Top Indiana State Fair Attractions: Rides, Shows & Free Fun
Looking for the best things to do at the Indiana State Fair this year? Whether you’re in it for thrills, nostalgia, or laid-back fun, the 2026 fair is packed with brand-new attractions worth checking out. From an immersive VHS-era exhibit to batting cages and a custom mini-golf course, here’s your guide to the fair’s can’t-miss experiences.
Every August, the Indiana State Fair transforms the Indy fairgrounds into a full-blown wonderland of tradition and discovery. And in 2026, they’re pulling out all the stops with the theme “Batter Up, Indiana!” — a celebration of baseball and Hoosier sports culture.
From can’t-miss rides to farmyard fun, the fair’s calling. Lock in your tickets before they’re gone — buy now here!
New for 2026: “Rewind: A VHS Revival”
The flagship indoor attraction this year is “Rewind: A VHS Revival,” a massive, immersive nostalgia experience built to look like the video rental stores of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Inside you’ll find:
Over 100 large-scale, hand-painted pop-culture works from the Art of Music private collection
A hidden Moulin Rouge speakeasy serving custom drinks
A dedicated baseball movie theatre tied to this year’s “Batter Up” theme
An on-site vinyl and record shop curated by Indy CD & Vinyl
Daily live-painting sessions with featured nostalgia artists
The All-New Hoosier Lottery Free Stage
After a multi-million-dollar renovation, the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage officially debuts its upgraded venue in 2026:
A much larger physical stage
Massive new LED video walls so the lawn seats never miss a moment
An expanded footprint and more overall seating
Every concert is free with admission. The opening-week headliner is The Beach Boys (Aug 7), with Busta Rhymes, Gene Simmons, Trace Adkins, Don McLean, and more across the run.
“Batter Up, Indiana!” Baseball Zones
Because 2026 is all about baseball, several spaces are being transformed into interactive sports zones:
The Indianapolis Indians’ Big-League Barn Shop — batting cages, displays from Indiana’s baseball past, and limited-edition theme merch
The Watermelon Seed Catapulting Contest, reimagined with a baseball-style “home run derby” layout for family competitions
The Freedom 250 Mini-Golf Course
New this year is a custom five-hole mini-golf course, hand-built by the fairgrounds carpentry team and unveiled by the Governor. Every hole is fully playable and celebrates a cornerstone of Hoosier pride — the Indy 500, Indiana farming, the Indiana Pacers, and the State Fair itself. It’s free with admission and a hit with kids.
Midway Rides & Carnival Thrills
No Indiana fair experience is complete without a spin on the Ferris wheel.
The Midway features everything from high-flying rides to the Tilt-A-Whirl and bumper cars
Glide over the fairway on the Ball State Skyride, the massive aerial chairlift that carries you across the grounds
Want to ride it all? Grab an unlimited ride wristband and go wild
Pioneer Village & The Glass Barn
Two of the fair’s most beloved areas bring Indiana agriculture to life:
Pioneer Village — live demos of vintage household crafts, sourdough baking, and a 1920s steam-powered sawmill
The Glass Barn — interactive farming simulators and live video chats with real Indiana farmers
Don’t miss the antique tractors, blacksmith demos, and craft stations scattered nearby
Livestock Barns, 4-H & Baby Animals
This is Indiana ag at its finest. Fairgoers can:
See prize-winning livestock — from dairy cows to goats to rabbits
View 4-H exhibits that highlight local youth in action
Visit the Baby Animal Feeding Adventure in the FFA Pavilion, where kids can meet newborn livestock up close
Tip: stop by the Birthing Center for a chance to witness live animal births.
100+ Free Things to Do
That’s not a typo. Over 100 activities at the fair won’t cost you a dime beyond admission. A few local favorites:
Play the new Freedom 250 mini-golf course
Cast a line at the DNR Fishing Pond
Watch the sunrise balloon launch
Catch the Main Street Parade
Cheer on pups at the Dock Dogs jumping competition
You can find the full list of free attractions at indianastatefair.com.
Indiana State Fair Q&A
Q: What are the top attractions at the Indiana State Fair?
A: “Rewind: A VHS Revival,” the upgraded Free Stage, the “Batter Up” baseball zones, the Freedom 250 mini-golf course, the Ball State Skyride, Pioneer Village, the Glass Barn, livestock barns, and 100+ free activities.
Q: Are rides included with fair admission?
A: No, but unlimited ride wristbands are available, and many other attractions — including the new exhibits and the mini-golf course — are free with entry.
More from the Fair
Planning your route around the rides and shows?
From can’t-miss rides to farmyard fun, the fair’s calling. Lock in your tickets before they’re gone — buy now here!
Whether you’re riding or dining, we’ve got you covered.
Bring on the Fun
Whether you’re chasing carnival thrills, browsing hand-painted movie art, or wandering through a 19th-century village, the Indiana State Fair is built to delight Hoosiers of all ages. Pick your favorite attractions, plan your route, and we’ll see you at the fairgrounds.
Tag us in your fair day photos and let us know — what’s your must-do every year?