupon on Wednesday, Aug 7 for free admission
AAA Day – AAA members get in free with their card on Thursday, Aug 8
IndyStar Day – Use an IndyStar coupon for entry on Wednesday, Aug 14
First Responders Day – Honoring our heroes with free entry on select dates
Kids 5 and under – Always free, every day
Pro tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the gate lines and save even more.
🎪 Free Things to Do
Not everything at the fair will cost you! In fact, there are over 100 free experiences included with admission:
Play a round of mini-golf
Cast a line at the DNR Fishing Pond
Watch the sunrise balloon launch
Catch the Main Street Parade
Walk through the livestock barns and meet the stars of Indiana agriculture
Cheer on pups at the Dock Dogs jumping competition — one of the most crowd-pleasing events at the fair!
You can find the full list of free attractions at indianastatefair.com.
100 Free Things To Do - Indiana State Fair
🎶 Entertainment & Concerts
This year’s theme, “The Soundtrack of Summer,” is bringing all the vibes—and live music is front and center.
The Big Top Circus is back with jaw-dropping acrobats, aerialists, and free daily performances
The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage will host a nightly concert lineup ranging from country to classic rock to family-friendly acts
Stay tuned in June and July when the full lineup drops at indianastatefair.com
Indiana State Fair Announces 2025 Theme: 'The Soundtrack of Summer' | Hoosier Ag Today
Quick Q&A: Know Before You Go
Q: When is the Indiana State Fair 2025?
A: It runs August 1–17, 2025, and is closed on Mondays.
Q: What days have free or discounted admission?
A: $2 Tuesdays (Aug 5 & 12), BMV Day, AAA Day, and IndyStar Day all offer discounts. Kids 5 and under are always free.
Q: Where do I park at the Indiana State Fair?
A: On-site lots are $10, but you can also bike in on the Monon Trail for a discount or take a shuttle from nearby locations.
🎟️ More from the Fair
Want the full Indiana State Fair experience?
From rides to deep-fried delights, we’ve got every angle covered.
Let’s Make It a Fair to Remember
Whether you’re here for the corn dogs, the concerts, or the cows, the Indiana State Fair is summer at its most Hoosier. So mark your calendars, grab your crew, and don’t forget to tag us in your funnel cake selfies. 🍿🎡🎟️
Have a favorite fair memory or tip? Drop it in the comments or send us a DM—see you at the fairgrounds!
Written By:
Jarred Porter
Written By:
Jarred Porter
